Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is gearing up for a significant increase in passenger traffic as the annual Burning Man festival coincides with the Labor Day weekend. Airport officials project roughly 20,000 travelers each day on August 30, September 4, and September 7, with airline capacity up 2.7% compared with the same period last year.
What Travelers Need to Know
Because of the combined effect of Burning Man attendees, holiday travelers, and ongoing construction on the airport’s Loop Road, drivers should avoid waiting curbside. The airport has set aside a Free Waiting Lot where drivers can wait until their passengers are ready for pick‑up. For those dropping off returning Burners, the designated drop‑off point is on the south end of Loop Road, just before the Southwest Airlines check‑in area.
Parking Options and Recommendations
RNO encourages passengers to check real‑time parking availability and reserve a space in advance at renoairport.com/parking. A new Park & Walk Lot offers a lower daily rate, though it requires a short 10‑15 minute walk to the terminal and does not provide shuttle service. Oversized vehicles are prohibited on airport property, and some Loop Road clearances are as low as 13 feet, so drivers of large trucks or RVs should plan accordingly.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience
All passengers should arrive at least two hours before departure to accommodate larger crowds, heightened security measures, and construction‑related delays. While waiting, travelers can enjoy the depARTures Gallery on Concourse C, which currently features the Burning Man exhibition “The Temple: Sacred Heart of Black Rock City,” on view through October.
Returning Burners can help keep the airport clean by dropping off unwanted bicycles at the south‑end drop‑off location before the Southwest bag‑drop area. Luggage dust bags and disposable foot coverings will be available at airline check‑in counters to maintain a tidy and welcoming environment for everyone.
Additional Resources
For full details on Burning Man travel, parking reservations, and any updates related to construction on Loop Road, visit renoairport.com/burningman. The Reno‑Tahoe Airport Authority contributed to this report.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
