Spring break is here and the airport has already experienced increased passenger activity.  Throughout the next two weeks (Oklahoma and Arkansas spring break season), passengers departing before 8 AM should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time – keeping in mind the checkpoint does not open until 4:15 AM.  All other passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutesbefore their scheduled departure time for domestic travel and two hours early for international travel. Travelers should also confirm their airline’s check in procedure prior to coming to the airport.

The following travel tips are suggestions for making your journey go as smooth as possible:

Before leaving for the airport…

• Liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked luggage.
• Liquids and gels in containers 3.4 ounces and smaller may be packed in carry-on bags, as long as the following conditions are met:
  • The containers are 3.4 ounces or less.
  • All containers must fit into one quart sized or smaller Ziploc bag.
  • Passengers are limited to one bag.
• FAA rules prohibit the placement of electronic cigarettes in checked luggage.  Passengers must carry e-cigarettes in their carry-on bag.  Any liquids must fit in the quart-sized Ziploc with other liquids and gels that the passenger is taking through the checkpoint.
• Travelers may carry on board one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item. Check with your airline for any applicable carry on fees. Personal items include things such as purses, briefcases or laptops.  A list of permitted and prohibited carry-on items is available at www.tsa.gov.
• Valuables including cameras, jewelry, documents, prescription medicine, and car keys should be placed in your carry-on luggage and kept with you at all times.
• Suitcases should be properly labeled on the exterior andinterior of the bag with the passenger’s name and cell phone number.
• Passengers should have the address of their hotel or final destination available should their suitcase be delayed.  This will need to be given to the airline so the bag can be delivered upon its arrival.
• All passengers (other than minors) are required to present a government issued photo ID.  International travelers of any age must have a passport and other required documents.  Passengers should make copies of these documents and carry an extra set with them or electronically scan the documents and e-mail a copy to them to have available should their original identification be lost or stolen.
• Many airlines now allow passengers to check in for their flight up to 24 hours prior to its scheduled departure and print a boarding pass from home.  Passengers should check with their airline’s website for additional information.

At the airport…

• Passengers have three convenient parking options when traveling from TUL – garage, economy, and valet.  Travelers in a rush or wanting to avoid inclement weather will have the option of dropping their cars off curbside with the valet attendant located outside of the ticket counter doors.  To learn more about parking services, visit www.tulsaairports.com/parking.
• Passengers can reduce their time in line at the ticket counters by utilizing self-service check-in machines.  Most of the airlines at TUL now offer this service at their ticket counters.  These machines allow passengers to print boarding passes, check luggage, select or change seats, and purchase upgrades. All airlines at TUL accept electronic boarding passes.  Passengers may use them to pass through security and board their plane.
• When approaching the security checkpoint, passengers should have their government issued photo ID or passport available with their paper or electronic boarding pass.  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, portable DVD players or electronic items larger than a cell phone must be removed from suitcases and placed into a bin.  Passengers should place keys, cell phones, pagers, and loose change in their carry on bags before getting in the security line.
• 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.

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.