Nearly 70,000 passengers expected over Memorial Day travel period as TUL launches new nonstop routes
TULSA, OKLA. – May 19, 2026 – With Memorial Day weekend marking the start of summer travel, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is prepared for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Airport officials are encouraging passengers to plan ahead, arrive early and take advantage of the airport’s many amenities and resources. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time to allow time for parking, check-in and TSA screening.
An estimated 70,000 passengers are expected to fly in or out of Tulsa International Airport between May 21-25, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Friday, May 22, and Monday, May 25, are expected to be the busiest days of the holiday weekend. The increase compared to Memorial Day weekend 2025 is driven by expanded service over the past year from both new and existing airlines serving the Tulsa market. Examples include new daily service from Alaska Airlines to San Diego and Seattle, as well as new Sun Country Airlines nonstop service to Cancun and Minneapolis launching this week.
Top destinations for Tulsans this summer:
• Cancun
• Destin
• Minneapolis
• Nashville
• New York City
• San Diego
• Seattle
“Summer is one of the busiest and most exciting seasons at the airport, and travelers have more choices than ever this year,” said Kim Kuehler, Communications Manager at Tulsa International Airport. “With new daily Alaska Airlines service to Seattle and San Diego, plus expanded schedules from several of our airline partners, Tulsans have even more nonstop opportunities to plan their summer trips. Our team is committed to making the experience as smooth and welcoming as possible from curb to gate.”
Planning ahead for your trip
- REAL ID and ConfirmID: Since Feb. 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or another TSA-approved ID have been required to use TSA’s ConfirmID service at security checkpoints. ConfirmID requires advance online registration and a $45 fee per person, valid for 10 days of travel.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
- Fuel & Fly Mart: Travelers and visitors can now stop by the new Fuel & Fly Mart, which opened on airport property last month. Conveniently located for those picking up passengers, fueling up before a trip or returning a rental car, the store offers snacks, beverages and other grab-and-go essentials.
- 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 every Friday throughout the summer. Schedules available at flytulsa.com.
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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