Richmond International Airport Offers Tips for Holiday Travel

Check this list before arriving at the checkpoint to prepare

The holidays are a magical time of year, but, as you get ready to travel, don’t wish for a smooth journey. Plan for it.

With over 180,000 passengers expected to visit Richmond International Airport (RIC) during the December holiday period (December 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026), travelers are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, check-in, and security screening. The helpful tips below will give you the tools to travel like a pro this season — reindeer not included.

“To-do lists can get long around the holidays and double checking to ensure you’re following travel regulations may seem like one more thing, but the preparation will pay off in time saved,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission. “Providing a world-class customer experience is our priority, and knowing these travel tips beforehand can help us get you quickly on your way to your holiday destination.”

Holiday Travel Tips

• Remember the 90/40 Rule: Be in the terminal and check in at least 90 minutes early and be at your boarding gate 40 minutes before departure. Get a jump on the holiday rush by arriving early.
• Make Time to Get REAL ID: Visit your local department of motor vehicles to obtain your federally compliant REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. As of May 7, 2025, all passengers boarding commercial aircraft are required to present a REAL ID or another federally approved form of identification.
• Follow the 3-1-1 Rule That Limits Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on baggage. All items should fit into one clear, quart-sized bag, and one bag is permitted per passenger. As a general rule, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then the carry-on quantity is limited.
• Prepare for security: Have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out and remove electronics, including those larger than a cell phone and your 3-1-1 compliant liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Check for prohibited items: Use the “Can I bring my…” feature on TSA’s website and the “MyTSA” app to check what items are allowed/ not allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
• Bringing Electronics: You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and handheld gaming consoles, from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing on or under them for X-ray screening. Labeling electronics with contact information or taping a business card to them can help TSA return them to you if they are lost or left behind at the checkpoint.
• Food is Subject to Inspection: Food items, like pies and cakes, are permitted but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure whether a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.
• Traveling with Gifts: While wrapped gifts are allowed, security officers may need to unwrap a gift to resolve an alarm. TSA recommends passengers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them ahead of time to avoid the possibility of having to open them during the screening process.

For more travel tips from the Transportation Security Administration, click here.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world. Eleven passenger airlines and four dedicated cargo carriers offer service from RIC with connecting options to points around the globe. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, activities attributable to the Airport create nearly 16,000 jobs and contribute about $2.1 billion in annual economic activity to Virginia’s Capital Region. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.

Contacts:

Susan Rowland
Sr. Specialist – Public Relations and Corporate Communications
srowland@flyrichmond.com

Troy M. Bell, C.M.
Director – Air Service Development and Corporate Communications
tbell@flyrichmond.com