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Summer travel season is upon us and that means more people are taking to the skies than usual. This July is set to be the busiest month of the year at AVL. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to be a savvy summer traveler and make your trip during this busy time a smooth one.
1. More time = less stress: It is more important than ever to allow yourself extra time before your flight. To ensure you have plenty of time to park, get to the terminal, check in and go through security, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your flight’s boarding time (not departure time). Flights can begin boarding up to 45 minutes prior to departure.
2. Know the rules and pack smart: There are certain items that cannot be packed in a carry-on bag. To save yourself time at the TSA checkpoint, know the rules about packing liquids in carry-on bags and the items that are prohibited. You may find yourself held up at the checkpoint if you pack incorrectly, which also holds up the line for other travelers.
Another important thing to know is that with the scanners at AVL’s checkpoint, you can leave your 3-1-1 liquids and electronics in your carry on bag! You will need to place your bag in a bin, so make sure your carry on meets the size requirements.
3. Make a plan for parking: Parking will be very full this summer and the lots will fill. AVL has multiple parking options, which you can read about on our website. Take a look at the parking map (located on our website) before coming to the airport so that you are familiar with the layout. AVL also has live parking numbers available on the website so you can view the status of each lot and make a parking plan before you arrive.
4. Check-in online if you’re not checking a bag: If you are not checking a bag, check-in online via the airline’s app or website. This will allow you to download a digital boarding pass (with a QR code) so that you can proceed directly to TSA security and skip the lines at the ticket counters. If you are checking a bag, know that lines may be long this summer, and allow yourself extra time.
5. Be flexible: This will be a busy summer, and it can be stressful when there are full parking lots and long lines. Allowing yourself extra time is an important step, but also being flexible and patient is the way to go.
To keep things flowing smoothly this summer, AVL has put plans into place like an outside ticket queue, which is open during the busier times in order to reduce congestion in the ticket counter lobby. When you arrive at the terminal, look to see if the outdoor queue is open. If it is, and you are economy or main cabin seating, proceed to the outdoor queue and friendly staff will direct lines into the lobby as space allows.
There are other big changes taking place at AVL this summer with the construction progressing, so be patient and flexible and stay tuned for a beautiful new concourse next summer!
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