Spring Break Takes Off at Richmond International Airport

Tips for travelers breaking away for an early vacation

Whether you’re seeking sun this spring break or flying to a favorite place regardless of the temperature, planning ahead can make your airport experience a breeze. Richmond International Airport (RIC) has a few tips to help you prepare.

Between early March and early April, nearly 190,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport on the way to and from their spring break destinations. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, check-in, and security screening.

“Spring break travel is the first sign warmer weather is on the horizon, but no matter whether you’ve been planning for months or just bought your ticket, prioritize your preparation before you get to the airport,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission. “Richmond International Airport is our region’s gateway to the world, and our goal is to provide a smooth customer experience en route to your final destination.”

Spring Break Travel Tips

Remember the 90/40 Rule: Be in the terminal and checked in at least 90 minutes early and be at your boarding gate 40 minutes before departure. Minimize your stress 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.

No REAL ID? Be Prepared for ConfirmID: TSA ConfirmID is a fee-based alternative identification process for travelers with a lost ID or without an acceptable form of ID to use when boarding a flight. The cost is $45 and can be paid in advance.  Passengers who anticipate needing this service are urged to allow extra time as verification takes an average of 10-15 minutes.

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: 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)

Propelling regional prosperity through world-class customer experience and operational excellence, the vision of Richmond International Airport (RIC) is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world. In partnership with its air carriers, RIC welcomed a record 4.92 million passengers and handled 223 million pounds of cargo in 2025. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, airport-related activity supports more than 14,000 jobs and generates approximately $2.4 billion in annual economic impact across Virginia’s Capital Region. Learn more on the web, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Threads, or LinkedIn.