TULSA, OK – March 11, 2022 – Spring Break begins next week and the airport is anticipating an increase in passenger activity. Throughout the next two weeks (Oklahoma and Arkansas Spring Break season), passengers should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time, keeping in mind the checkpoint does not open until 3:45 AM. 

Key Notes and Updates:

• The Federal mask mandate is still in effect at the airport and onboard aircraft. Masks are not optional, and must be worn over both the nose and mouth. Once you arrive at the airport and exit your vehicle, start wearing your mask. This includes on shuttle buses, in the baggage claim areas, waiting areas and any time you are outside your own vehicle on airport grounds.
• COVID-19 testing is available in the B baggage claim area for travelers holding a flight reservation within 72 hours before or after travel. Alpha Xpress Labs is located in the B baggage claim. For rates, more information and to book your appointment, go to https://testwithalpha.com/
• The Department of Homeland Security’s deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023. This means passengers can continue to use their current driver’s license or Oklahoma identification card to fly domestically.
• Active loading and unloading is in place curbside. Drivers will not be allowed to park at the curb unless their passengers are outside with their luggage. Drivers can wait in the airport’s free cell phone lot while they wait for their party, or park in the airport’s short-term parking which is located on the top level of the parking garage.

Before Leaving for the Airport:

• When packing for Spring Break, travelers should unpack before packing to make sure they have no prohibited items left in their carry-on or checked bags. Also keep in mind that each airline has different weight and size requirements for baggage. Always check baggage requirements with the airline directly.
• Confirm your airline’s check-in procedure prior to coming to the airport.
• Plan ahead for parking and visit our parking overview page for parking maps, rates and customer service contact information.

TSA Tips:

• When approaching the security checkpoint, passengers should have their government issued photo ID or passport available. TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) is in use at TUL, which ensures ID authentication without the need to show your boarding pass at the TSA checkpoint. CAT does not eliminate the requirement for passengers to check-in with their airline or need a boarding pass to board their flight. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers’ flight details and pre-screening status, all without a boarding pass. Passengers should pay extra attention that their valid form of ID matches their name on their flight reservation exactly.
• Passengers not eligible for TSA’s Pre✓™ program should be prepared to remove shoes and jackets for screening.  All laptops, tablets or other electronic items larger than a cell phone must be removed from suitcases and placed into a bin.
• Travelers who have medical conditions or disabilities are encouraged to call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline in advance of their trip at 1-855-787-2227 to ask about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the checkpoint. It is recommended to call 72 hours in advance of the trip.

Free Services and Assistance in the Terminal:

•  Passengers who may need extra assistance while traveling can utilize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program. If requested, the airport will provide sunflower lanyards free of charge to passengers with hidden disabilities. Wearing the sunflower lanyard is a discrete way for a person with a disability to make staff aware that they may need additional time, patience or assistance navigating the air travel experience. The program started in 2016 at London’s Gatwick Airport before expanding to more than two dozen airports, and TUL was among the first U.S. airports to join the program.
• Airport Ambassadors will be available to answer any questions that travelers may have at the airport.
• Welcome Waggin’ therapy dogs will be throughout the terminal greeting passengers.
• Our Tunes at TUL live music program will have four performances over the next two weeks. All Tunes at TUL sets are performed at Gate A1. Schedule below:
  • Monday, March 14^th,12-1 p.m.: Combsy
  • Friday, March 18^th, 12-1 p.m.: Charlie Redd
  • Monday, March 21st, 12-1 p.m.: Desi and Cody
  • Friday, March 25^th, 12-1 p.m.: Steve Liddell

Arrival at Your Destination:

• State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Returning Home:

• When returning to TUL, if a third-party is providing transportation, advise your driver to use the cell phone parking lot or park in short-term parking located across from baggage claim on the third level of the parking garage. Parking and waiting at the curb for passengers to arrive is not permitted. Vehicles parked at the curb must be in the process of active loading or unloading of baggage and picking up or dropping off passengers.
• You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take action to protect others from getting sick after you return.

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