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RELEASE – Dash(er) Your Way Through Reno-Tahoe International Airport this Busy Holiday Season

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"Giant Slalom" statue in the RTIA entrance area.

All We Want for the Holidays is for You to Arrive Early

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 19, 2023) – As impressive crowds pass through Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) this holiday season, airport staff are working around the clock to make the travel experience festive, stress-free, and safe.

RNO is expecting over 16,000 passengers to travel through the airport on peak travel days, which is slightly higher than the airport saw in 2022. The busiest days are estimated to be Dec. 21, 22 and 28.

Travel tips for departures:

  • Arrive at least two hours prior to departure.
  • Allow extra time for parking and rental car returns – visit www.renoairport.com for real-time parking availability and flight status updates.
  • Wheelchair assistance will likely require additional time. Reminder: we have a heated bus shelter for passengers waiting for a wheelchair located curbside.
  • Do not wrap gifts. Wait until you reach your destination to wrap holiday gifts as the TSA may need to unwrap them for inspection.

Travel tips for picking up passengers:

  • Pay attention to construction and overflow lot signage – consider passenger drop-off curbside before parking.
  • Take advantage of the Free Waiting Lot, located just minutes from the airport. Motorists using the Free Waiting Lot can enter to win free airfare. The sweepstakes runs now through Dec. 31, 2023.

Paws 4 Passengers therapy dogs will be at RNO to greet passengers Dec. 21, 22, 28, and 29.

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is also brightening the travel experience through its Arts at the Airport program, featuring holiday music during December, called Sounds of the Season, with performances on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t forget to check out the Home Means Nevada art exhibit in the depARTures Gallery on the C-Concourse.

Media is invited to interview airport spokespeople and capture the performances on Thursday, Dec. 21 and Friday Dec. 22 (two of the busiest travel days!) from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please call the media line at 844-766-4636 to confirm a time.

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Twelve airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.