Piedmont Triad International Airport is adding a little something special over the next couple of months for people flying in and out of the central North Carolina airport that often plays second fiddle to airports in Charlotte and Raleigh – which often offer more flight choices and lower fares.

That competition drives PTI to make some special efforts every now and then, and this holiday season it’s offering musical entertainment and other benefits for flyers.

PTI Executive Director Kevin Baker said this week that the goal of the airport this year is to make what can be a busy and hectic travel time into a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

“PTI staff and our many partners are prepared to offer easy, efficient customer experience during the holiday travel period,” Baker said.

To calm some nerves and add some enjoyment to holiday travel, this year PTI will offer musical entertainment to travelers – and PTI staff is also letting people know that “Santa will be available for photos and sharing your wish list.”

The Rhino Times has been unable to verify if this will be the real Santa Claus or one of the thousands of pretend Santa impersonators that dress up in the suit and deceive children – claiming to be the real thing each year despite never having set foot on the North Pole or in a magical sleigh.

Regardless, “Santa” will be at the airport, on Tuesday, Dec. 17 and Thursday, Dec. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Also, on Wednesday, Nov. 27, passengers will get holiday treats.

And beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 17, running through Christmas Eve, there will be more special treats as well – while they last.

In addition, between December 15 and December 23, there will be nine musical performances, most of them in the afternoon.

The airport is also reminding flyers that the holiday season is a time when it’s especially important to know the rules and follow the guidelines.

Such as…

  • Before leaving home or the office, check in online in advance and download your boarding pass to your phone. (TSA and PTI airlines now accept mobile boarding passes.)
  • Even with a boarding pass, travelers should reconfirm airline flight status since schedules might change due to weather or mechanical issues.
  • Allow plenty of time to get to the airport, park and go through the airline check-in and TSA screening process. Everyone should prepare for security screening delays during the holidays.
  • There is a TSA Cares program: Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 or use the link https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

for any questions about screening policies, procedures or what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours before to traveling.

  • Limit stress by limiting your carry-on bags. These days, airlines are enforcing tighter restrictions on the amount and size of baggage that you can take on planes.
  • Place medicine, jewelry, cameras, and other valuable items in your carry-on item.
  • Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted through security checkpoints; however, they could require further inspection. If travelers aren’t sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it’s best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.
  • Remember 3-1-1 rule for liquids: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less, and all bottles have to fit in one quart-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for screening. This includes sunblock and tanning sprays. Only one quart-size bag is permitted per person.

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