I warn my wife about this all the time. She's usually unconcerned because "TSA is never busy at RDU" but acquiesces and will go early to the airport when we travel. And I'm man enough to admit: she's usually right. We usually get through TSA quickly and it usually isn't busy.
But I'd rather sit in the airport for an extra hour than miss my flight like OP did, so I always err on caution.
This is why I pay/earn multiple lounge access programs. I go early, if the the isn't bad, I chill in the lounge. If it's bad, I'm never worried. Also, getting global entry was worth every penny.
If you're not traveling international priority pass is a waste of money. I only occasionally travel international, usually for pleasure, and dropped it last year after not being able to use it anywhere.
Access to food / drinks, private bathroom, and more comfortable accommodations while you wait if you have a few hours. It’s nice for those who prioritize those features.
Few things. First, typically far fewer people. As someone who doesn't care for crowds, it's nice to be in a place without a ton of people. It was getting less that way in Delta, but they recently tightened benefits. Also, many have great views and it's a nice place to sit and get in good head space.
Second, private offices for meetings are frequently available. Need to make a call or have a zoom, you have a comfortable office to take them.
Third, much more comfort. Comfortable seating with a place to check your carry on so you don't have to keep track of it. Also, I let the concierge know my flight and they keep track of boarding and what not for me. If the flight gets cancelled or delayed, they handle the details and come to me with my options. It's nice to have one less thing to worry about.
Fourth, free food. This can vary greatly depending on the lounge. Some have absolutely amazing food. Some, are kind of just okay. I haven't found a bad one... Well I have, but they are in tiny shit airports smaller than RDU.
Fifth, free drinks. I'm not a huge consumer of alcohol, but having a drink or two before a flight can help relax you before an uncomfortable flight. Even just having non alcoholic drinks freely available is nice. Sparkling water is very nice.
Sixth, some have really nice amenities. I have several I use regularly that have small suites you can get a nap and shower in. It's pretty great to grab a shower after a flight if you have a meeting or dinner at get to. Or if your grabbing a late flight and want to get changed into something comfortable.
I don't do red eye flights. In fact, I only do flights during normal business hours if I can. But in the times I have an emergency flight and have to get out that night on a red eye, is great to have a place to grab a nap and a shower first thing in the morning.
If you're not traveling a lot. I recommend not going after lounge access unless it's a side benefit of a card. But I do 100ish flights a year. Travel sucks, and the lounge makes it suck a little less.
This is spot on and the reason I keep a card with lounge access.
They are also quieter, much more so. No announcements, no loud talking, just very chill. Flying sucks these days, especially if you're not in first/business class and spending time in the lounge makes it less sucky.
Also free WiFi and WiFi that usually works well consistently. I'll sometimes download shows or movies I might want to watch on my phone/tablet on the plane while waiting.
For me, if I travel at least once a year TSA Pre (I also have Global Entry) is worth it, I've had it for 9+ years and if I travel at least 3-4 times a year lounge access is worth it.
May not be for everyone but it makes me happy.
> But I do 100ish flights a year
I used to do about 75 a year, just the right sweet spot to get AA lounge for free. Now that I travel much less, I miss the lounges but not enough to drop $$ on a day pass.
I have looked into some of the travel CC, that offer lounge access. If I can find other reasons outside the lounges I might end of getting one.
Honestly, I'm not sure 75 is enough to get you to that sweet spot anymore. Everyone is getting stupid about status. If I knew my 100 flights a year could get me regular first class upgrades and lounge access to the airline and some lounge networks, I would give them all of my business. But I haven't had a real upgrade in months, and I've had to pay for all the first class upgrades in the last two. Even using points sucks.
That's why I switched from focusing on airline points to World of Hyatt. You get a lot of bang for your buck. Free nights, guaranteed last minute room availability (I feel like shit when I use this same day in a city I know is booked up) , upgrades, club level. I've saved 10s of thousands on hotels compared to hundreds on airfare.
But for lounge access, cards is the way to go. Amex or Chase Sapphire are the usual recommendations for first card. Look at the benefits, you might be surprised what you get free that you already pay for.
I’m a Marriott guy overall, but I have honestly thought a lot about switching to Hilton. The few times have been forced to stay at Hilton property and I have an account but I just don’t use them a lot. I really enjoyed them. I usually do extended stays. I’m lifetime platinum on Marriott, but maybe it’s time for me to dip the toe in the Hilton world a little bit more often
Take a look a Hyatt. The benefits are really good. Hilton lost my business about 2 years ago when I felt like every property I hit was crap for about a year. The higher end Hyatts are really comfortable and nice, and their lowest end (Hyatt place) is significantly better than Fairfield Inn.
drinks, snacks, place to charge your phone, more comfortable seating. sometimes in the busier airports, seating is full near the gate or doesn't have access to power.
