Table of Contents
Introduction
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a major gateway for international travelers in North Carolina. It doesn’t have the sheer number of international airlines you’d find at a mega-hub, but Delta Airlines stands out as the best option for international flights from RDU, thanks to its reliability and solid connections to big global cities.
There’s a growing lineup of international routes at RDU, mostly covered by Delta and American Airlines. These two offer a nice mix of flight options, comfort, and convenient schedules.
Knowing which airlines actually fly internationally from RDU can help you plan better. It’s worth checking out your airline and terminal details ahead of time, just to avoid any last-minute surprises.
When you book international flights from Raleigh, expect up-to-date planes and the basics you need for long-haul travel.
Key Takeways
- Delta is the top international airline serving Raleigh-Durham Airport.
- International routes from RDU are limited but growing steadily.
- Planning ahead improves your travel experience from RDU.
Overview of International Airlines at Raleigh North Carolina Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has several international airlines that’ll get you to far-off places. These airlines offer nonstop flights and some pretty convenient ways to get out of the country.
List of Major International Carriers
You’ll spot familiar names like Air France, Lufthansa, and Icelandair at RDU. These guys mainly cover Europe and a bit beyond.
Delta Air Lines is also a big player, with a bunch of international connections. Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air are around too, but they’re really more about domestic routes.
Air France flies you straight to Paris, Lufthansa heads to Frankfurt, and Icelandair covers Reykjavik. Their schedules are pretty reliable, which can make planning a lot less stressful.
International Destinations Offered
You can fly nonstop from RDU to Paris, Frankfurt, and Reykjavik. That’s a straight shot to Europe and a launchpad to almost anywhere else you want to go.
If you’re headed to Latin America or the Caribbean, Copa Airlines can connect you, though it doesn’t have a home base at RDU. These direct flights cut down on layovers and make the whole trip a bit less of a hassle.
Top International Airlines Serving Raleigh North Carolina
If you’re flying internationally from Raleigh, you’ve got a handful of reliable airlines connecting you to major global hubs. They offer regular flights and decent schedules.
You can pick your airline based on where in Europe you want to land and what works best for your trip.
Air France: Connecting to Paris
Air France runs direct flights from Raleigh to Paris—one of the busiest international routes out of RDU. That means you can get to France without changing planes, which is always a relief.
Paris Charles de Gaulle is a major hub, so you can branch out to loads of other European cities from there. Air France brings a bit of that French flair, along with modern planes.
It’s a solid choice whether you’re traveling for work or just want to stroll the Seine. The flight usually clocks in around 8 hours, and it’s about as smooth as you could hope for crossing the Atlantic.
Lufthansa: Gateway to Frankfurt
Lufthansa links Raleigh with Frankfurt, which is one of Europe’s big airline crossroads. If you’re headed to Germany or anywhere in central Europe, this is a smart pick.
Lufthansa is known for solid service and a web of connections. From Frankfurt, it’s easy to hop to places like Berlin, Munich, or even Vienna.
Business travelers get perks like lie-flat seats, which makes the long haul a lot more bearable. Flights are typically 8 or 9 hours, give or take.
Icelandair: Unique Transatlantic Routes
Icelandair has a route from Raleigh to Reykjavik, and it’s a bit different from the usual transatlantic flight. You can do a stopover in Iceland, or just use Reykjavik as a jumping-off point for northern and western Europe.
Icelandair is famous for its flexible stopover options—pretty rare, honestly. The flight to Reykjavik is about 5 hours, and you can tack on a few more for the next leg to Europe.
If you’re up for a little adventure or want to squeeze in an extra destination, this route is worth a look.
Flight Experience and Aircraft Overview
International flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport come with a variety of seating options and in-flight amenities. The type of aircraft you get can really shape your experience.
Cabin Classes and Amenities
Most international airlines at RDU offer Economy and Business class. Economy isn’t fancy, but it’s comfortable enough, with decent legroom and usually some sort of entertainment system.
You’ll get meals or snacks on the longer trips. Business class is a step up—wider seats, some that recline all the way, and perks like priority boarding and extra baggage.
Meals are better, and you might get Wi-Fi or power outlets to keep everything charged. Some airlines throw in a Premium Economy option, which lands somewhere between the two in terms of price and comfort.
Aircraft Types: Including Canadair Regional Jet
You’ll see a mix of planes flying international routes from RDU. Big jets like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A330 are common on longer hauls.
They’ve got more cabin classes and just feel roomier. For shorter international hops, airlines might use smaller planes like the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ).
The CRJ is efficient for short trips and usually has a single aisle. You’ll mostly find economy seats, maybe a small business section.
Boarding and getting off is quicker, but space can feel a bit tighter. If you’re flying on a CRJ, expect a no-frills but fast experience for those shorter international routes.
International Travel Tips from Raleigh North Carolina Airport
If you’re heading overseas from RDU, a little planning goes a long way. Booking nonstop flights is usually the fastest way to get there, but sometimes you’ll have to connect.
It pays to know how those connections work, especially if you have to pass through big hubs like New York.
Booking Nonstop and Connecting Flights
RDU has a handful of nonstop international flights. If you can snag one, you’ll save time and skip the layover headaches.
Just double-check with your airline, since these flights aren’t always daily. When you can’t go nonstop, you’ll have to connect somewhere.
Give yourself enough time between flights for customs and security. Airlines and airports suggest minimum connection times—don’t cut it too close.
If you’re flying with more than one airline, confirm how your bags will be handled. Sometimes you’ll need to re-check your luggage, especially on international routes. It’s not fun, but it’s better to know ahead of time.
Traveling to Major Hubs such as New York
If you’re flying internationally from Raleigh and have to connect through a big hub like New York, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Those huge airports can really slow you down with long customs lines and security checks.
When booking a flight that connects in New York, pay attention to which airport you’ll land at—JFK and Newark each have their own quirks. Terminals, transportation, and wait times can all vary a lot, so it’s worth double-checking.
Pick flights that leave you enough time to make your transfer without rushing. Honestly, who wants to sprint through terminals?
Keep your important documents—passport, visa, whatever else you need—right where you can grab them. It makes those airport transfers a little less stressful.
