TULSA, OKLA. – November 19, 2025 – With Thanksgiving travel beginning this weekend, Tulsa International Airport is prepared for what is historically the busiest air travel week of the year. Between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1, the airport expects more than 70,000 passengers to fly through Tulsa, which is a 3.5% increase over the same period last year. The airport projects that the three busiest travel days will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after the holiday. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and take advantage of the airport’s new amenities.

“Thanksgiving is one of our favorite weeks of the year at TUL. We get to see families reconnecting, and we love helping people start their holidays on the right foot,” said Kim Kuehler, Communications Manager at Tulsa International Airport. “We’ve recently expanded accessibility resources and added new amenities like the Escape Lounge. Our team has worked hard to thoughtfully design the TUL experience to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible.”

Planning ahead for your trip

• REAL ID: REAL ID enforcement has been in effect since May 7, 2025. Travelers should have a REAL ID driver’s license or another TSA-accepted form of identification, such as a passport, for domestic flights. Passengers without an acceptable ID can still fly but should allow extra time for manual screening by TSA staff.
• 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. TSA now prohibits cordless or butane-fueled hair styling tools and spare gas cartridges in checked baggage. These tools are still allowed in carry-on bags with a safety cover; corded and battery-powered tools are unaffected.
• Liquids Rule: Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less.
• Food Items: Foods classified as liquids or gels, such as gravy, cranberry sauce and wine, should be packed in checked luggage if they exceed 3.4 ounces. Solid foods like baked goods are allowed through the checkpoint in any amount.

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 2-3 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 the holidays.

New amenities and free activities in the terminal

• TUL Escape Lounge: The airport’s first business lounge opened this summer 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 $45 when pre-booked online or $60 at the door. The lounge features a chef-curated, locally inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus complimentary hot and cold beverages, including alcohol and even locally brewed beer from American Solera.
• 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 be using the airport’s new “Art Cart” to offer free crafts for kids.
• Tunes at TUL: Enjoy live local music at Gate A1 during Thanksgiving week:
  • Saturday, November 22, 3:00–4:00 p.m. – Hot Toast
  • Sunday, November 23, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Steve Liddell
  • Wednesday, November 26, 3:00–4:00 p.m. – Charlie Redd
  • Sunday, November 30, 10:00–11:00 a.m. – Signature Symphony at TCC

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 with any 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, to 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. Eight air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 27 destinations across the country. In 2024, the airport served 3.24 million passengers.

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