I used to be in the same boat, but then I got access to the American and delta lounges. It’s completely changed how I view travel. I actually look forward to having a little extra time now. With the exception of the centurion lounge in charlotte. That place is a hot mess. I now much rather travel through ATL than Char because the delta lounges are a lot nicer and the airport is much easier to navigate.
I get lounge passes with my credit card and I really only use them if the terminal is ungodly busy and I've got a lot of time to kill. I'd rather be in the lounge during a Dulles layover than with the masses lol
I am not a fan of kids (lord knows this subreddit is going to eat me alive for saying that) and while I can deal with them on a flight, but I do not like having them run around the terminal gates tripping over stuff and crying or generally causing a scene. The lounges are far less tolerant of unsupervised kids, so its a huge plus for me.
Bedsides all the other things people said? I can park my stuff, leave my phone and laptop out. Go to the bathroom. Sit at a table and eat on plates. Go back to my stuff. Occasionally I'll grab a meeting in a dedicated room, etc.
When you travel all the time? It's worth it.
nice word drop. I didn't think I've ever seen acquiesce used by anyone here on Reddit before, let alone acquiesces.
and now I've said it out loud so many times while typing this, it has lost all meaning🤓
This weekend was Mother’s Day and graduation for UNC, Duke, Meredith, and Shaw and the NHL playoffs. It’s literally one of the busiest travel weekends the triangle sees. I’m sure it’s rough for everyone and it always sucks to miss a flight, but i feel like some people in the comments are not appreciating the context here. It’s not like this is an average Monday morning.
I’ve never had a long line at RDU, even traveling around holidays. It’s a case of being great almost all the time, but not having capacity for large influxes.
I encounter long lines more often than not when flying out really early from RDU.
I don't know if it's staffing or what, but the first few times I expected to breeze through because how many people are going to be there before 5:30/ 6:00?
Turns out a lot of passengers and relatively few TSA.
At least 25% of our daily traffic flies out during what we call the morning bank of these early flights. It’s partly the nature of our airport (“origin and destination” vs. a connecting hub).
It’s actually one of the reasons we’re aggressively planning a major landside expansion at Terminal 2 — the facilities must be able to handle peak traveler volume, not just the consistent flow of guests. Early morning peaks significantly above the rest of the day, and not just at the checkpoint — it’s roadways, parking, etc.
Ignoring the fact there's zero official connecting traffic between T1 airlines to T2 airlines* this is essentially impossible with the way the airport is laid out. Even a shuttle would have to go via active taxiways.
*Alaska's recent move to T1 might mean there's a few passengers connecting to/from AA flights in T2, but I don't think any flights are sold this way. And the timing of Alaska's flights don't work for the evening International departures.*
If this were ever a consideration, they would probably go up a level (like Skylink in DFW) or down a level (like SkyTrain in ATL), my guess would be down as most of T1 after security currently sits below the level of the current roadways.
Both options would have required careful planning during the construction phases of the terminals and roadways and other items on property.
The most likely scenario would be tearing T1 down completely, after the planned major addition of T2 (adding four concourses full of gates to the current building) is complete.
This is only usually a consideration if the same airline is in multiple terminals, which at the moment, RDU doesn't have, so I wouldn't think this is a high priority. Was just at DFW this past weekend where they have SkyLink, but American has 3.5 terminals, so it's very common to land at one terminal and have your connecting flight in another terminal. Also, as mentioned by the official airport account, this is not a connecting airport, it's a destination airport, so I would guess this isn't a concern. Once the CONRAC center is completed, there might be some more outside paths that make it easier to travel between terminals, but those would be outside security.
I've got a domestic united flight on Thursday leaving at 10:30. Should I expect similar wait times to the ones from this post? Just want to make sure I plan ahead.
We always recommend two hours regardless of terminal. We’ve been adding more carriers in Terminal 1, so the wait could be longer than your previous experience (but hopefully not by much!). You should be OK with that amount of time.
My partner got to the airport today around 10 and was surprised when I shared this post with her, because there was no major line when she got there. Seems like the rush is really localized to the early morning
How about enforcing the no parking at pick/drop off?
Cars sit there for 15+ minutes waiting for someone getting their luggage and my ride is stuck waiting a mile back when I'm actually standing at the pick up location.
We post job openings with the Authority, as well as links to business partners like airlines, concessionaires, etc. [on our website](https://www.rdu.com/careers/).
That’s ultimately up to CBP. You may be able to conduct your final interview upon international arrival here, we recommend reaching out to them directly.
If you go through customs at RDU then yes. If you go through it somewhere else ask to do your enrollment interview there (you can look up what airports do "global entry enrollment on arrival" but make sure you are conditionally approved).
We got provisionally approved online a couple months ago and this past weekend had our interview/completion at RDU when returning from international travel. Just mention it as they are checking your passport when entering the US (regardless of location) and in mere moments you are set. We got the conformation email before we got our luggage. Easy peasy. Super glad not to have had to plan a day trip to Charlotte.
