TULSA, OK – May 24, 2023 – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is gearing up for what is expected to be an exceptionally active summer travel season. Airline seat capacity at TUL for Summer 2023 (May – August) is up 9% year-over-year, while also up 6% over pre-pandemic Summer 2019. To ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers, TUL is pleased to share a series of essential summer travel tips.

Key reminders:

• Passengers should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time, keeping in mind the checkpoint does not open until 3:45 a.m.
• When picking up or dropping off family and friends, remember that 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 they can park in short-term parking on the top level of the garage if they want to greet them inside baggage claim.
• The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. This means Oklahomans can continue to use their current driver license or Oklahoma identification card to fly domestically.

Before Leaving for the Airport:

• Check directly with your airline for any last-minute changes prior to leaving for the airport. While all airlines and airport partners are doing everything they can to ensure a problem-free holiday travel season, weather and other unexpected issues can arise.
• Plan where you will park before leaving for the airport. Passengers have convenient parking options when traveling from TUL – Garage, Economy and Valet. Passengers can expedite their parking experience by signing up for TUL Parking Perks. This parking rewards program allows for ticketless entry and exit in the parking garage and economy lots, and lets customers earn points for every dollar spent to redeem free parking. To learn more about parking services, visit https://flytulsa.com/travel/parking/parking-options-map/.
  • In anticipation of airport parking options potentially reaching capacity, TUL has set up an overflow parking lot that will be utilized when Garage, Economy, and Valet parking options are full. Passengers will be guided to the overflow lot off E. Young Pl. and N 73^rd Ave, where airport parking shuttles will be running to transport passengers to and from the terminal.
• 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.

At the Airport:

• When approaching the security checkpoint, passengers should have their government issued photo ID or passport available. Passengers should pay extra attention that their valid form of ID matches their name on their flight reservation exactly.
• To expedite time through the security screening process, slip on shoes are recommended. Passengers not eligible for TSA’s Pre✓™ program should be prepared to remove shoes and jackets for screening. All laptops, tablets or electronic items larger than a cell phone must be removed from suitcases and placed into a bin.  Passengers should place keys, cell phones and loose change in their carry-on bags before getting in the security line.
• The new TUL Visitor Pass program is officially live, allowing non-traveling individuals to secure a pass to go through security and see friends and family off on their trip, welcome their guests at the gate, and enjoy all the amenities that TUL has to offer. To register for a TUL Visitor Pass, visit https://flytulsa.com/tulvisitorpass.

Free Services and Assistance in the Terminal:

• Passengers who may need extra assistance while traveling can utilize the airport’s 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 throughout the terminal aware that they may need additional time, patience or assistance navigating the air travel experience.
• TUL’s two new Guest Services Areas will be officially open to passengers, offering sensory rooms, lactation rooms, quiet rooms, family restrooms, and indoor service animal relief areas. Both Guest Services Areas are located on the lower level of Concourse A and Concourse B.
• Airport Ambassadors will be available to answer any questions or concerns that travelers may have at the airport.
• Welcome Waggin’ therapy dogs will be throughout the terminal greeting passengers.

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