More records fall as flights soar at RDM; airport offers reminders, tips to avoid headaches on your holiday trip

From checking on parking to two hours-early arrival and TSA security do's/don'ts

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)  Redmond Airport (RDM) has experienced a record number of passengers again in 2023 and expects the trend to continue over the upcoming holiday travel season. The increased passenger volume may lead to limited parking availability and increased waiting time in security screening lines, officials warned Sunday.

Travelers are encouraged to check RDM’s website at www.flyrdm.com for parking availability, located on the message scroll at the top of the page, before arriving at the airport.  

To help RDM passengers ‘know before they go,’ the airport website will be updated every 30 minutes with current parking availability. If limited spaces are available, please consider using alternate travel ride-share options during this holiday season.

“It is important for travelers to understand we may reach our parking capacity a number of times throughout the holidays,” states Zachary Bass, airport director. “Passengers are advised to arrive two hours prior to flight departure to check luggage and clear security, especially for flights departing between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.”  

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all travelers from RDM to place all electronics larger than a cell phone individually in bins separately from other items for X-ray screening. Items must comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Solid food items are acceptable. Containers of jams, jellies, and nut butters are not allowed in carry-on baggage. If traveling with gifts, please leave them unwrapped.

While state law allows marijuana possession, air service is regulated by federal law which prohibits marijuana possession. More information about traveling with allowed/prohibited items is available at www.tsa.gov. 

• Airport parking rates are $1.00 for the first 30 minutes, $2.00 for 31 to 60 minutes, then $2.00 for each additional hour.  hourly rate is effective. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted forms of payment. The maximum daily parking cost is $24.00. 
• RDM also has a credit card-only parking lot, located on the southwest side of the Airport near the main entrance (first lot entrance on the right-hand side). 
• The “cell phone waiting” area is free and located across the street from the Airport on Salmon Avenue. 
• The curb at the terminal is for active loading and unloading only, no parking or waiting is allowed, due to Federal regulations. (Unattended vehicles are subject to a $150 fine) 
• Be prepared to leave or arrive in winter weather that may present slippery or hazardous conditions. Wear proper footwear and allow extra time for driving and walking safely. 

The airport terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Boarding lounge amenities include a children’s play area, a Nursing Room, a free book exchange, a coffee/gift shop, a family-friendly restaurant, and a full-service bar (located post-security) that opens daily at 10:00 A.M.  

Additional links to TSA, Airport amenities, Air Carrier, and flight information can be found online at www.flyrdm.com.