RDU prepares for record-breaking summer travel, works to get ahead of staff shortages

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is preparing for what is expected to be a record-breaking summer of travel.

More than 1.1. million people flew through RDU in March, which is an increase of 23% compared to March 2022.

"The airport has invested in people and infrastructure, like hiring more guest experience ambassadors to assist passengers in the terminals and expanding the security checkpoint in our busiest terminal to keep up with increased demand," said a spokesperson for RDU.

RDU has more than 400 TSA employees. Currently, they’re looking to hire at least 50 more agents.

TSA is hosting a hiring event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Durham at RTP in Durham. This big hiring push is also happening in Eastern North Carolina.

Officials are working to get ahead of staff shortages before peak travel season. A national shortage of air traffic controllers has major airlines making schedule cuts this summer to prevent delays.

American Airlines plans to slash services at two major New York area airports, and both United and Delta Airlines are trimming up to 10% of flights.

This will have a ripple effect on RDU.

"Travelers coming from RDU mostly have connections through the New York airports, Dulles, those sort of things," said Lauren Doyle, a travel expert and founder of The Travel Mechanic. "So, you know, be on top of rechecking your flights, if you do have flights booked this summer."

If you are booking travel, Doyle suggests avoiding the New York airports and Dulles. She said you may have better luck driving to Charlotte or flying from RDU to southern airport hubs.

Doyle said airfare, which is already at an all-time high, could also be impacted by reduced flight schedules.

“So, if you really do have to get away for a wedding or special event, book now and try to avoid those airports, would be my advice," she said. "But you know, you just never know. So, if you have flexibility, maybe push it off to later in the fall. You could definitely find better pricing, and the airports won't be as crazy busy."

RDU now has more travel options with the addition of four new airlines and 20 new destinations. Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways have also added more nonstop flights, and Frontier is expanding its flight schedule.

Here are some tips for travelers:

1. Download your airline’s mobile app after you book your ticket to get flight updates and manage your reservation.
2. Keep an eye on the weather in your departing and destination cities.
3. Confirm that travel documents like your passport or driver’s license haven’t expired.
4. Check your airline’s baggage policy before you pack.
5. Remember TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on luggage.
6. Consider getting TSA PreCheck for a smoother experience at the checkpoint.
7. Allow yourself plenty of time to park when driving to the airport.
8. Pack snacks and an empty water bottle you can fill after you go through the checkpoint.

If you’re interested in applying for a job with TSA, visit here for more details.