Raleigh-Durham Airport: A Hub Of Nonstop Action

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU, is a small airport that nevertheless serves thousands of travellers each day. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights to account for potential roadway congestion, parking, and security screening. Peak travel times at the airport are from 5-7 am and 4-7 pm, with the highest number of passengers making their way through TSA checkpoints during these hours. RDU also offers expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, which allow travellers to move through security faster and access dedicated lanes.

Peak travel times

RDU is a small airport, and travellers have reported that arriving two hours in advance is excessive. Some travellers have reported arriving 30 minutes before boarding time and still having plenty of time to spare. However, it is important to note that this may not be the case for everyone, especially if you are checking bags or flying internationally. In these cases, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours early to account for potential delays.

During peak hours, security lines tend to be longer, and travellers are advised to check wait times before leaving for the airport to adjust their arrival time accordingly. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus, and other expedited programs can help reduce wait times by allowing members to use dedicated lanes at select checkpoints. These programs also offer benefits such as keeping shoes, light outerwear, and electronics in carry-on bags during security checks.

Holidays and weekends can also impact travel times at RDU. The airport typically experiences higher traffic during the holiday season, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving being the busiest day. Saturday is usually one of the slowest travel days, while early weekday mornings are the busiest.

Check-in and security lines

RDU is a small airport, so getting there two hours before a domestic flight with checked luggage is generally enough time to check in and clear security. However, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport early to account for potential roadway congestion, parking, and possible delays during peak hours. Peak travel times at RDU are from 5 a.m.–7 a.m. and 4 p.m.–7 p.m., and security lines tend to be longer in the mornings and during busy travel periods, such as the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, when the airport experiences record traffic.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport two to three hours in advance. Checking in for international flights can take longer, and travellers are advised to allow extra time to account for additional screening processes. In one instance, a traveller who arrived at the airport when it opened at 4:30 a.m. for an international flight that departed at 6:25 a.m. had to run to the gate because the parties ahead were checking animals and their paperwork was not in order.

To save time, travellers can book their parking online at least 24 hours in advance, which guarantees access to their preferred parking option at the lowest daily rate. They can also use online or mobile check-in, and CLEAR Plus or TSA PreCheck, which offer expedited security screening and are available at select checkpoints. CLEAR Plus is available at two security checkpoints (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), while TSA PreCheck is available at TSA Checkpoint Terminal 1 (Gates A) and TSA Checkpoint Terminal 2 (Gates C and D).

Travellers can also check security wait times before leaving home by visiting the official airport website or using a flight tracker. This helps to adjust arrival times and avoid unexpected delays.

Parking availability

RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. The airport recommends that travellers arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow for potential roadway congestion, finding parking, and completing check-in and security screening. Booking parking online at least 24 hours in advance saves time and guarantees access to your preferred parking option at the lowest daily rate.

There are both covered and uncovered parking options available at the airport, with prices starting from $11 per 24 hours for the most affordable option, ParkRDU Economy 4. The Park Premier facility accepts small cars and light vehicles up to nine feet in height and 20 feet in length, while the Park Central facility has a height restriction of 7.5 feet and the same length restriction. For those with larger vehicles, off-site parking lots offer an alternative, although it is worth checking the availability of these in advance.

For those seeking a more premium experience, valet parking is available at the airport, although the price of this service is not listed. There are also several reasonably priced hotel parking options located near the airport, with prices ranging from $3.25 to $12 per day. It is worth noting that RDU does not offer parking discounts to active military personnel or veterans.

For travellers with disabilities, there are marked parking spaces available in each lot near the terminal entrance, subject to availability. These spaces require official disabled license plates or other permits to be displayed. Motorcycle parking is also available in any marked stall, with standard parking rates applying.

RDU's parking facilities no longer accept cash payments, with all major credit cards accepted at drive-up pay stations and self-service kiosks. For travellers without a card, ReadySTATION® kiosks are available in Terminal 1.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus

RDU, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, is a relatively busy airport, with travellers advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. To avoid unexpected delays, it is recommended to check security wait times before leaving for the airport.

One way to reduce wait times at RDU is to enrol in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, which offer expedited security screening at the airport. Both services offer quicker security checks, but in different ways. Here's an overview:

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a US government program offered at over 200 airports nationwide, including RDU. It is designed for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of specific Trusted Traveller programs. The program identifies travellers as low-risk, allowing them to pass through security without removing their shoes, light outerwear, or belts, and keeping laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at TSA Checkpoint Terminal 1 (Gates A) and TSA Checkpoint Terminal 2 (Gates C and D) within RDU. The service is available daily from 3:30 am to 8:30 pm.

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that offers faster identity verification at the airport. Members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod using their eyes or fingerprints, and then proceed through designated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints. This service is available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at RDU. CLEAR Plus is currently offered at a select number of airports and is only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

Bundling TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus

In summary, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are valuable services for frequent travellers looking to streamline their airport experience at RDU. By reducing wait times and simplifying security screening, these services enhance the overall travel journey.

International vs. domestic travel

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a small airport that serves the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, which includes the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. While the airport generally experiences a steady flow of travellers throughout the year, there are peak travel times and seasons that affect both international and domestic travel.

For domestic travel, travellers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled flight to account for potential roadway congestion, parking, and the check-in and security screening processes. During peak travel times, such as early weekday mornings and holidays, travellers may need to arrive even earlier to navigate longer security lines and potential delays. RDU's peak travel times are typically from 5-7 am and 4-7 pm, with most airlines opening their ticket counters at 4 am.

For international travel, the recommended arrival time is two to three hours before departure to accommodate additional screening processes and potential delays. This is particularly important for travellers checking bags, as international check-in can be time-consuming, especially if there are complications with paperwork or special items such as animals. Arriving early is also beneficial during peak travel seasons, such as the summer and holiday seasons, when the airport experiences an increased volume of travellers.

To streamline the check-in and security screening processes, travellers can take advantage of programmes such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and CLEAR Plus. These programmes offer expedited security screening, allowing members to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on and carry laptops and compliant liquids in their bags. Additionally, CLEAR Plus provides faster security clearance and reduced wait times through dedicated lanes at select checkpoints.

RDU also provides various amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for both international and domestic travellers. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, shops, and restaurants. For added convenience, travellers can book parking online in advance to guarantee a parking space and access lower rates.

Frequently asked questions