RDM holidays advice: Expect long lines, arrive earlier

But hope on horizon: 450-stall parking expansion coming in 2020

(Update: Adding Zachary Bass comments and video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Increased travel associated with the upcoming 2019 holiday season means passengers using Redmond Municipal Airport should prepare for longer wait times at TSA security checkpoints and limited parking availability, officials said Wednesday.

Here's their full advisory about the busy holiday travel season:

Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours prior to their scheduled departure time.  TSA screening begins at 3:45 a.m. daily.  To avoid unnecessary delays, check all baggage for weapons, and other hazardous items and be ready to remove all snacks and electronic objects larger than a cell phone prior to travel. 

All items must comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Solid food items are acceptable.  Containers of jams, jellies and similar food items are not allowed in carry-on baggage.  If traveling with gifts, please leave them unwrapped.  Additional TSA travel tips and packing information can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/.

Parking availability in the main lot may be limited during the holidays.  Travelers are encouraged to check parking availability on the Airport website at http://www.flyrdm.com/?Airport-Parking-Lot-Cams, which features live parking lot web-cams, parking availability alerts and other important travel information. 

Parking rates at all RDM parking lots are based on time of entry (not entry date) and run on a 24-hour period.

• $1.00 for the first 30 minutes and $2.00 for 31-60 minutes

• $2.00 for each additional hour (and any part thereof)

• $15.00 per day Maximum (over a 24-hour period)

Payments can be made with cash, debit card or credit card - checks are not accepted. To provide an additional parking option, RDM has recently opened a new 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). Additional parking information can be found online at http://www.flyrdm.com/?Airport-Parking--Map

Please remember the curb at the front of the Airport Terminal is for active loading and unloading only. Unauthorized waiting and/or parking violations are subject to a $50 citation. The Cell Phone Waiting area is located across the street from the Airport along SW Salmon Avenue.

Be prepared to leave or arrive in winter weather that may present slippery or hazardous conditions. Allow extra time for driving and walking safely. Additional Airport, Airline, and flight information can be found online at www.flyrdm.com

According to Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass, the airport is expecting a record-breaking number of travelers in the month of November. The airport is anticipating an estimated 85,000 travelers for the month. That is a 15% increase from last year.

Bass told NewsChannel 21 the airport has taken steps to account for the added number of holiday travelers.

“We have opened up 100 extra spots in a credit card-only lot, so that’s helping,” said Bass said. “At this point, we are not seeing our normal parking lot as busy as it has been, because of the additional spots.”

The airport is also planning on adding a bigger parking lot next year. Bass has plans to potentially expand the terminal as well in coming years.

“We have a new parking lot that will be 450 spots. We are hoping to start working on that in the spring,” Bass said.  “Over the next  five years we are looking at the ability of expanding the terminal.”

The city of Redmond is out to bid on the new 450-slot parking area, as well as reconstruction of the vendor parking lot and expansion of the taxi parking lane at the terminal building. A pre-bid meeting is set for Dec. 11.

The Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is currently served by six air carriers with 28 direct flights. The main terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Boarding lounge amenities include a children’s play area, nursing room, free book exchange, and a coffee/gift shop. A family friendly restaurant and a full -service bar are located post-security (open daily at 5:00 A.M.) Additional links to TSA, Airport amenities, Air Carrier and flight information can be found online at www.flyrdm.com.