RALEIGH, N.C. – The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is making changes and breaking records.
- RDU had 14.2 million passengers in 2019
- Six new dining locations opened in Terminal 2 in January 2020
- A new baggage handling control system has received final testing and been approved by TSA
According to a press release, in 2019, RDU saw 14.2 million passengers. That is an 11 percent increase from 2018. In December alone, the airport reached an all-time high of 600,000 passengers. That is a 14 percent increase from December of 2018.
The same release also says July was the busiest month for travel with about 679,000 passengers. The busiest day was on December 1, which saw approximately 54,800 travelers.
The airport is also receiving several upgrades and changes such as new food options, an upgraded baggage system, parking adjustments, and a new Digital Savings Passport.
New Food Options
Six new dining locations opened in Terminal 2 in January 2020. This is part of a new relationship with Areas USA, a new concessions tenant.
Bond Brothers and Raleigh Taproom breweries are now available to passengers. Other new options include Wow Bao and Cantina Grill, Deli & Co., and Rush Bowls.
Brueggar’s Bagels and California Pizza Kitchen will remain open during the change in management. California Pizza Kitchen will also now serve beer, wine, and new breakfast options.
La Farm Bakery & Café will be opening in a patio setting at the Marketplace of Terminal 2 in late spring 2020. Counter Culture coffee will be served as well as La Farm’s traditional bakery items, grab-and-go sandwiches, and a full bar.
Baggage Handling Improvements
A new baggage handling control system has received final testing and been approved by the TSA. The $3 million project helps improve efficiency, reliability, and the capacity of Terminal 2’s baggage handling control system.
As a next step, RDU will work with the TSA to upgrade the screen equipment.
Reduced Parking Spaces
Construction for the improvements of levels 2-6 of the parking garages has resumed. The number of available spaces will decrease by 1,150 a week from now until mid-May.
Because of the construction and limited spaces, RDU is encouraging travelers to reserve a space on their website through the new online booking system. RDU says that customers who book 24 hours in advance are guaranteed entry at the lowest daily rate.
New signs are available to show passengers which lots are full and which are not. The signs also remind customers that although a lot may say “full”, spots are still available for those who reserved them online.
Digital Savings Passport
A new digital coupon book has been launched. It is called the “RDU Savings Passport”. It allows customers to sign up for coupons that download to their smart phone. The discounts are for shopping and dining inside the airport.
The RDU Savings Passport is free and travelers can sign up via text or RDU.com.
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