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Tulsa International Airport Shares Spring Break Travel Tips

TULSA, OKLA. – March 9, 2026 – With spring break travel beginning next week for most Green Country area schools, Tulsa International Airport is preparing for a surge of travelers. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early and take advantage of the airport’s new amenities and terminal activations.

Spring break travel is shaping up to be busy at TUL, with seat capacity up 5% from last year for March 13–22. That means 5,862 additional seats compared to the same timeframe last year, and an estimated 124,000 passengers traveling through TUL during the 10-day period.

The increase compared to spring break 2025 is driven by expanded service over the past year from both new and existing airlines serving the Tulsa market. Examples include Southwest Airlines adding a second daily flight to both Nashville and Chicago (Midway), plus new daily service from Alaska Airlines launching March 18 to San Diego and Seattle. American Airlines has also added a second daily flight to New York City (LaGuardia) since last spring break, giving Tulsans even more options as they plan their getaways.

“Spring break is always an exciting time at the airport, and this year travelers have even more options to choose from,” said Kim Kuehler, communications manager at Tulsa International Airport. “With new daily Alaska Airlines service to Seattle and San Diego, along with additional flights from several of our airline partners, Tulsans have more ways to plan their spring break getaways. Behind the scenes, our team works hard to keep the travel experience easy and enjoyable.”

Planning ahead for your trip

  • REAL ID and ConfirmID: As of Feb. 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at any TSA checkpoint in the U.S. without a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification will be required to use TSA’s ConfirmID service. ConfirmID users must pay a $45 fee per person for identity verification. The service is valid for 10 days of travel and must be paid for online in advance. More than 94% of travelers already use a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Check whether your ID is compliant at tsa.gov/ID or learn more about TSA ConfirmID at https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id to help avoid delays at the checkpoint and additional costs.
  • Touchless ID: Tulsa International Airport is one of the airports participating in TSA’s new Touchless ID program. Eligible TSA PreCheck travelers flying with participating airlines can choose to verify their identity using facial recognition technology instead of presenting a physical ID at the checkpoint; learn more at https://www.tsa.gov/touchless-id.
  • Pack smart: TSA recommends starting with an empty bag and checking every pocket before packing. This reduces the risk of bringing prohibited items through security.
  • Liquids rule: Liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less.

 Parking and leaving for the airport

  • Check flight status: Confirm flight details directly with your airline’s app or website before leaving for the airport.
  • Arrive early: Arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The security checkpoint opens at 3:45 a.m. Larger airports may recommend passengers arrive as early as three hours prior to departure.
  • Parking options: Garage, Economy and Valet parking are available. Visit flytulsa.com for rates and details. Allow extra time to find a spot during busy travel periods.

  New amenities and free activities in the terminal

  • TUL Escape Lounge: The airport’s first business lounge opened in 2025 and is located immediately to the left after security. The Escape Lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. All passengers are welcome regardless of airline or ticket class. Access is $35 when pre-booked online or $45 at the door. The lounge features a chef-curated menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus complimentary hot and cold beverages, including alcohol and locally brewed beer from American Solera. The space is family-friendly, and children under 3 receive complimentary access.
  • Discovery Lab Play Area: Discovery Lab’s play area for kids of all ages is located between Gates B7 and B9. Educational exhibits are updated regularly.
  • Art Cart: Airport staff will use the airport’s “Art Cart” to offer free crafts for kids in various gate areas.
  • Tunes at TUL: Enjoy live local music at Gate A1 during spring break week:
    • Sunday, March 15, 9:30–10:30 a.m. – Steve Liddell
    • Tuesday, March 17, 1–2 p.m. – Jamie May
    • Friday, March 20, 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Tom Pevear

 Accessibility resources

  • Guest Services Areas: Located on the lower levels of Concourses A and B, these areas include sensory rooms for kids, mothers’ rooms for pumping or breastfeeding, quiet rooms for adults, family restrooms with standard and adult-sized changing tables, and indoor animal relief areas.
  • Free ASL services: Those who are Deaf or hard of hearing can access free, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation anywhere in the airport through the Aira ASL app. The service is available 24/7/365 with no reservations required.
  • Free visual interpreting services: Visitors who are blind or have low vision have free access to the Aira app while in the terminal. Aira users receive visual interpreting support for navigation and on-the-go questions.
  • Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program: Those with hidden disabilities or travel anxiety who may want extra assistance or patience from airport staff can request a Sunflower Lanyard. Lanyards are free and can be picked up in the airport lobby (Room A-211) or requested via email at [email protected].

 Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers

  • Curbside rules: Active loading and unloading only at the curb. Use the free Cell Phone Lot, located behind the Hilton Garden Inn, to wait for arriving passengers or park in short-term parking on the top garage level to greet them inside.
  • TUL Visitor Pass: Non-traveling individuals can register for a free TUL Visitor Pass to go through security, see loved ones off, greet them at the gate and enjoy terminal amenities. Visit https://flytulsa.com/tulvisitorpass to register.

Link to media assets with photos of amenities and passengers can be found here.

About Tulsa International Airport: Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is dedicated to providing a seamless, friendly, and accessible travel experience for all passengers. Known for its customer-centric approach and forward-thinking initiatives, TUL connects travelers to destinations across the globe while maintaining its commitment to the community it serves. Seven air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 26 destinations across the country. In 2025, the airport served over 3 million passengers. For more information, visit www.flytulsa.com.

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