Busy Summer Ahead for WRWA, Arriving Early is Still Key
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 23, 2019 – Vacation season is officially off and running and with WRWA’s steady passenger growth, travelers can expect a busy summer at the airport. Before heading off on that long-anticipated trip, travelers should review the basic “rules of flying”.
The number one rule (one many choose to ignore) is to arrive early. If you think things won’t be busy, consider this: Since May 2018, WRWA has increased the average number of daily departures by five and the average number of daily available seats by 536.That is a 7% capacity increase over last May which, by the way, was a double-digit record month.That all translates into a very busy terminal with longer lines at the ticket counters and at the security checkpoint. It is essential that travelers arrive at the airport a minimum of 1 ½ hours prior to their departure. If you’re traveling with a group, allow at least two hours.
If you haven’t flown in a while, things have changed in passenger screening. All personal electronic items bigger than a cell phone must be removed from carry-on luggage and placed in a bin with nothing on top or underneath. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, handheld game consoles, etc. TSA PreCheck passengers are not subject to the new rule, although all passengers may be subject to additional screening at any time.
Travelers can help to keep the checkpoint lines moving by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Invalid ID (including expired driver’s licenses) or no ID at all
- Overstuffed carry-on bags
- Liquids and gels over three ounces
- Failing to remove items when going through the metal detector or imaging machine
- Wearing clothing and jewelry that set off the screening machines
- Carrying prohibited items in checked and/or carry-on luggage.
Now that the airport’s terminal expansion is in full swing, the terminal itself looks different than a year ago. Some areas have been temporarily taken out of service and there are numerous construction walls and tunnels. Visitors should be prepared for construction navigation.
For more travel tips, ticket counter hours, and flight information go to flyokc.com.