TULSA, OK – May 21, 2024 – With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is preparing for an exceptionally busy summer travel season. Airline seat capacity at TUL for Summer 2024 (May – August) has increased by 6% compared to last year. Airline seat capacity at an airport refers to the total number of seats available on all the flights departing from that airport over a specific period. Across the U.S., TSA expects to screen 18 million passengers and crew over Memorial Day weekend, with the busiest day expected to be Friday, May 24th. To help passengers enjoy a smooth travel experience, TUL is pleased to offer a series of essential summer travel tips.
“In close collaboration with our parking operator, airline and rental car partners, as well as our shops and restaurants, we are fully prepared to manage the increased travel volumes this summer.”, said Kim Kuehler, Tulsa International Airport’s Communications Manager. “”We encourage passengers to arrive early to give themselves plenty of time, and to make the most of our latest offerings within the terminal, such as our Guest Services Areas or the new Discovery Lab play area.”
- Planning ahead for your trip:
- Pack smart and remember to check the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines for prohibited items.
- The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. This means Oklahomans can continue to use their current driver license or Oklahoma identification card to fly domestically.
- Parking and leaving for the airport:
- Check directly with your airline for any last-minute changes prior to leaving for the airport.
- Passengers should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time, keeping in mind the checkpoint does not open until 3:45 a.m.
- Construction notice near TUL: The eastbound I-244 ramp to SH-11 (Tulsa International Airport exit) is closed through 2024 for bridge rehab. Drivers using eastbound I-244 can follow the airport detour signs that lead them to use Mingo Rd. Detour should only add a few minutes to airport commute. Drivers coming from Downtown Tulsa can also use northbound US-75 and eastbound SH-11 to reach the airport.
- Plan where you will park before leaving for the airport. Passengers have three convenient parking options when traveling from TUL – Garage, Economy and Valet. To learn more about parking services, visit https://flytulsa.com/travel/parking/parking-options-map/.
- Passengers can expedite their parking experience and earn free parking for every dollar spent by signing up for TUL Parking Perks. Visit tulparkingperks.com/.
- In anticipation of airport parking options potentially reaching capacity, TUL has set up an overflow parking lot that would be utilized if the Garage, Economy, and Valet parking options are full. If overflow parking is needed, passengers would then be guided by staff to the lot off E. Young Pl. and N 73rd Ave, where airport parking shuttles would be running to transport passengers to and from the terminal.
- TSA Security Checkpoint reminders:
- The live TUL security wait time is posted on the airport’s home page at flytulsa.com
- Passengers can sign up for a CLEAR Plus membership at the airport. CLEAR Plus allows passengers to get to their gate faster by using their eyes or fingerprints to verify their identity at airport security and gives them access to the front of the security queueing lane.
- Shopping and dining information:
- Shopping and dining information can be found here: https://flytulsa.com/travel/amenities/dining-shopping/
- Airport amenities and accessibility resources:
- Passengers who may need extra assistance while traveling can utilize the airport’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program. If requested, the airport will provide sunflower lanyards free of charge to passengers with hidden disabilities. Wearing the sunflower lanyard is a discrete way for a person with a disability to make staff throughout the terminal aware that they may need additional time or assistance navigating the air travel experience. Lanyards are available in the airport lobby in room A-211 or by sending an e-mail to [emailprotected].
- TUL’s two Guest Services Areas are open, offering sensory rooms, mother’s rooms, quiet rooms, family restrooms with both standard and adult-sized changing tables, and indoor service animal relief areas. Both Guest Services Areas are located on the lower level of Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Airport Ambassadors will be available to answer any questions or concerns that travelers may have at the airport.
- Welcome Waggin’ therapy dogs will be throughout the terminal greeting passengers.
- The airport has partnered with Discovery Lab to construct a play area for kids to enjoy post-security while waiting for their flight. The new play area is located between Gate B7 and B9.
- The Tunes at TUL live music program will have several performances during the summer. All Tunes at TUL sets are performed at Gate A1.
- Friday, May 24th, 1:00-2:00 p.m.: Desi & Cody
- Friday, May 31st, 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Emani
- Friday, June 7th, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Charlie Redd
- Friday, June 14th, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Madame Zeroni
- Friday, June 21st, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Travis Kidd
- Friday, June 28th, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Steve Liddell
- Picking up or dropping off passengers at TUL:
- When picking up or dropping off family and friends, remember that active loading and unloading is in place curbside. Drivers will not be allowed to park at the curb unless their passengers are outside with their luggage. Drivers can wait in the airport’s free cell phone lot while they wait for their party, or they can park in short-term parking on the top level of the garage if they want to greet them inside baggage claim.
- The TUL Visitor Pass program allows non-traveling individuals to secure a pass to go through security and see friends and family off on their trip, or to welcome their guests at the gate, and enjoy all the amenities that TUL has to offer. To register for a TUL Visitor Pass, visit https://flytulsa.com/tulvisitorpass.
Link to TUL passenger photos for media: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xatmsyyejh5hs85zit2z1/h?rlkey=2801ouusn5bg4xkziv58ubtyh&dl=0
About Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust: Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) administers, manages and operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS), both of which are owned by the City of Tulsa. TAIT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, self-supporting airport system for the citizens of the Tulsa metropolitan area and surrounding region.
About Tulsa International Airport: Five air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 22 destinations across the country. In 2023, the airport had the highest number of annual passengers since 2008 with a total of 3.14 million passengers. For more information visit www.flytulsa.com.
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