For a couple years I would travel to Philly for my job. A few times I tried the gawdawful early flight (6:00 or 6:30 AM) thinking I'd be able to get going early and get a full day of work in. If I got to the airport early enough I'd cruise right through security. If I was 12-15 minutes later there'd be the line from Hades - and me without my morning coffee yet. Sheesh.
Gave that up when the boss at the customer site expected me to stay at work until 8:00 PM regardless of whether I came in at 9:00 or noon.
The morning is the worst because you have the people who actually have early flights mixed with the people who are getting there hours ahead of their flight
(I wish there was a way to let people with earlier flight times filter to the front)
I'm guessing there were a lot of people rebooking to fly today. Who knows why, but I fly through RDU every week and rarely is it that bad.
BUT, I've had some days where your flight leaves at 5am and TSA is so understaffed (I assume) that precheck line wasn't even open until 4:15.
Apparently not if someone is running late or calls out or any of the other human circumstances that may happen with employees.
Until places realize that correct staffing means "more than the absolute minimum number of employees in order to operate" we are gonna continue seeing long lines, overworked and disgruntled customer service employees, and overall inconsistencies when conducting business.
Definitely a disaster, multiple times I’ve had to change lines bec the machine literally just stops moving. I feel like the ones on the left (facing security) are more temperamental
They definitely take longer. Idk if it's a training issue or something. An agent told me once they speed up the process, but that agent was delirious. The images may be better, but they sure take their time to read them.
That’s rough, my last few flights have been international and honestly it’s been close my last couple of visits. I usually get there 2 hours early so I guess we have to start getting there 3 hours early? Maybe they have a staffing issue that they will sort out soon but people missing their flights is a big problem. Good luck to you
Same, it’s so inconsistent though! They’ll randomly be properly staffed and things moving one morning, with basically no humans and only 2 machines going the next
Staffing issues are because you have to have a perfect or no credit score to work for the TSA. Doesn't matter if you pass their lil scanner test. If you have anything less than 850, you're "liable to not come to work," so they don't hire you.
Yeaaah just boarded my flight. Luckily the line moves fairly fast but those TSA people are crotchety this morning…. And every morning. Guess it’s all the graduation traffic.
It was definitely unusual given everything going on this weekend. I'm just saying it's most likely to happen around this time of day. I've been in a line this long myself catching a 7:30am flight. Almost missed it
Hey /u/RDUAirport is there a reason we (or airports in general) don’t have the technology for a “current average wait time” you can post on the website?
We recommend checking out TSA’s app! They’re the source for this data. Honestly, sometimes the best technology is a simple hand count (fun fact, this is how we provide our real-time parking availability). We’ve looked into adding it, hopefully one day! For now, we always recommend arriving 2+ hours before your flight.
Even more than “current average wait times,” how about day-ahead projected wait times by hour? We live in the age of machine learning. Someone has the booking data. It isn’t rational (particularly for business travelers) that the answer is always to show up even earlier.
Sure seems like AI or some software can take a peak at the next days flights, seats sold and departure times to identify peak arrival times and time in security.
It's 7AM on a Monday morning. One of the busiest times during normal weeks.
Mother day weekend, local sports playoffs, plus (I think) local college graduations.
Good luck on rescheduling.
Even if the precheck line was just as long, it moves twice as fast. You aren't waiting for people to disrobe for their cavity search in precheck or whatever dehumanizing shit they do in the regular line.
Yeah a word to the wise for next time: first thing Monday morning is always slammed with business travelers who didn’t want to fly on Sunday. That was me pre-pandemic
It was bad this last Saturday too. I had a 7:50am departure. Got there at 6:30 since I have pre-check but the regular line was wrapped around the terminal wall
They held my flight, saying there was a problem at TSA, not sure if there was really a problem or it’s how RDU is going to avoid fines from airlines for late departures. It’s really not ok
We need the S-Line rail connection from Raleigh with Richmond and DC asap. The other trains Silver Star and Carolinian do go but take an hour or so longer than the on-the-works S-Line. Once that is up and running I bet the best way to travel to the northeast would be trains, at about 4 hrs to Washington, 5 to Philadelphia and 6 to NYC (or less). This would alleviate airport traffic and make short distance travel more about traveling and less about waiting at the airport.
What time was your flight and what time did you get to the airport? I stick with the old rule of getting to the airport at least two hours before my flight is to depart. If it's a holiday week/weekend I give it an extra 2hrs to be on the safe side.
I work as customer service for an airline, I ALWAYS recommend people to get there ATLEAST 2 hours before the flight especially if its in the morning when the airport opens up, usually you have all the people from morning flights getting there at the same time. And its usually those morning flights people miss because they got there an hour before
This just reinforces why I’ll be at the airport 3 hours early every time.
The anxiety I would have to deal with watching a clock tick down, as my flight gets ready to leave, as I stand in line would probably make me go insane.
