Prepare for take off ✈️

All you need to know about RDU

RAL_terminal2RDUsunset_SEPT2025
RDU is the Triangle’s connection to 70+ nonstop destinations across the nation and globe. | Photo by Brady Lambert via Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.

The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at RDU as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 48 nonstop routes.

What to know

  • TSA | According to RDU’s website, it takes ~30 minutes to get through security during off-peak hours, but could take longer during peak hours (early morning, midday, and evening). RDU recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights.
  • Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
  • Food and drink | Skip the line and pick up food or a coffee from getREEF — RDU’s virtual food hall. Place an order from your phone and it will be ready in 20 minutes or less in Terminal 2.
  • Reminder | Starting May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
  • Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.

Current airport updates

RDU has resumed implementation of its Vision 2040 Master Plan — a long-term and flexible outline of the airport’s plans to grow. The 25-year vision (which was delayed by COVID-19) includes projects like replacing RDU’s primary runway and adding new gates and amenities to Terminal 2. RDU expects to begin construction on its new, longer runway in 2023 with plans to open it in 2027.

Click the link below for more — we’re talking nonstop flights, gate information, and where to eat and drink.
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How early do you get to the airport before a flight?

A. Play it safe: 2+ hours
B. 1.5 hours is plenty
C. 1 hour is just right
D. Live dangerously: half an hour or less
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Thursday, Nov. 3
  • Taste and See | Thursday, Nov. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Refugee Hope Partners Welcome Center, 6625 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh | $15-$45 | Taste Afghani Baklava, African Sambusa, chai tea, and bites from local restaurants during this fundraising event.
  • Trivia Night | Thursday, Nov. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Vault Craft Beer, 518 W. South St., Raleigh | Free | Participate in a fun night of challenging trivia + grab dinner from a food truck.
Friday, Nov. 4
  • Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Friday, Nov. 4 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $25-$300 | Cheer on the Canes as they take on the Sabres.
  • Startup Holiday Market | Friday, Nov. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Raleigh Founded Warehouse, 310 S. Harrington St., Raleigh | Free | Shop from local startups, pop-up shops, and vendors to ring in the holiday season.
Saturday, Nov. 5
  • Wolfpack Football vs. Demon Deacons | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 8 p.m. | Carter Finley Stadium, 4600 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $62-$275 | No. 21 NC State will play No. 20 Wake Forest at home.
  • YogaSix [Bloc] Party Grand Opening Celebration | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | YogaSix , 621 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Free | Check out the new studio, try a free class, and celebrate in the courtyard with food, drinks, massages, music, and more.
Plan Ahead
  • Pacer Preview | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | William Peace University, 15 East Peace St., Raleigh | Free | Attend this open house to receive info about the admissions process, hear from current WPU students + more.*
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 72º | Mostly sunny | 8% chance of rain ☀️
Announced
  • J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Festival will return to Dix Park April 1-2, 2023. Last year’s large-scale, multi-stage event featured headliners like Kehlani, Lil Baby, and Wiz Khalifa. Sign up for the presale tickets password. 🌻
Open
  • Milklab is hosting its grand opening in Smoky Hollow this Saturday, Nov. 5. Stop by between 3-9 p.m. for premium boba tea and rolled ice cream. The first 130 customers will receive swag like hoodies, T-shirts, tumblers, and reusable straws.
Biz
  • MODE — a designer consignment boutique — has moved to a new spot in the Village District. The shop is open and operating seven days a week at 510 Daniels St. 🛍️
Development
  • The Preiss Company plans to develop more student housing by NC State near the university’s Greek Village. The five-story development will have 236 units and a parking deck with ~450 spaces. Estimated completion is in 2026. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
Try This
Holiday
  • Kick off the holiday season with the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, Nov. 18. Arrive at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts by 6:15 p.m. to see the tree light up. There will be live entertainment, free photos with Santa, local vendors, and food trucks. 🎄
Shop
  • Ditch the paper napkins. Opt for a set of handsewn, eco-friendly linen napkins instead. This Etsy seller offers four different colors to add a cozy yet elegant look to your holiday tablescape.*
Featured Job
  • Strike & Barrel is hiring a Restaurant General Manager, Bartender, Server, and Night Manager to run all aspects of high volume food + beverage operation in an entertainment venue. Learn more + apply.*
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A new name for $14 million

The Performing Arts Center’s $14 million new name

The exterior of Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts lit up at night.
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts has been renamed. | Courtesy of Raleigh Gov
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts will soon be renamed Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Raleigh-based company Martin Marietta Materials is a public supplier of construction and heavy building materials with 500+ facilities in 28 states, Canada, and the Bahamas.

City Council approved the name change after a public hearing on Tuesday evening. In exchange for naming rights, Martin Marietta will pay the city $518,000 per year with a 3% increase annually for 20 years — a price tag that adds up to nearly $14 million. The deal is eligible for two, five-year extension terms.

This additional funding for the Performing Arts Center will be used for items like uniforms, advertising, and repairs. Most of the revenue ($316,200) will be kept in reserves.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: I’ve picked up a new hobby — crocheting. After watching local business The Woobles on “Shark Tank”, I was influenced to order my own crochet kit. I’m currently making Fred the Dino with two of my friends (I made them buy kits, too). 🦖

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Compost your old pumpkins instead of trashing them.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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