Spring break is just around the corner! Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport wants to help you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Follow these tips to make your trip seamless from start to finish.

Check In & Stay Updated

Download your airline’s mobile app to check in up to 24 hours in advance for convenient access to view real-time flight updates, select seats, track checked bags and more.

Pack Smart

Avoid last-minute surprises at security by starting with an empty bag. Completely unzip every compartment and check for forgotten items like liquids, sharp objects or prohibited items such as lithium batteries, firearms or ammunition before packing.

• Follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids: Containers must be 3.4 ounces or less, fit in one quart-sized bag and each passenger is allowed one bag.
• Keep electronics larger than a cell phone (such as laptops, tablets and game consoles) easily accessible, as they may need to be screened separately.
• Wear easy-to-remove shoes and limit metal accessories to speed up the security process.
• Not sure if something is allowed? Check TSA.gov or contact @AskTSA via social media or text 275-872 for real-time answers.

Plan Your Parking or Ground Transportation

With our parking lot enhancement project underway, parking is at a premium and our lots are completely full at times so it’s important to plan in advance.

If possible, use alternate transportation to the airport – take the bus or have a friend, family member, taxi or Uber/Lyft drop you off and pick you up.

Parking Rates in effect for Spring Break

• Preferred Parking Lot ($14/day maximum) – Right in front of and most convenient to the Terminal
• Standard Parking Lot ($12/day maximum) – Adjacent to Preferred Lot and a little further from the terminal, but spaces are limited by construction and fill up fast.
• Economy Lot ($8/day maximum) – Located across Aviation Drive but still close enough to walk. Follow signage and use the designated crosswalk with flashing lights nearest to the Terminal (do not use the crosswalk at Aviation Dr and Town Square Blvd as there is no sidewalk on the Airport side.)

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to ensure a stress-free departure by arriving at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This gives you time to park, check a bag, pass through security, grab a coffee or snack, and get to your gate.

• Morning Travelers: If you're on an early flight, plan extra time since security lines are busiest in the morning. The TSA checkpoint opens at 4:15 a.m.

Picking Someone Up?

There is no parking or waiting curbside, so be sure to account for getting off the plane and picking up checked bags when communicating with your ride. If your ride gets to the airport early enough, they can pull a ticket and park in any of our lots free for the first 30 minutes – just enough time to greet you and give you a big hug! You can help ensure that everyone has a smooth experience by keeping the curb open for departing or arriving passengers who are ready for pickup.

Thank you for flying local—safe travels and enjoy your spring break!