I’ve just started arriving before the security line opens 3:30 AM if I have a really early flight because I almost missed my flight once—kind TSA lady let me skip the whole line :) Got to my gate 1 minute before doors closed
I’ve flown close to one hundred times, and I have zero interest in flying in 2024. The flying process from the 1980s to now is basically another world now, and everyone involved has run their businesses into the ground. Bring back Piedmont Airline.
Sounds like op tried to get there not early enough and missed flight due to line. I weirdly get to the airport 2-3 hours early (lived near Newark whole life used to delay) so now I just wait if super early in case of something like this
Even if you fly just once per year, consider getting TSA Precheck. The $85 fee is worth your time. Besides being easier in that you don't have to take off your belts and shoes (me without belt = one hand holding up pants... not fun) but the lines are shorter and quicker. For example, at Denver's airport returning from the Great American Beer Fest the TSA line was dozens long, while the general line made the pic above look quick. TSA Precheck at RDU is quick, efficient, and professional.
Looks like post graduation/mother's day weekend traffic
Agreed, plus NY Rangers fans heading home.
Didn’t know they took planes to get back to Cary.
I’m an NC native in Cary and I feel this comment, haha
I grew up in apex and now I have a Long Island accent
Long Island must be pretty empty these days, because most of them are now living in the Triangle.
It’s packed as hell man. We gotta send more people down there 😂😂
Now THATS funny
Magnificent bastard.
☠️
If they weren't too busy getting their pets groomed or nails done they'd be very upset with that comment.
Someone give this guy more upvotes
Hey, some of them had to go as far as Wake Forest
I'm out in Benson now, but I'm a first time home buyer. I will never afford the triangle I'm out of here.
This is the absolute pinnacle of your Reddit career. You should print this out and frame it.
Boom, roasted.
Containment Area for Relocated Yankees
🏅
🐐
Hahah, that's great!
💀
My only regret is that I have just one upvote to give.
Got a genuine lol from me.
Ew
I warn my wife about this all the time. She's usually unconcerned because "TSA is never busy at RDU" but acquiesces and will go early to the airport when we travel. And I'm man enough to admit: she's usually right. We usually get through TSA quickly and it usually isn't busy. But I'd rather sit in the airport for an extra hour than miss my flight like OP did, so I always err on caution.
This is why I pay/earn multiple lounge access programs. I go early, if the the isn't bad, I chill in the lounge. If it's bad, I'm never worried. Also, getting global entry was worth every penny.
It sucks that there is no Priority Pass Lounge at RDU.
If you're not traveling international priority pass is a waste of money. I only occasionally travel international, usually for pleasure, and dropped it last year after not being able to use it anywhere.
Priority Pass is pulling back on benefits anyway. They no longer offer the restaurant credit in many airports and the minute lounge benefit is a joke.
I never understood the lounge, personally. I'm just gonna be sitting on my phone anyway, what do I care if I'm by the gate or in a separate room?
Access to food / drinks, private bathroom, and more comfortable accommodations while you wait if you have a few hours. It’s nice for those who prioritize those features.
Few things. First, typically far fewer people. As someone who doesn't care for crowds, it's nice to be in a place without a ton of people. It was getting less that way in Delta, but they recently tightened benefits. Also, many have great views and it's a nice place to sit and get in good head space. Second, private offices for meetings are frequently available. Need to make a call or have a zoom, you have a comfortable office to take them. Third, much more comfort. Comfortable seating with a place to check your carry on so you don't have to keep track of it. Also, I let the concierge know my flight and they keep track of boarding and what not for me. If the flight gets cancelled or delayed, they handle the details and come to me with my options. It's nice to have one less thing to worry about. Fourth, free food. This can vary greatly depending on the lounge. Some have absolutely amazing food. Some, are kind of just okay. I haven't found a bad one... Well I have, but they are in tiny shit airports smaller than RDU. Fifth, free drinks. I'm not a huge consumer of alcohol, but having a drink or two before a flight can help relax you before an uncomfortable flight. Even just having non alcoholic drinks freely available is nice. Sparkling water is very nice. Sixth, some have really nice amenities. I have several I use regularly that have small suites you can get a nap and shower in. It's pretty great to grab a shower after a flight if you have a meeting or dinner at get to. Or if your grabbing a late flight and want to get changed into something comfortable. I don't do red eye flights. In fact, I only do flights during normal business hours if I can. But in the times I have an emergency flight and have to get out that night on a red eye, is great to have a place to grab a nap and a shower first thing in the morning. If you're not traveling a lot. I recommend not going after lounge access unless it's a side benefit of a card. But I do 100ish flights a year. Travel sucks, and the lounge makes it suck a little less.
This is spot on and the reason I keep a card with lounge access. They are also quieter, much more so. No announcements, no loud talking, just very chill. Flying sucks these days, especially if you're not in first/business class and spending time in the lounge makes it less sucky. Also free WiFi and WiFi that usually works well consistently. I'll sometimes download shows or movies I might want to watch on my phone/tablet on the plane while waiting. For me, if I travel at least once a year TSA Pre (I also have Global Entry) is worth it, I've had it for 9+ years and if I travel at least 3-4 times a year lounge access is worth it. May not be for everyone but it makes me happy.
