July is expected to be the Asheville Airport's busiest month; What to know for summer 2024

Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times
·5 min read

Over the past few weeks, the Asheville Regional Airport has announced several major milestones, including a new Transportation Security Agency lane due to open later this month, a new single-day passenger record for the airport, and the airport is on-pace to complete the first phase of its massive, $400 million new terminal expansion by the end of next summer.

A new north concourse is currently under construction at Asheville Regional Airport.
A new north concourse is currently under construction at Asheville Regional Airport.

Airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey told the Citizen Times that the airport has seen between "between 8-12% more passengers each month" in 2024. For July, they expect it to be the busiest month in 2024.

That could mean longer wait times, busier parking lots and service changes as the regional airport makes headway on its new terminal. This year is expected to be the busiest in the airport's history, Asheville Regional Airport CEO Lew Bleiweis said in late June.

Here are some summer travel tips to help ease your travel experience.

Consider arriving earlier than recommended, more than two hours

As security lines have lengthened due to more passengers traveling through the airport, the TSA will be adding a fourth line by the end of the summer, airport spokesperson Kinsey has said. Currently, the airport suggests arriving two hours before take-off.

However, the airport's July 2024 Window Seat newsletter notes that flights can begin boarding up to 45 minutes before departure, meaning that arrival three hours before estimated take-off may be more accurate in predicting when you should arrive at the airport.

"Summer is our busiest time, so passengers should plan accordingly," Kinsey told the Citizen Times.

Travelers wait in line at Asheville Airports security checkpoint July 14, 2023.
Travelers wait in line at Asheville Airports security checkpoint July 14, 2023.

Make a parking plan

Parking has been one of the most frequently asked questions about the airport's growth, with some customers expressing concern that there isn't enough of it. Over the past few years, the airport has opened several new lots to help address the concerns, and Bleiweis recently told City Council that the airport is "about to contract" the design of a new parking garage.

The airport provides live updates on parking lot occupancy and provides a guide to different parking lots on its primary website, https://flyavl.com.

Remember TSA, airline rules

In order to make it through the TSA line in a timely and reasonable way, you should familiarize yourself with some of the rules for what you can and cannot travel with.

The TSA is a stickler for liquids, allowing containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller being in carry-on luggage. If you must bring your mega-sized tube of sunscreen to a Florida beach vacation, it must go in a checked bag.

For a full list of prohibited or allowable items go to the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.

What can you bring through TSA lines? Eagles, ammo, live lobster and other things TSA allows through Asheville Regional Airport

Additionally, weight limits and size requirements can be confusing for travelers as each airline has its own weight limit and carry-on size limit. Allegiant Air, the airline that provides the most nonstop flight options from Asheville, gives passengers one free personal item for a basic ticket.

Travelers check in for their flight at a Delta Airlines kiosk in the Asheville Airport July 14, 2023.
Travelers check in for their flight at a Delta Airlines kiosk in the Asheville Airport July 14, 2023.

Checking a bag? Things to know

As construction continues, the airport has modified some check-in services with a temporary space under construction just outside the airport lobby. During the busiest times of day, check-in services will occur in this area, Kinsey recently told the Citizen Times.

If you are not checking a bag, however, your check-in process could be faster if you check-in online through your airline's website or mobile app. If you check-in online through a mobile app, you can proceed directly to the TSA security checkpoint.

Using Uber or Lyft? Renting a car?

The Asheville Regional Airport will offer shuttle service to Shuttle Lot South from baggage claim.
The Asheville Regional Airport will offer shuttle service to Shuttle Lot South from baggage claim.

The Asheville airport has recently pivoted to a new pick-up location for ride-app services as customers who plan to use apps like Uber or Lyft are now redirected to Shuttle Lot South for pick-up.

Currently, five shuttles transport customers to and from different parking lots across the airport campus. The shuttles pick up passengers on the curb outside of baggage claim, transporting them to the waiting area for ride app pick up just outside of Shuttle Lot South.

Alternatively, the walk from the terminal is estimated to take roughly 12 minutes, according to the airport website. The lot is at the end of Terminal Drive behind the Marathon gas station.

As for those planning to use rental car services, the rental car check-in counters have moved to a temporary location just outside of baggage claim.

Travelers wait in line to board an Allegiant flight at Asheville Regional Airport as a Delta flight prepares for takeoff, June 7, 2024.
Travelers wait in line to board an Allegiant flight at Asheville Regional Airport as a Delta flight prepares for takeoff, June 7, 2024.

Nonstop flight options?

Over the past 10 years, the airport has grown its flight options from 10 to 34 in just 10 years. During the summer, some nonstop flight options are rotated back into the airport's daily schedule, like the nonstop flight option to Minneapolis.

Here are the options offered by each airline.

Allegiant Airlines

  • Austin, Texas: year-round.

  • Baltimore: spring to fall

  • Boston: spring to fall.

  • Chicago: spring to fall.

  • Denver: spring to fall.

  • Destin, Florida: summer.

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: year-round.

  • Houston: year-round.

  • Key West, Florida: year-round.

  • Las Vegas: year-round.

  • Minneapolis: spring and summer

  • Orlando, Florida (starts May 2024): year-round.

  • Sanford, Florida: year-round.

  • Punta Gorda, Florida: year-round.

  • Sarasota, Florida: year-round.

  • St.Pete/Clearwater, Florida: year-round

  • West Palm Beach, Florida: year-round.

American Airlines

  • Chicago: summer.

  • Charlotte: year-round.

  • Dallas/Fort Worth: year-round.

  • Miami: summer.

  • New York: year-round.

  • Philadelphia: varies.

  • Washington, D.C.: year-round.

Delta Air Lines

  • Atlanta: year-round.

  • New York: year-round.

  • Minneapolis: year-round.

JetBlue Airways

  • Boston: summer to early fall.

Sun Country Airlines

  • Minneapolis: spring to fall.

United Airlines

  • Chicago: year-round.

  • Denver: year-round.

  • Newark, New Jersey: year-round.

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Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Summer 2024 Asheville Regional Airport guide; Parking, Uber and more