Reno Tahoe International Airport Christmas travel tips
Reno-Tahoe International airport has more flights and seating compared to last year. However, the airport said in a statement it still advises people to arrive early and check overflow parking if travelers aren’t getting a ride to the airport.
Here’s other tips for navigating the airport during the busy holiday season, as well as a guide to rideshare.
Busiest travel days December 2024 at the Reno airport
Dec. 22, 23, 27 and 29 are expected to be the busiest holiday travel days this holiday season.
Is there parking available at the airport right now?
You can check the Reno airport’s parking availability here. Parking could be in high demand on the busiest travel days, so be sure to check parking availability before your flight. RNO recommends either getting a ride to the airport or giving yourself extra time to make it to your flight on your travel days.
If you are giving your friend a ride from the airport, RNO has a “Wait & Win” giveaway going on now for people using its free waiting lot as an incentive to reduce drop off congestion. You can scan the QR code on the signage at the lot to enter to win deals on flights. The giveaway will end Dec. 31.
Can I bring gifts through TSA?
As long as your gifts do not violate TSA guidelines, they should be safe to travel with you. Liquids over 3.4 oz need to be in checked bags, but devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be packed in carry-ons. You can find a complete guide on what is and isn’t allowed in what bags here.
The Reno airport recommends leaving the gift wrapping to after you reach your destination because TSA may need to open gifts to inspect them.
How do I use Uber?
You will need an email address and phone number to create an account on Uber.com. You can order a ride from your desktop computer, filling out the address where you want to be picked up, where you want to go and at what time.
Uber will then find a driver in your area and send you their name, license plate number and car details. Once the driver arrives, match the info on your account with that of the driver. If it matches, get in the car and enjoy the ride to your destination.
Downloading the Uber app on your phone lets you order rides and monitor your driver’s locations without being anchored to a desktop. This will allow you to order rides from the airport after your flight or from wherever you end up during your travels.
You can download the Uber app on the App Store or Google Play from your phone. Though the rides cost money, the Uber app download is free.
Before you order a ride, you will also need to input a payment method under “Uber Wallet” in the app and desktop site. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, S3 health benefits cards, PayPal, Venmo, EBT SNAP, Uber gift cards and Google Pay as payment.
After the trip, Uber will ask you on the app how your ride went and you will be able to tip and rate your driver.
How do I use Lyft?
Unlike Uber, Lyft does not have a desktop option. You will need to download the Lyft app on your mobile device using either the App Store or Google Play Store. To create an account, you will need a phone number, email address and a photo of yourself.
Before you order a ride, you will need to input a payment method under “Payment” on the top left dropdown menu in the app. Lyft accepts credit and debit cards. The payment input is similar to an online shopping cart payment input, where you type in your card information where prompted.
After creating an account, your home screen should take you to the screen with the prompt, “Where are you going?” This box is where you will out the address to your destination. Similar to Google Maps, you can also enter the name of the establishment where you are headed and Lyft will prompt you to select the location you want to go.
From here, Lyft is very similar to Uber. The app will find a driver, you will meet them at the pickup address and the driver will take you to your destination.
Reno taxi service: All it takes is a phone call
If you prefer to use taxis, you can order one by calling Reno Sparks Cab at (775) 333-3333, Yellow Cab of Reno at (775) 355-5555, or Reno Ryde at (775) 400-3009.
During your cab ride the price will be monitored by the length of the trip. By the end the cab driver will prompt you to pay, typically using a card reader in the vehicle.
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