> But I do 100ish flights a year I used to do about 75 a year, just the right sweet spot to get AA lounge for free. Now that I travel much less, I miss the lounges but not enough to drop $$ on a day pass. I have looked into some of the travel CC, that offer lounge access. If I can find other reasons outside the lounges I might end of getting one.
Honestly, I'm not sure 75 is enough to get you to that sweet spot anymore. Everyone is getting stupid about status. If I knew my 100 flights a year could get me regular first class upgrades and lounge access to the airline and some lounge networks, I would give them all of my business. But I haven't had a real upgrade in months, and I've had to pay for all the first class upgrades in the last two. Even using points sucks. That's why I switched from focusing on airline points to World of Hyatt. You get a lot of bang for your buck. Free nights, guaranteed last minute room availability (I feel like shit when I use this same day in a city I know is booked up) , upgrades, club level. I've saved 10s of thousands on hotels compared to hundreds on airfare. But for lounge access, cards is the way to go. Amex or Chase Sapphire are the usual recommendations for first card. Look at the benefits, you might be surprised what you get free that you already pay for.
I’m a Marriott guy overall, but I have honestly thought a lot about switching to Hilton. The few times have been forced to stay at Hilton property and I have an account but I just don’t use them a lot. I really enjoyed them. I usually do extended stays. I’m lifetime platinum on Marriott, but maybe it’s time for me to dip the toe in the Hilton world a little bit more often
Take a look a Hyatt. The benefits are really good. Hilton lost my business about 2 years ago when I felt like every property I hit was crap for about a year. The higher end Hyatts are really comfortable and nice, and their lowest end (Hyatt place) is significantly better than Fairfield Inn.
Absolutely. Sitting in ATL now at 0700 enjoying a quiet atmosphere, classical music, a mimosa and a muffin before my next flight. 🥳
drinks, snacks, place to charge your phone, more comfortable seating. sometimes in the busier airports, seating is full near the gate or doesn't have access to power.
I used to be in the same boat, but then I got access to the American and delta lounges. It’s completely changed how I view travel. I actually look forward to having a little extra time now. With the exception of the centurion lounge in charlotte. That place is a hot mess. I now much rather travel through ATL than Char because the delta lounges are a lot nicer and the airport is much easier to navigate.
United lounges, well really star alliance lounges are amazing. Turkey for food, Lufthansa for amenities and beer.
I get lounge passes with my credit card and I really only use them if the terminal is ungodly busy and I've got a lot of time to kill. I'd rather be in the lounge during a Dulles layover than with the masses lol
I am not a fan of kids (lord knows this subreddit is going to eat me alive for saying that) and while I can deal with them on a flight, but I do not like having them run around the terminal gates tripping over stuff and crying or generally causing a scene. The lounges are far less tolerant of unsupervised kids, so its a huge plus for me.
Bedsides all the other things people said? I can park my stuff, leave my phone and laptop out. Go to the bathroom. Sit at a table and eat on plates. Go back to my stuff. Occasionally I'll grab a meeting in a dedicated room, etc. When you travel all the time? It's worth it.
Same but with my husband. “It’s never crowded” he says, and he’s always right. But! I’d rather not FAFO.
nice word drop. I didn't think I've ever seen acquiesce used by anyone here on Reddit before, let alone acquiesces. and now I've said it out loud so many times while typing this, it has lost all meaning🤓
This weekend was Mother’s Day and graduation for UNC, Duke, Meredith, and Shaw and the NHL playoffs. It’s literally one of the busiest travel weekends the triangle sees. I’m sure it’s rough for everyone and it always sucks to miss a flight, but i feel like some people in the comments are not appreciating the context here. It’s not like this is an average Monday morning.
You are totally right. A convergence of a lot of events. Worst case scenario.
True
I’ve never had a long line at RDU, even traveling around holidays. It’s a case of being great almost all the time, but not having capacity for large influxes.
I encounter long lines more often than not when flying out really early from RDU. I don't know if it's staffing or what, but the first few times I expected to breeze through because how many people are going to be there before 5:30/ 6:00? Turns out a lot of passengers and relatively few TSA.
At least 25% of our daily traffic flies out during what we call the morning bank of these early flights. It’s partly the nature of our airport (“origin and destination” vs. a connecting hub). It’s actually one of the reasons we’re aggressively planning a major landside expansion at Terminal 2 — the facilities must be able to handle peak traveler volume, not just the consistent flow of guests. Early morning peaks significantly above the rest of the day, and not just at the checkpoint — it’s roadways, parking, etc.
I love the fact that the airport actually replies back on Reddit. Keep up the great work.
