Officials want to remind travelers the Reno-Tahoe International Airport will see the busiest days of the year this week.
Christmas week through New Year's Day will have the highest number of passengers since COVID impacted air travel in March.
The airport wants travelers to know the airport will be working to provide the safest and most sanitary experience possible.
December 23 will be the busiest travel day at the airport with over 5,000 people scheduled to depart. With increased traffic over the holidays, staff will continue working to ensure sanitation efforts meet the travel demand.
Airport holiday traditions such as caroling, musical performances and random acts from the Kindness Take Flight team are canceled. The New Year's Resolution wall will be on full display past security from December 28 to January 4 to encourage passengers to share their resolutions for 2021.
The airport's Paws 4 Passenger teams will also be working to bring holiday cheer during busy travel times.
Travelers are still urged to arrive early and allow time for parking, check-in and TSA security lines.
The following tips will help make the experience less stressful:
- Arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure or two hours before international flights
- Allow extra time to return rental cars
- TSA will staff the security checkpoint starting at 4 a.m. The following is required for the screening process:
- Empty pockets and remove shoes and jewelry and place them in the bins provided
- Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from carry-on bags. This is required (i.e. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles).
- Make sure to retrieve all belongings after screening
- Wear comfortable clothing and masks but be prepared to remove coats, jackets and all outwear
- Know TSA 311 rule - liquids, gels and aerosols must be packed in a one-quart plastic baggie and one baggie per customer place in its own bin. Exception is for hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces during the pandemic
- Food brought through security requires extra screening
- Call airline prior to departure to check flight status or sign up for automated alerts to your smart phone
- Download boarding passes at home
- Unaccompanied minors or senior travelers can request permission from airline ticket counter personnel to accompany the passenger to the gate. Proper ID will be required to drop off and pick up a child or senior
- Do not wrap gifts, TSA may need to unwrap them for inspection
In addition to mask requirement, the airport has 1,000 social distancing stickers and plexiglass shielding at every counter. In-depth cleaning is conducted throughout the day and airport employees and passengers are encouraged to wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
