By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — If you’re planning on traveling this Spring Break, Tulsa International Airport has some tips and advice to help make your plans run as smoothly as possible.
“Spring break is always an exciting time at the airport, and this year travelers have even more options to choose from,” said Kim Kuehler, communications manager at Tulsa International Airport. “With new daily Alaska Airlines service to Seattle and San Diego, along with additional flights from several of our airline partners, Tulsans have more ways to plan their spring break getaways. Behind the scenes, our team works hard to keep the travel experience easy and enjoyable.”
Seat capacity at the Tulsa airport is up 5% from last year’s Spring break week, meaning the week is expected to be busy.
If you plan to travel, it’s encouraged that you arrive early and plan ahead. The airport has several new amenities that are intended to ease the stress and chaos of airport travel.
The airport recommends you do the following to help plan ahead:
- Have your identification and documents ready! As of Feb. 1, passengers who will be going through any TSA checkpoint in the United States will need a REAL ID. If you do not have one, you will be required to use TSA’s ConfirmID service. Passengers also have the option of Touchless ID, where eligible TSA PreCheck travelers can verify their identity using facial recognition instead of a physical ID. Learn more about Touchless ID here.
- Passengers who use the ConfirmID service will pay $45 per person for identity verification.
- ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days of travel and must be paid in advance online.
- If you choose to use ConfirmID, remember to still bring your state issued ID and any other documents (i.e. a passport) necessary for traveling.
- Pack smart! Remember that there are weight regulations on your suitcase. Check to make sure you have all of your necessities and be careful to not under or overpack. Reminder, liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less.
- For a list of TSA packing regulations, click here.
- For a general travel checklist, click here.
- Be mindful of your flight status and schedule! Flights can be delayed, grounded, or even canceled altogether for various reasons. Be sure to confirm your flight details on your airline’s website or app directly before you leave for the airport.
- After you’ve confirmed your flight details, be sure to plan accordingly for arriving at the airport. Arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for time to get through TSA checkpoints. Tulsa security checkpoints open at 3:45 a.m.
- Plan for parking! The Tulsa International Airport has several options — garage, economy, and valet. For more information on prices and details, click here.
- Remember the curbside rules for dropping off guests at the airport! Active loading and unloading is allowed at the curb, parking is not. There is a free cellphone lot located behind the Hilton Garden Inn for passengers who need to park short-term.
- Visitors who are dropping travelers off and are not traveling themselves have the option of the TUL Visitor Pass. This free pass allows them to pass through security with their loved ones, greet them at the gate, and enjoy terminal amenities.
Once you’ve settled into the Tulsa International Airport, you can take advantage of all the amenities offered!
- TUL Escape Lounge is the airport’s business lounge located to the left of security. This lounge is open from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and is welcome to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class.
- Access is $35 when pre-booked and $45 at the door.
- The lounge features a curated menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner; complimentary hot and cold beverages; a family-friendly atmosphere; and free entry for children under three.
- Discovery Lab Play Area is the perfect place for kids to release some energy as you wait to board a flight. It is located between Gates B7 and B9.
- Kids also have the option to do arts and crafts in various gates across the airport thanks to TUL’s Art Carts.
- Live music can be enjoyed at Gate A1 during Spring Break. The ‘Tunes at TUL’ program will have three live performances throughout the week.
- Sunday, March 15, 9:30–10:30 a.m. – Steve Liddell
- Tuesday, March 17, 1–2 p.m. – Jamie May
- Friday, March 20, 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Tom Pevear
Other resources available for travelers include guest service areas that include sensory rooms for kids, mothers’ room, adult quiet rooms, family bathrooms, and indoor animal relief areas, located on the lower levels of Concourses A and B; free ASL and visual interpreting services for guests who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/low visibility through the Aira app; and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard Program where travelers with hidden disabilities or travel anxiety can request a free Sunflower Lanyard to denote that they may need extra assistance or patience from airport staff.
For more information on traveling, tips, and resources at Tulsa International Airport, click here.
