If you’re flying out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you’ve got a solid lineup of airlines to pick from. Delta Air Lines stands out as one of the best options because of its strong presence and wide selection of routes from RDU.
Alongside Delta, you’ll see big names like American, Southwest, and Breeze offering plenty of nonstop flights. That means you can usually find something that fits your travel plans, whether you’re a planner or just winging it.
RDU serves a surprising number of destinations with daily flights from about 19 airlines. Whether you’re heading to a big hub like Atlanta or somewhere smaller, you’ll probably find a convenient nonstop option.
That often makes trips more direct—and honestly, who doesn’t want to skip extra layovers?
Knowing which airlines fly out of RDU and where they go can help you pick the right carrier for your needs. It’s worth weighing flight routes, schedules, and the overall airport vibe before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers loads of nonstop flights to popular destinations.
- Delta’s got a strong presence and plenty of route options from RDU.
- Picking the right airline can really simplify your air travel experience.
Major Airlines Operating from Raleigh-Durham International Airport
You’ll find a bunch of top airlines at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), flying all over the U.S. and even internationally. These carriers offer a mix of nonstop and connecting flights, so you can tailor your trip to what works best.
American Airlines
American Airlines is the busiest carrier at RDU, with around 368 weekly departures. That gives you a wide variety of domestic and international flight choices.
You can fly nonstop to big hubs like Dallas, Charlotte, and Chicago. American’s network connects you to plenty of partner destinations, which is great for both business and leisure.
If you fly often, their loyalty program isn’t bad either. American really dominates here, so if you want lots of time choices or easy connections, it’s a reliable pick.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines runs a bunch of flights at RDU, including nonstop service to hubs like Atlanta and Detroit. That makes it easy to connect onward or tap into Delta’s global network.
Delta’s known for solid reliability and a comfortable onboard experience. The airline partners with other carriers worldwide, which can open up even more destinations.
Booking and flying with Delta from Raleigh usually feels smooth, whether it’s for work or just a quick getaway.
United Airlines
United Airlines has regular flights from RDU, mainly to its hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles. From there, you can connect across the U.S. and beyond.
United’s a good option for frequent flyers or anyone who wants flexible schedules. Their loyalty program and premium services are nice perks if you’re into added comfort.
It might not be the biggest carrier at RDU, but United still gets you to key cities and international routes.
International Carriers
RDU also hosts a handful of international airlines, so you can fly abroad without tacking on extra connections. These include:
- Air France (to Paris)
- Lufthansa (to Frankfurt)
- Air Canada (to Toronto)
- Copa Airlines (to Panama City)
- Aeromexico (to Mexico City)
- Icelandair (to Reykjavik)
A lot of these carriers link you to Europe, Canada, Latin America, and even Iceland. Nonstop flights can save serious time, whether it’s for work or a much-needed vacation.
On top of that, smaller U.S.-based airlines like Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Sun Country, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines cover a lot of domestic ground. They’re handy for reaching regional airports and usually come with budget-friendly fares.
Top Destinations and Nonstop Flights from RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers a pretty wide range of nonstop flights to major cities in the US and abroad. You can find something convenient whether you’re sticking to domestic trips or heading overseas.
The airport connects you to a bunch of major hubs and popular spots.
Domestic Routes
From RDU, you can catch nonstop flights to cities like Atlanta, New York City, Miami, Dallas, and Denver. Delta, American, and Southwest all serve these routes.
You’ll also find easy flights to business and leisure hotspots like Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Orlando.
Need to get somewhere smaller? There are flights to places like Syracuse, Burlington, and New Orleans too. Many of these run daily or pretty frequently, so you can keep your plans flexible.
International Destinations
RDU connects you to some key international cities as well. You can fly nonstop to places like Frankfurt in Germany, Rome in Italy, and San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Airlines like Aer Lingus, Air France, and Aeromexico handle these routes, which works for both vacationers and business travelers.
You get access to Europe and the Caribbean without layovers, which is always a win.
