August 2010
In This Issue
RTIA ranks No. 1
Summer Travel Tips
New Board Chair
Customer rewards program
Golf tournaments
 
RNO ranks No. 1 according to the Air Transportation Association in terms of flights added.

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Reno-Tahoe International No. 1 in the nation for new flights

Reno-Tahoe International ranks as the No. 1 airport in the nation in the percentage of flights it has added since the third quarter of 2009.

During one of the worst economic times in our nation's history, Reno-Tahoe International is recovering faster than any other medium or large airport in the country, according to statistics compiled by the Air Transportation Association (ATA).

In the past nine months, RNO has added 17 new or seasonal flights to its schedule. The ATA reports that Reno's 14.7 percent increase in flights leads the nation when comparing third quarter 2009 with third quarter 2010.

Many airports in the western states are still plagued by percentage decreases in the number of flights. San Jose is down 12.4 percent, Ontario 8.8 percent, Oakland 3.6 percent and Las Vegas is down 2.5 percent.

"Being No. 1 in the amount of flights we have recovered is amazing news for our community," said Krys Bart, President/CEO of Reno-Tahoe International Airport. "Airports are an early economic indicator and we hope this is a sign of more good things to come for our region."

Baggage Claim

Leading the nation in flight recovery came through hard work and a thorough, professional approach with the airlines, Bart said. The airport strategically increased its airline meeting schedule last year in spite of the economy and the result is 17 new flights.

Reno-Tahoe now offers 72 daily departures to 15 non-stop cities and one-stop service to almost anywhere in the world.
Advice for better summer travel

When traveling this summer, passengers can speed up the check-in and security processes by doing the following:

Be an educated traveler and know the baggage fees: log on to your airline's website to learn how much each bag may cost to check. All airlines at RNO, except Southwest, charge between $20 to $25, for the first checked bag. Discounts may be available if the fee is paid online before arriving at the airport.

Download boarding passes at home or use the free web check-in kiosks inside the airport lobby to save time. If checking luggage, remember to allow enough time at the airport to check your bags. Cut-off times vary by airline.

But be sure to remember the TSA 3-1-1 rules for carry-on bags at www.tsa.gov. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be packed in a one quart plastic baggie; one baggie per customer.

Summer brings lots of families and unaccompanied minors traveling through the airport. If your child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, make certain that the person dropping off or picking up has photo identification and all necessary contact information for the child.  (Please contact your specific airline for their rules and procedures.)

Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through security checkpoints. Please see airline ticket counter personnel if you have any special needs such as escorting an unaccompanied minor through to the gate.

Call the airline prior to departure to ensure flight information is correct, and that the flight is on time. For specific flight information, contact the airline.

Pack your patience and log on to www.renoairport.com for a list of airlines and their contact information. 

PGA Tour Shop

Greetings!

The summer is heating up and so is business at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RTIA). I am proud to announce that RTIA is a leader among airports in terms of recovery from the economic recession. Reno-Tahoe International ranks as the No. 1 airport in the nation in the percentage of flights it has added since 2009.

But this didn't happen without a dedicated effort to build new air service. Within the last year, the airport held 53 business meetings with airlines in an effort to add flights and maintain air service. The airport staff leveraged relationships and made very strong business cases as to why Reno-Tahoe deserved more service.

And now that 17 new flights have been added this year, we hope the community will help us fill those seats in order to keep the good service we enjoy.

If you are traveling with family this summer, stay cool, and be sure to check out our travel tips below that will help make flying a breeze.

Krys Bart - small

Sincerely,
Krys T. Bart, A.A.E.
President & CEO
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
New Board Chair Thompson at the helm

Randi Thompson is the new Chair of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA).

The RTAA is governed by a nine-member board of Trustees who are appointed by the cities of Reno, Sparks, Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

Randi ThompRandi Thompsonson was appointed to the Board by Washoe County in 2005, and brings extensive experience in federal and statewide government relations to the chairmanship of the board that oversees the operation of the 62nd busiest commercial airport in the nation.

Ms. Thompson is a former spokesperson for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and spent nine years with the Congressional Affairs Office of the US Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior. She is looking forward to chairing the board of an entity that plays such a vital role in the community.

"The Airport Authority is one of the best operations that I have ever seen," Thompson said. "There is incredible staff dedication at every level from the front curb security specialists to the CEO and everyone in between. I am honored to be a part of such an outstanding airport."

Working with the board and staff to achieve a balance between the airport's financial responsibilities and its role as a regional airport is a key goal for Thompson.  She will seek a middle ground to keep a wide array of tenants happy while continuing the airport's success in economic development and adding commercial flights.

"The airport plays a key role in helping diversify the Nevada economy," Thompson said. "We have terrific development opportunities thanks to our great air service and strong road network. I am looking forward to helping the airport enhance its already important economic impact on the community."

Giving back to the community where she was born and raised is an integral part of Thompson's life. She serves on the boards of the Nevada Opera, Morrison University, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
The more you buy, the more you fly

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport retail stores, The Paradies Shops, is proud to announce a new customer rewards program called "Thanks Again."

Customers who make purchases at one of the participating airport shops can receive rewards points good towards airline flight miles.
Enrollment is free and easy either online or via text message. Up to 4 miles per dollar spent can be earned on major airlines, including American, Alaska/Horizon, Delta, United, U.S. Airways and more.
Thanks Again
Thanks Again was launched in 2004, and became available last month at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. It enables frequent fliers the ability to earn rewards for every day purchases. And the program is available at any Paradies airport location throughout the United States.

For more information, visit
www.thanksagain.com or text from your cell phone TPS to 20123. And thanks again to The Paradies Shops for offering this new customer incentive program and to you, the airport's frequent shopper.
Golf tournaments swing through airport

Reno-Tahoe International Airport welcomed two major golf tournaments to this region this past month: American Century Celebrity Golf Championship and the Reno-Tahoe Open (RTO).
 
Golf attendees were greeted in Airport Baggage Claim by RTO and Celebrity Golf staff at welcome tables set up in the terminal to coordinate the arrival of their players. Airport staff worked to coordinate shuttle transportation for these important groups and partnered with airport retailer, the PGA Golf Shop, to display a large welcome banner in Baggage Claim. In addition, airport staff worked with the Transportation Security Administration to coordinate a smooth departure for the golf players and their families.
Am Century logo








RTO logo



It's events like these that have a positive economic impact on the community and on the airport, with golf players, family and spectators flying in to view the tournaments. And for first time visitors to the region, it is especially important to make that all important first and last and impression on these travelers so that they return to the Reno-Tahoe area.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport receives no state or local tax dollars.
All operating revenues are generated from tenant and concession fees.