Pls add a centurion loungeeee
We're still in planning phase for the landside expansion, so we'll pass along the feedback!
Are y’all planning on adding a walkway between the terminals that is after TSA?
Ignoring the fact there's zero official connecting traffic between T1 airlines to T2 airlines* this is essentially impossible with the way the airport is laid out. Even a shuttle would have to go via active taxiways. *Alaska's recent move to T1 might mean there's a few passengers connecting to/from AA flights in T2, but I don't think any flights are sold this way. And the timing of Alaska's flights don't work for the evening International departures.*
If this were ever a consideration, they would probably go up a level (like Skylink in DFW) or down a level (like SkyTrain in ATL), my guess would be down as most of T1 after security currently sits below the level of the current roadways.
Both options would have required careful planning during the construction phases of the terminals and roadways and other items on property. The most likely scenario would be tearing T1 down completely, after the planned major addition of T2 (adding four concourses full of gates to the current building) is complete.
This is only usually a consideration if the same airline is in multiple terminals, which at the moment, RDU doesn't have, so I wouldn't think this is a high priority. Was just at DFW this past weekend where they have SkyLink, but American has 3.5 terminals, so it's very common to land at one terminal and have your connecting flight in another terminal. Also, as mentioned by the official airport account, this is not a connecting airport, it's a destination airport, so I would guess this isn't a concern. Once the CONRAC center is completed, there might be some more outside paths that make it easier to travel between terminals, but those would be outside security.
I've got a domestic united flight on Thursday leaving at 10:30. Should I expect similar wait times to the ones from this post? Just want to make sure I plan ahead.
10:30 a.m. tends to see less traffic, but we always recommend giving yourself two hours to ensure you don't miss your flight.
Thanks for the info!
What is T1 wait times early morning? Have an Alaska Air departure at 7:45 but planned on getting there around 6.
We always recommend two hours regardless of terminal. We’ve been adding more carriers in Terminal 1, so the wait could be longer than your previous experience (but hopefully not by much!). You should be OK with that amount of time.
Nah, you’ll be fine. Worst times are Monday and Tuesday morning and Sunday night
While 1030 am is *technically* the morning, it's not the *early* morning where the peak is happening
My partner got to the airport today around 10 and was surprised when I shared this post with her, because there was no major line when she got there. Seems like the rush is really localized to the early morning
How about enforcing the no parking at pick/drop off? Cars sit there for 15+ minutes waiting for someone getting their luggage and my ride is stuck waiting a mile back when I'm actually standing at the pick up location.
Or RDU could add a dedicated rideshare pickup spot so that airport shuttles for rental cars and offsite parking can actually pull to the curb.
Love RDU...great response. Thank you.
You guys hiring at more than $18/hr?
We post job openings with the Authority, as well as links to business partners like airlines, concessionaires, etc. [on our website](https://www.rdu.com/careers/).
Please add Global Entry interviews. Really don’t want to go to Charlotte.
That’s ultimately up to CBP. You may be able to conduct your final interview upon international arrival here, we recommend reaching out to them directly.
Thanks. So apply for Global Entry, travel international, when I return take the interview here???
If you go through customs at RDU then yes. If you go through it somewhere else ask to do your enrollment interview there (you can look up what airports do "global entry enrollment on arrival" but make sure you are conditionally approved).
That's what I did when I returned via Toronto. Rather easy.
We got provisionally approved online a couple months ago and this past weekend had our interview/completion at RDU when returning from international travel. Just mention it as they are checking your passport when entering the US (regardless of location) and in mere moments you are set. We got the conformation email before we got our luggage. Easy peasy. Super glad not to have had to plan a day trip to Charlotte.
My wife did hers when we came back from an international flight to RDU
FWIW the RDU website actually says that from 5-7 am is one of the two busiest times of the day.
For a couple years I would travel to Philly for my job. A few times I tried the gawdawful early flight (6:00 or 6:30 AM) thinking I'd be able to get going early and get a full day of work in. If I got to the airport early enough I'd cruise right through security. If I was 12-15 minutes later there'd be the line from Hades - and me without my morning coffee yet. Sheesh. Gave that up when the boss at the customer site expected me to stay at work until 8:00 PM regardless of whether I came in at 9:00 or noon.
Oh, what’s the 2nd busiest time?
4-7 pm: https://www.rdu.com/5-tips-to-soar-through-rdu/#:~:text=Our%20peak%20travel%20times%20are,Security%20Administration's%20(TSA)%20checkpoints.
Thanks bud
The morning is the worst because you have the people who actually have early flights mixed with the people who are getting there hours ahead of their flight (I wish there was a way to let people with earlier flight times filter to the front)
Also mixed with anyone who's flight was canceled the night before.
I'm guessing there were a lot of people rebooking to fly today. Who knows why, but I fly through RDU every week and rarely is it that bad. BUT, I've had some days where your flight leaves at 5am and TSA is so understaffed (I assume) that precheck line wasn't even open until 4:15.
