TSA is predicting the busiest summer travel season on record. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers the following tips to help ensure passengers have a seamless Memorial Day travel experience.

• Plan ahead where you will park. With the parking lot enhancement project underway, identify where you plan to park in advance. The most availability will be in the Economy Lot across Aviation Drive, now $8 a day. Follow signage and use the crosswalk closest to the Rental Car Facility to cross Aviation Drive. Availability may be found in the southern portion of the Long-term Lot (where the Cell Phone Lot was previously located). 

• Download your airline’s mobile app to check in up to 24 hours ahead of time, get the most up-to-date flight status, select seats, track checked bags, and more.

• Start packing a bag that is already empty. Unzip every compartment and know what’s in your carry-on before arriving at the airport to avoid delays at the checkpoint. Have a question about what you can bring through security? Visit https://tsa.gov or contact @AskTSA on social media or via text on a mobile device at 275-872 to get answers in real-time. Liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams are allowed in carry-ons, as long as each item is 3.4 oz or less and stored in a quart-size bag.

• Arrive early. Arrive 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to park, check a bag, pass through security, grab a snack or coffee, and get to your gate. If you are traveling on one of the first flights out in the morning, give yourself extra time to get in line for security as this is a busy time at the checkpoint. TSA opens at 4:15 a.m.

• Avoid idling at the curb if picking up a traveler. All parking lots are free for the first 30 minutes. Ask the traveler to give you a call once they retrieve their bags.

Thank you for flying local and enjoy your travels!