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RELEASE – Stuffed Flights Ahead as Thanksgiving Travel Hits a 17 Year High at Reno-Tahoe International Airport

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Plan Ahead to Avoid Parking Challenges and Win Free Flights While You Wait 

RENO, Nev. (Nov. 21, 2024) – With the highest number of scheduled seats in 17 years, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is preparing for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season. A 12% increase in scheduled seats compared to last year and an estimated 15% rise in total passengers highlights the importance of planning ahead.  

The busiest travel days are expected to be Nov. 22, 26, 27 and Dec. 1, 2024. The airport urges travelers to arrive early, consider alternative transportation and be prepared for limited parking availability during this period. 

“This Thanksgiving is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years,” said Graham Ritz, Director of Operations at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “We want everyone to enjoy their journey, so arriving early, adding extra time for the possibility of parking in an overflow lot and taking advantage of our programs like ‘Wait & Win’ are key to a smooth experience.” 

Feast on These Tips for Smooth Thanksgiving Travel: 

Plan ahead because parking will be limited. The surge in travelers means RNO’s close and convenient parking lots will reach capacity during peak travel days. Onsite and offsite overflow parking will be available, but spaces will fill quickly and may add significant time to your trip.  

Here are some tips to make your holiday travel smoother: 

  • Allow Extra Time: Plan additional time to find parking, especially if overflow lots are being used. 
  • Check Parking Availability: Visit the airport’s website to check real-time parking updates before leaving home. 
  • Consider a Ride: Skip parking altogether by arranging a ride with a friend or rideshare service. 
  • Group Travel Hack: Drop passengers and luggage at the curb before parking in an overflow lot for a hassle-free experience. 

RNO is offering a holiday bonus for pick-up drivers with the return of the “Wait & Win” Giveaway. To keep the holiday season stress-free, passengers are reminded to allow about 20 minutes for travelers to deplane, collect baggage and make their way to the curb. So, if you’re picking up loved ones, skip curbside waiting and head to the Free Waiting Lot for your chance to win flights with the airport’s “Wait & Win” giveaway. 

Here’s how it works: 

  • Park in the Free Waiting Lot, just 4 minutes from the terminal. 
  • Scan the QR code on the lot’s signage to complete a quick survey and enter the giveaway. 
  • Once your passengers are ready, they can call you for pickup at the curb. 

The “Wait & Win” giveaway runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, 2024, giving participants a chance to win flights while helping reduce curbside congestion. 

For more information on parking availability and holiday travel tips, visit https://www.renoairport.com/  

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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. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.

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