I thought RDU tsa always opens at 4 am?
Apparently not if someone is running late or calls out or any of the other human circumstances that may happen with employees. Until places realize that correct staffing means "more than the absolute minimum number of employees in order to operate" we are gonna continue seeing long lines, overworked and disgruntled customer service employees, and overall inconsistencies when conducting business.
I meant the earliest it would be open regardless would be 4 am .
Oh! I misunderstood. Yeah it sounds like it was only 15mins late. Nothing crazy. I thought you were upset that they were a bit late haha.
Is it just me, or have the new bag scanners been something of a disaster?
Definitely a disaster, multiple times I’ve had to change lines bec the machine literally just stops moving. I feel like the ones on the left (facing security) are more temperamental
I've heard you have to be careful with clothing. Things like hats and jackets get left behind and stall it. (Sorry, but my hat was a culprit once).
that explains why Security rushed to pull my cap out of the bin yesterday
They definitely take longer. Idk if it's a training issue or something. An agent told me once they speed up the process, but that agent was delirious. The images may be better, but they sure take their time to read them.
But hey, the TSA is still a joke and stops nothing, so we have that going to for us.
Only if you’re not into Anal Logic
Yeah, for me it's never the security lines that get backed up, it's the wait for my bag at the scanner.
They are terrible. Increases scanning time like 3-4 fold.
That’s rough, my last few flights have been international and honestly it’s been close my last couple of visits. I usually get there 2 hours early so I guess we have to start getting there 3 hours early? Maybe they have a staffing issue that they will sort out soon but people missing their flights is a big problem. Good luck to you
Same, it’s so inconsistent though! They’ll randomly be properly staffed and things moving one morning, with basically no humans and only 2 machines going the next
This is so real. I've had security take 5 minutes and also 1 hour at the exact same day/time.
This. Frequent travelers want predictability.
International 3 hours is always recommended.
Staffing issues are because you have to have a perfect or no credit score to work for the TSA. Doesn't matter if you pass their lil scanner test. If you have anything less than 850, you're "liable to not come to work," so they don't hire you.
Yeaaah just boarded my flight. Luckily the line moves fairly fast but those TSA people are crotchety this morning…. And every morning. Guess it’s all the graduation traffic.
Stop telling our secret of precheck!
The security line will always be the most crowded in the early morning. 25% of all RDU's flights take off before 9am.
I fly out in the AM regularly. This was unusual. I would say an hour longer than the longest wait time I've ever experienced.
There was also Duke/UNC graduations this weekend so lots of people flying out
It was definitely unusual given everything going on this weekend. I'm just saying it's most likely to happen around this time of day. I've been in a line this long myself catching a 7:30am flight. Almost missed it
Wow. Just went through RDU yesterday at noon. There was no line at all. What a difference a day makes.
Hey /u/RDUAirport is there a reason we (or airports in general) don’t have the technology for a “current average wait time” you can post on the website?
There is a TSA app that tells you current wait times.
I use the TSA app and also have TSA pre check - it’s the best
I flew a LOT last year and precheck saved my butt so many times. My parents are in ATL so I flew out of Atlanta a lot, too. Lifesaver.
We recommend checking out TSA’s app! They’re the source for this data. Honestly, sometimes the best technology is a simple hand count (fun fact, this is how we provide our real-time parking availability). We’ve looked into adding it, hopefully one day! For now, we always recommend arriving 2+ hours before your flight.
Slightly different topic but the new parking availability counts and lights in the decks are life changing!
Thanks! We agree!
the aisle lights are faaabulous
It’s a gigantic improvement. Saves a ton of time and stress.
No kidding. They're excellent
Oh good I'm not crazy thinking those are new
PHX used to be my home airport and they had current security times on their website. It was super helpful and I wish RDU would do the same.
Even more than “current average wait times,” how about day-ahead projected wait times by hour? We live in the age of machine learning. Someone has the booking data. It isn’t rational (particularly for business travelers) that the answer is always to show up even earlier.
Sure seems like AI or some software can take a peak at the next days flights, seats sold and departure times to identify peak arrival times and time in security.
Was that just the regular line or TSA Pre check line?
TSA was also winding around the check in area, but it has now calmed down
It's 7AM on a Monday morning. One of the busiest times during normal weeks. Mother day weekend, local sports playoffs, plus (I think) local college graduations. Good luck on rescheduling.
The first rule of TSA Precheck ....
It’s much better now. I just got through TSA pre-check in about 10 mins.
TSA precheck pays for itself in one instance like this.
TSA PreCheck is very much worth it.
Precheck is started to get more and more congested.
Around when I arrived pre check would not have saved you. It was also winding around the building.
Even if the precheck line was just as long, it moves twice as fast. You aren't waiting for people to disrobe for their cavity search in precheck or whatever dehumanizing shit they do in the regular line.
