Getting Around Reno Tahoe International Airport

What to Expect When you Arrive or Depart Reno Tahoe Airport

Aug 6, 2008

Make sure you give yourself enough time to park, pass through security, and check-in at Reno Tahoe Airport.

Travel in and out of Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe is easy with the centrally-located Reno Tahoe Airport. Located just a few miles from downtown Reno, the airport is easy to access from Highway 395, and it sits at the end of Plumb Lane on Terminal Way. Officially called Reno Tahoe International Airport (RTIA), the airport is upgrading the check-in counters, and they have moved to a temporary structure outside the main terminal building. The inner traffic lanes are closed at this time, only the lanes closest to the parking garage are open.

Parking

If you haven't been to the airport for a while, you may not know about the parking changes. The parking garage is still available for short- and long-term parking, but you can no longer park along the curb on either side of the median to wait for someone to arrive. You can only drop off and pick up passengers at the curb, there's no waiting at all.

Instead, you can wait in a cell phone lot west of the airport. You'll see signs directing you to the lot when you enter the airport off either the northbound or southbound lanes of Highway 395, or Plumb Lane. You can park in the cell phone lot and wait for your passenger to phone you that they have arrived and picked up their luggage. Then you can drive to the arrival area and pick them up at the curb.

Parking Rates

Parking rates in the parking structure vary from long-term to short-term parking, and where the parking is located (inside or outside the parking garage).

$1 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the first hour, additional dollar per hour up to a maximum of $20 per day.

$1 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the first hour, additional dollar per hour up to a maximum of $12 per day.

$1 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the first hour, additional dollar per hour up to a maximum of $10 per day.

You cannot leave your vehicle unattended for any reason except in the approved long- and short-term parking areas.

Security

You should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight is scheduled to depart, so you're sure to clear security before your flight. If you're flying internationally, you should arrive 2 hours ahead of your scheduled departure. Everyone has to remove their shoes for screening, so wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, once you're gone through the screening area.

The Airport Website notes, "Know the 3-1-1: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) travelers are allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, resealable zip-top bag through security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft." If you're carrying large amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula or diabetic glucose treatments, you need to declare them at the security checkpoint for additional screening. You may also be subject to random additional screenings by TSA personnel.

Airlines at the Airport

Several airlines service Reno Tahoe Airport, including Alaska Air, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Express Jet (until Sept 1, 2008), Horizon Air, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Ted, and USAirways.

Dining at the Airport

There are several dining options at the airport, including some locally owned restaurant offshoots of popular casino restaurants.

About 14,000 passengers pass through the airport every day through 23 passenger gates. The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and only closes due to poor weather conditions. It's always a good idea to call your airline directly to make sure your scheduled flight is on time.

The copyright of the article Getting Around Reno Tahoe International Airport in Nevada Travel is owned by Sherril Steele-Carlin. Permission to republish Getting Around Reno Tahoe International Airport in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.