Reno-Tahoe International Airport has more flights and seats than last year. However, the airport said in a statement that it still advises people to arrive early and check overflow parking lots if travelers are not being taken to the airport.
Here are more tips for navigating the airport during the busy holiday season, plus a guide to carpooling.
Busiest Travel Days in December 2024 at Reno Airport
December 22, 23, 27 and 29 are expected to be the busiest travel days this holiday season.
Is there parking available at the airport at the moment?
You can check the availability of Reno airport parking lots here. Parking can be in high demand on busier 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 get to your flight on the days of your trip.
If you are taking your friend by car from the airport, RNO has a “Wait and win” a giveaway is currently running for people using its free waiting parking as an incentive to reduce depot congestion. You can scan the QR code on the signage in the parking lot to enter and win deals on flights. The competition will end on December 31.
Can I bring gifts through TSA?
As long as your gifts don't violate TSA guidelines, they should be safe to travel with you. Liquids larger than 3.4 ounces must be in checked baggage, but devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be packed in carry-on baggage. You can find a complete guide on what is and is not allowed in which bags here.
The Reno Airport recommends leaving gift wrapping behind once you arrive at your destination, as TSA may need to open gifts for inspection.
How to 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, by filling in the address where you want to be picked up, where you want to go and 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 your account information with that of the driver. If it matches, get in the car and enjoy the ride to your destination.
Downloading the Uber app to your phone allows you to order rides and monitor your drivers' locations without being connected to a desktop computer. This will allow you to order rides from the airport after your flight or from anywhere you stop during your trip.
You can download the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play from your phone. Although rides cost money, downloading the Uber app is free.
Before ordering a ride, you'll also need to enter a payment method under “Uber Wallet” in the app and on the desktop site. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, S3 health cards, PayPal, Venmo, EBT SNAP, Uber gift cards, and Google Pay as payment.
After the ride, Uber will ask you in the app how your trip was and you can tip and rate your driver.
How to use Lyft?
Unlike Uber, Lyft does not have a desktop option. You will need to download the Lyft app on your mobile device using 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 ordering a ride, you will need to enter a payment method under “Payment” in the drop-down menu at the top left of the app. Lyft accepts credit and debit cards. Entering payment is similar to entering payment in an online shopping cart, where you enter your card information when 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 enter the address of your destination. Similar to Google Maps, you can also enter the name of the business you're heading to and Lyft will ask you to select the location you want to go to.
From there, Lyft is very similar to Uber. The app will find a driver, you will meet them at the pick-up address and the driver will take you to your destination.
Reno Taxi Service: Just a Phone Call Away
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 taxi journey, the price will be monitored depending on the duration of the journey. At the end, the taxi driver will ask you to pay, usually using a card reader in the vehicle.
