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Guide to TSA wait times at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

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    Quick insights

    • At Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), TSA wait times are typically under 30 minutes.
    • During busy periods, wait times can extend to 45 minutes or more.
    • Booking airport parking in advance on the RDU website may save you time.

    Sometimes travelers encounter long TSA lines at RDU. That’s not surprising as the airport serves Raleigh-Durham or “The Triangle”, a rapidly growing area and tourist destination, and millions of travelers pass through the airport each year. At RDU, lengthy wait times at security checkpoints can add stress to your trip and potentially lead to missed flights.

    Luckily, there are several resources available to help you anticipate wait times and navigate RDU more efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore TSA wait times at RDU and provide tips to help you reach your gate more smoothly.

    TSA wait times at RDU

    TSA wait times at RDU are typically under 30 minutes. However, during peak travel periods, they can extend to 45 minutes or more. Longer wait times tend to occur during early mornings, late afternoons or around major holidays. Monday mornings can be particularly busy due to business travel.

    MyTSA and other mobile apps provide estimated TSA wait times for specific checkpoints and security lanes at RDU and other international airports. Some apps also predict future wait times based on historical data.

    While these resources can help you plan your trip to RDU, the apps do not guarantee exact wait times. Sudden fluctuations can occur due to factors such as surges in passenger traffic, equipment failures or TSA staffing levels.

    How early to arrive before a flight at RDU

    RDU and TSA recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. During busy periods, travelers can estimate the time needed for pre-boarding tasks and plan their airport arrival time accordingly.

    If you’re flying out of RDU, there are a few ways you could potentially get to your gate faster. RDU provides current parking availability and gives travelers the option to book parking in advance, which may save time on your travel day. Check the RDU website for the latest parking information.

    Additionally, many airlines offer mobile apps that allow travelers to check in, access mobile boarding passes and pre-check luggage. In some cases, this can eliminate the need to visit the airline counter or self-service kiosk altogether.

    It may be possible to streamline your airport security screening, too.

    Tips for getting through RDU airport security faster

    Here are some potential ways to make your security screening more efficient:

    Travel at off-peak times

    The time of day can affect your wait time at TSA security checkpoints. You may experience shorter wait times if you schedule your flight so that you clear TSA during mid-morning or early afternoon when security lines tend to be shortest. You may want to consider avoiding travel on Monday mornings as well.

    Prepare for security screenings

    You may experience a more streamlined security screening if you familiarize yourself with TSA rules in advance. Starting with an empty bag when packing may help you avoid accidentally bringing restricted carry-on items. A well-organized back may be faster to screen.

    Finally, keeping your boarding pass and ID documents accessible can help streamline your screening.

    Enroll in programs designed to expedite screenings

    TSA PreCheck® is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP), which allows members to access designated security lanes at TSA checkpoints. Getting TSA PreCheck membership requires you to apply online, pay an application fee and attend an in-person interview. If you’re approved, that usually means you won’t need to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag during screenings.

    CLEAR Plus, a membership program operated by the private security company CLEAR, is another option. At security checkpoints, CLEAR Plus members can confirm their identity via biometrics at designated kiosks rather than presenting the traditional identity documents. After confirming their identity, members proceed to the screening lanes as usual. While CLEAR Plus is not a Trusted Traveler Program, it can be paired with other TTPs like TSA PreCheck to potentially further streamline the screening process.

    In summary

    At RDU, TSA wait times are generally under 30 minutes. However, during busy travel periods—such as early mornings, late afternoons or around major holidays—wait times can extend to 45 minutes or more.

    MyTSA and other mobile apps help travelers track current wait times at RDU and other airports, down to specific security checkpoints and lanes, which may aid in travel planning. You may be able to expedite your journey by using RDU parking services, checking in via your airline’s mobile app or enrolling in TSA PreCheck.

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