Durham, North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main jumping-off point for folks around here heading abroad. It’s not exactly a sprawling international hub, but you do get a handful of reliable international flights with select airlines.
Air Canada stands out at RDU, offering routes to Toronto and Montreal. If you’re heading north, it’s the obvious pick.
Southwest and Avelo also show up at RDU, though their international offerings are pretty limited compared to Air Canada’s. When you’re picking an airline, think about your destination, flight times, and how easy it’ll be to get through RDU’s terminals.
Knowing which airline flies from which terminal can honestly save you a headache on travel day.
Key Takeaways
- Direct international flights from RDU mostly come from Air Canada.
- Terminal info can help you plan your airport routine.
- Knowing your airline choices makes picking international routes from Durham a little less stressful.
Top International Airlines at Durham North Carolina Airport
RDU offers a handful of international flights through a few solid airlines. Most of the action is to Canadian cities, though you might see more options popping up soon.
Figuring out which airlines run these routes—and how travelers feel about them—will help you decide who to book with.
Major Carriers Operating International Flights
At the moment, RDU’s main international airline is Air Canada (plus its regional partners). They’ll get you to Toronto and Montreal, two of Canada’s busiest cities.
Air Canada’s been around at RDU for more than twenty years. No other big international carriers have regular nonstop flights here yet, but that could change as the airport grows.
Keep your eyes peeled for new route announcements—there’s always a little buzz about what’s next, especially looking toward 2025.
Airline Route Networks and Destinations
From RDU, your main international options are those direct flights to Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL). They’re handy for both business and vacation travelers.
If you’re hoping to go further afield, you’ll need to connect through bigger U.S. or international airports. Atlanta and New York are the usual suspects for onward connections.
Airline Rankings and Reputation
Air Canada gets good marks for service on North American routes. A lot of folks appreciate the airline’s reliability and the comfort on those RDU–Canada flights.
The airport itself is known for being convenient and running pretty smoothly. If you’re after deals, you can set up price alerts—handy for snagging lower fares when new flights or airlines drop.
How to Find the Best International Flight Deals
If you want to score the lowest fares out of RDU, you’ll need to stay on top of prices and keep your plans flexible. There are tools for tracking fares, and sometimes it pays to look outside your usual options.
Being open with your travel dates and even which airport you use can save you a surprising amount.
Using Price Alerts for International Fares
Price alerts are a lifesaver. Set them up on sites like Skyscanner or Expedia for RDU flights, and you’ll get pinged when prices drop.
It’s smart to set alerts well in advance. Flight prices change constantly—sometimes daily—so the alerts help you buy at the right time.
You can track both direct and connecting flights, making it easier to compare and jump on a deal.
How to Flex Your Dates to Save Money
Weekday flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are usually cheaper than weekends. If you can shift your trip by a day or two, you’ll often see better prices.
Some booking sites have calendar views that make spotting the cheapest days a breeze. Avoiding holidays and peak travel times can also save you a bundle.
Sometimes, just flying a month earlier or later can make all the difference.
The Value of Adding Nearby Airports to Your Search
Don’t forget about airports like Greensboro or Charlotte. Including them in your search can open up more flight options and sometimes much better deals.
Of course, factor in the travel time and cost to get to those airports. Still, the savings on flights can easily outweigh the extra drive.
Sites that let you compare multiple airports side by side are super helpful for this.
Utilizing Everywhere Search for More Options
If you’re not dead set on a destination, try the “Everywhere” search on travel sites. Enter RDU as your starting point and see a list—or a map—of where you can go for cheap.
It’s a fun way to discover unexpected deals or new places to explore.
Essential Airport Tips for International Travelers
Flying internationally from Durham? A little prep goes a long way. Get familiar with terminal layouts, baggage rules, and your options for getting to and from the airport.
Navigating Durham North Carolina Airport International Terminals
RDU’s layout is pretty straightforward, which helps. For international departures, you’ll use Terminal 1—it handles both domestic and international flights.
Airport signs are clear, so you shouldn’t get lost finding check-in, security, or your gate.
It’s best to arrive early, especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear. The airport suggests showing up at least two hours before your flight.
The MyTSA app is worth downloading for real-time security line updates. It can help you time your arrival and avoid unnecessary waiting.
International Baggage and Check-in Tips
Check your airline’s baggage policies ahead of time. Most airlines at RDU want you at the check-in counter no later than 45 minutes before departure.
If you’re checking bags, give yourself extra time to avoid missing that cutoff. Have your passport and any visas ready at check-in—don’t be the person holding up the line.
You’ll need to clear customs on your return, so keep your documents handy. And always keep valuables and travel docs in your carry-on, just in case bags get delayed or misplaced.
Car Hire Companies and Ground Transportation
Durham airport has a handful of car rental counters tucked inside Terminal 1. You’ll spot big names like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis right there.
Booking online before you land is usually smoother, but you can try your luck on-site if you prefer. Sometimes, though, cars do run out.
Not keen on driving? Airport shuttles and ride-hailing options like Uber and Lyft are easy to find nearby.
Parking comes in both short-term and long-term flavors. Both are just a quick walk or a shuttle ride from the terminal.
Think ahead about how you’ll get around, especially if you don’t like waiting after a flight. Car hire companies here tend to have pretty flexible pick-up and drop-off hours, which is honestly a relief.