Nonstop and Direct Flight Options
At RDU, finding nonstop flights isn’t tough—they save you time compared to flights with stops. Airlines offer nonstop service on popular routes like Raleigh to Atlanta, New York City, and Miami.
Some direct flights might include a brief stop, but usually you won’t have to switch planes.
It’s easy to check schedules and find nonstop flights using tools like the flugkalender (flight calendar) or airline websites.
With 20+ airlines flying out of RDU, you can usually find options that fit your timing and budget, whether you’re into Breeze, Delta, or Avelo.
Airport Experience and Passenger Amenities
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is practical and user-friendly. You’ll find clear info for terminals, parking, security, and ground transportation.
Amenities like lounges, rental cars, and nearby hotels help keep the travel experience smooth.
Terminals and Lounges
RDU has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 mostly serves domestic flights and airlines like Southwest.
Terminal 2 handles international travel and larger carriers, such as Delta and American. Both terminals offer free WiFi and plenty of power outlets in seating areas.
If you want to chill before your flight, there are airport lounges. Delta Sky Club is in Terminal 2, with comfy seating and snacks.
Lounge access depends on your airline and ticket type, so check before you go.
Parking and Ground Transportation
Parking at RDU comes in several flavors. There’s an Hourly Parking Garage close to the terminals for quick trips.
For longer stays, the Daily Parking Lot and Economy Lot have lower rates, and shuttles run to the terminals.
Ground transportation includes taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars. Rental counters are right near the terminals, with big names like Hertz and Enterprise.
You can book parking or a rental car ahead of time at ParkRDU.com if you’re the plan-ahead type.
Security and TSA PreCheck
Security screening at RDU is organized to keep wait times down. The airport supports TSA PreCheck, which gives approved travelers access to faster security lines.
That’s especially handy during peak travel days.
It’s smart to arrive early for security, especially if you don’t have PreCheck. Both terminals have their own checkpoints, so double-check your departure terminal to save time.
Airport signs and staff are helpful if you get turned around.
Hotel and Rental Car Services
There are several hotels near RDU for easy overnight stays. You’ll find budget and mid-range options in Durham and Chapel Hill, all within a short drive.
Staying offsite can be cheaper than airport hotels in Charlotte or other cities nearby.
Rental car services at the airport are convenient, with counters right by baggage claim. You’ve got choices from economy cars to SUVs.
Booking ahead is smart to make sure you get what you want, and most companies let you pick up and drop off your car right at the airport.
Choosing the Best Airline for Your Travel Needs
When you’re flying out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, it’s worth thinking about which airline matches your budget, comfort level, and travel goals. Consider seating classes, rewards programs, and how to score the best deals.
Comparing Service Classes
Airlines from Raleigh/Durham offer different seating options: economy, premium economy, business class, and first class. If you want a bit more legroom and a quieter boarding experience, premium economy is a solid pick.
For business trips or longer flights, business class gives you more comfort, better meals, and priority services. First class is the top tier—super nice, but usually pretty pricey.
Sometimes, booking a round trip (hin- und rückflug) ticket is cheaper than two one-ways. This is especially true for flights from Raleigh/Durham.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Most airlines flying out of Raleigh/Durham have loyalty programs that reward frequent flyers. You rack up points for free flights, upgrades, or discounts.
Pick a rewards program that fits how you usually travel. For example, Southwest and JetBlue team up with Chase credit cards to help you earn points faster.
Check if the airline lets you use points for round trip flights or flights with partner carriers. Some programs throw in extra perks when you book a business-class-flüge or first-class seat.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights
If you’re flying out of Raleigh/Durham, try to book your tickets at least 3-4 weeks ahead. That extra planning time can really make a difference on price.
Being flexible with your dates? That’s a big one—sometimes just shifting by a day or two can save you a surprising amount.
Set up price alerts and poke around on different airline sites. Frontier sometimes drops fares super low, though the trade-offs can be real.
Southwest and JetBlue run promos now and then, but you might notice they don’t cover as many routes.
Booking a hin- und rückflug (round-trip) together can snag you a better deal. And don’t sleep on flying at weird hours or midweek—it’s not glamorous, but it’s often cheaper.