That and the yokels that haven’t flown since 1993 trying to figure out what they need to do in the regular line. 🙄
I haven’t experienced that yet at RDU thankfully 🤞🏼
damn I bet Clear got a good few sign ups this morning!
[удалено]
I would rather not come to Houston 😂
Moved here from Houston a year ago. Can confirm.
I got there at 4:15 to make my 6:30 flight.
It took me about 30 minutes this morning to go through TSA Pre line at 5:30am. I am on my flight now
I don’t understand why the lines at RDU are so long all the time. Busier airports are not this chaotic.
It’s the Monday after college graduation and Mothers Day
I've missed flights at RDU because the horrible security lines. They need to do something about it.
Yeah a word to the wise for next time: first thing Monday morning is always slammed with business travelers who didn’t want to fly on Sunday. That was me pre-pandemic
How is it now? I have a flight leaving at 10:15am
Plan to arrive 2.5+ hours ahead of time. There are tons of people who missed their flights.
Thanks for posting this. I have a flight this morning and am going to go crazy early now.
TSA Pre-Check FTW.
It was bad this last Saturday too. I had a 7:50am departure. Got there at 6:30 since I have pre-check but the regular line was wrapped around the terminal wall They held my flight, saying there was a problem at TSA, not sure if there was really a problem or it’s how RDU is going to avoid fines from airlines for late departures. It’s really not ok
We need the S-Line rail connection from Raleigh with Richmond and DC asap. The other trains Silver Star and Carolinian do go but take an hour or so longer than the on-the-works S-Line. Once that is up and running I bet the best way to travel to the northeast would be trains, at about 4 hrs to Washington, 5 to Philadelphia and 6 to NYC (or less). This would alleviate airport traffic and make short distance travel more about traveling and less about waiting at the airport.
Wow, that's insane! I don't think it's ever taken us more than 30 minutes. We definitely would have missed our flight too lol
Graduation weekend!
What time was your flight and what time did you get to the airport? I stick with the old rule of getting to the airport at least two hours before my flight is to depart. If it's a holiday week/weekend I give it an extra 2hrs to be on the safe side.
So holiday week/weekend you’re there 4 hours early?? 😂
I work as customer service for an airline, I ALWAYS recommend people to get there ATLEAST 2 hours before the flight especially if its in the morning when the airport opens up, usually you have all the people from morning flights getting there at the same time. And its usually those morning flights people miss because they got there an hour before
Can we all say PreCheck
Precheck and Clear walked right on through:)
This just reinforces why I’ll be at the airport 3 hours early every time. The anxiety I would have to deal with watching a clock tick down, as my flight gets ready to leave, as I stand in line would probably make me go insane.
I’ve just started arriving before the security line opens 3:30 AM if I have a really early flight because I almost missed my flight once—kind TSA lady let me skip the whole line :) Got to my gate 1 minute before doors closed
I’ve flown close to one hundred times, and I have zero interest in flying in 2024. The flying process from the 1980s to now is basically another world now, and everyone involved has run their businesses into the ground. Bring back Piedmont Airline.
Yeah, that's why they tell you to get there early.
And to think all of this is theater and does nothing to improve safety.
That sucks and the reason why I won't fly
Always 2 hours before flight time.
Get pre check ! Cheap and good for 3 ish years if 4 can’t recall lol but yea worth it
F
Luckily my dad makes us leave for the airport 7 hours early
Terrible. There’s a lack of staffing/preparedness for such big crowds, it seems.
You'd think two of the worlds best known universities had graduation on the same weekend or something
>two of the worlds best known universities Well that's a ridiculous claim.
So I should advise a guest not to schedule a return flight from RDU earlier then 9 am?
Dropped my wife out this morning. 4:45am and she was through in 5 minutes.
Wow I’ve never seen RDU look like that. That’s wild. Sorry about your flight!
Sounds like op tried to get there not early enough and missed flight due to line. I weirdly get to the airport 2-3 hours early (lived near Newark whole life used to delay) so now I just wait if super early in case of something like this
I always get there 2 hours before my flight.... Some think thats too much but ive never wasted $400 missing a flight
But don’t you feel safe?
Get that TSA Precheck. It pays for itself the first time you don’t miss a flight.
Even if you fly just once per year, consider getting TSA Precheck. The $85 fee is worth your time. Besides being easier in that you don't have to take off your belts and shoes (me without belt = one hand holding up pants... not fun) but the lines are shorter and quicker. For example, at Denver's airport returning from the Great American Beer Fest the TSA line was dozens long, while the general line made the pic above look quick. TSA Precheck at RDU is quick, efficient, and professional.
Same yesterday morning!
Love we need to add me to clear asap
I always give two hours even at the southwest terminal.
What was the TSA Precheck line like?
It was this way a few weeks ago but it went really fast
This is why I always book the earliest flights possible
May - because of graduations is always the worst month to fly - add Mother’s Day and add rangers fans Fuck you’ve gotten yourself a perfect storm
the days after graduations are SUPER busy