TULSA, OK – May 21, 2025 – With Memorial Day weekend marking the start of summer travel, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is gearing up for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons in recent years. An estimated 67,000 passengers are expected to fly in or out of Tulsa International Airport between the days of May 22^nd-26^th, which is a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26 are expected to be the busiest days of the holiday weekend.

Airport officials are suggesting passengers plan ahead, arrive early, and take advantage of the airport’s many amenities and resources. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time to allow for parking, check-in, and TSA screening without stress.

Top Destinations for Tulsans this Summer:

• Cancun
• Destin
• Los Angeles
• Nashville
• New York City
• Tampa

“Working closely with our parking operator, airline and rental car partners, and our shops and restaurants, we’re well-prepared to handle the busy summer travel season,” said Kim Kuehler, Communications Manager at Tulsa International Airport. “The biggest change travelers will notice this year is the implementation of the REAL ID requirement, which went into effect on May 7th. We want to remind everyone to ensure they have an acceptable form of ID before heading to the airport.”

1. Planning ahead for your trip:
   • Pack smart and review TSA’s guidelines for prohibited items.
   • REAL ID enforcement is now in effect. Travelers must have a REAL ID driver’s license or another TSA-accepted form of identification, such as a passport, for domestic flights. View the full list of acceptable IDs athttps://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

2. Parking and leaving for the airport:
   • Check with your airline for any last-minute updates before leaving home.
   • The TSA checkpoint opens at 3:45 a.m. Passengers should arrive 90 minutes prior to departure.
   • Plan your parking in advance. TUL offers Garage, Economy, and Valet parking options. Learn more at 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 73^rd Ave, where airport parking shuttles would be running to transport passengers to and from the terminal.

3. TSA Security Checkpoint reminders:
   • The live TUL security wait time is posted on the airport’s home page at flytulsa.com
   • Sign up for CLEAR Plus at the airport to expedite identity verification and access the front of the security line.

4. Shopping and dining information:
   • Retail and Food options can be found here: https://flytulsa.com/travel/amenities/dining-shopping/

5. 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 [email protected].
   • 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 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 Discovery Lab interactive play area is located between Gate B7 and B9.

6. Picking up or dropping off passengers at TUL:
   • Active loading/unloading only is permitted curbside. Drivers can wait in the free Cell Phone Lot or park in short-term parking on the top level of the garage to greet passengers inside.
   • 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 free 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 International Airport: Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is dedicated to providing a seamless, friendly, and accessible travel experience for all passengers. Known for its customer-centric approach and forward-thinking initiatives, TUL connects travelers to destinations across the globe while maintaining its commitment to the community it serves. Five air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 23 destinations across the country. In 2024, the airport served 3.24 million passengers. For more information, visit www.flytulsa.com.

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