Flights to Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU)

The Raleigh-Durham area located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina has a unique history steeped in the prodigious cultivation of tobacco and the production of cigarettes. The Duke family of Durham was particularly successful at the endeavor, and their name is emblazoned on the many institutions they founded in the area, including Duke University.

But in the mid-1950s, a move was made to attract high-tech companies to the area, so Research Triangle Park was established. The effort was so successful, the geographic area that encompasses North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has come to be called Research Triangle or, more commonly, the Triangle.

That concentration of colleges has greatly influenced the Raleigh-Durham area in many significant ways. For one thing, collegiate sports – particularly basketball – are hugely popular attractions. In addition, the affection for beer runs so deep, more than 25 craft breweries call the area home. And where there’s craft, there is an excellent foodie scene.

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has two terminals serving nine international, domestic, and regional airlines, including Delta Air Lines. More than 400 flights arrive and depart daily, providing non-stop service to 57 domestic and international destinations.

Both terminals have a selection of restaurants and shops, but Terminal 2 has the largest variety. Shopping outlets include Marshall-Rousso, Ruby Blue, Brighton, Brookstone, Hudson News, PGA Tour Shop, Benefit, and Best Buy Express.

Dining options include Char-Grill, La Tapenade, Starbucks, 42nd Street Oyster Bar, California Pizza Kitchen, Carolina Ale House, Gordon Biersch, and Jason’s Deli.

Take a taste test of craft beers on the Raleigh Beer Trail. More than 25 craft breweries are located in the area, including Big Boss Brewing Company, Compass Rose Brewery, Fainting Goat Brewing Company, Crank Arm Brewing Company, and Lynwood Brewing Concern. Or just visit the Raleigh Beer Garden, a two-level establishment with a rooftop deck and 366 beers on tap.

The food scene is on fire in Raleigh. Check out Brewery Bhavana, named a top 10 restaurant by Bon Appetit, or one of chef Ashley Christensen’s many restaurants, including Chicken + Honey and Poole’s Diner. She was named Chef of the Year by Eater.

The massive historic redbrick complex in Durham called American Tobacco was formerly the home of an enormous cigarette factory founded and operated by the Duke family. The 1-million-square-foot, multi-use entertainment district features apartments, offices, a theater, and a dozen of restaurants and bars. It’s also the site of concerts, festivals, and other special events throughout the year.

Duke Lemur Center in Durham, home of 250 lemurs represents 21 different species. This is a non-invasive research center, so you have to schedule a tour in advance, or you can sign up to shadow a lemur keeper and observe a research session.

Raleigh-Durham has a subtropical humid climate and experiences four distinct seasons. The hottest months are June, July, and August, when average highs hover in the high-80s with average lows in the mid- to high-60s. The coldest months are December, January, and February with average lows in the low- to mid-30s and average highs in the mid- to low-50s. On average, Raleigh-Durham receives more than 48 inches or precipitation a year, about four inches of that is snow. Between 3 and 4.5 inches of precipitation falls every month on average.

Terms & Conditions

Restrictions: Advertised fares are based on real-time itinerary pricing available at delta.com. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time prior to completion of ticketing.

SkyMiles | SkyMiles program members are eligible to earn miles on most flights. Tickets booked in Basic Economy are not eligible to earn miles in the SkyMiles Program or earn towards Medallion Status. To review program rules, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits, please review our Membership Guide & Program Rules.

Booking Travel | Basic Economy fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. Tickets booked in Basic Economy do not include a seat assignment until check-in and are not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrade options. To review all the Basic Economy product details and restrictions, see Basic Economy rules.

Seat configuration and amenities may vary depending on aircraft type and size. Read more about our seat products and Onboard Experience.

Baggage Charges | For travel within the United States (including Puerto Rico), $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and Canada, $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Central America (excluding El Salvador and Panama), Caribbean, Guyana or Bermuda, $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and Mexico, $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and El Salvador or Ecuador, $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and Panama, $35 USD fee for 1 checked bag (Basic Economy only), and $45 USD fee for second checked bag. For travel between the United States and South America (excluding Guyana & Ecuador), no fee for first checked bag and $60 for second checked bag. For travel between United States and Europe, $100 USD or 85 EUR fee for second checked bag. For travel between United States and Africa, the Middle East, and India, no fee for first checked bag and $100 fee for second checked bag (Basic Economy Only). Allowances subject to size/weight limits. For travel between United States and Asia (excluding Australia, New Zealand, China, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea), no fee for first checked bag and $100 USD fee for second checked bag (Basic Economy only). For travel between United States and Australia, New Zealand, China, Fiji, or Papua New Guinea, no fee for first checked bag and $100 USD fee for second checked bag. Allowances subject to size/weight limits. Contact a Delta agent or see Excess Baggage for details.

SkyMiles Award Travel | Award Travel is subject to taxes and fees and carrier-imposed charges which are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. For Main Cabin and above Award Travel tickets, Members may change or cancel Award tickets without a redeposit or change fee for travel originating from the United States and Canada. Full Award Travel policy details can be found on our Travel With Miles page.

Cancellations/Refunds/Changes | Tickets are non-refundable except in accordance with Delta’s cancellation policy.

Basic Economy tickets and tickets issued for travel originating outside of the United States and Canada are subject to charges and fees for changes and cancellations. Learn more about all change and cancellation fees on our Change or Cancel Overview Page.

#SkyMilesLife | By tagging photos using #SkyMilesLife, user grants Delta Air Lines a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to display, reproduce and create derivative works. Full terms: delta.com/skymileslife

Miscellaneous | Fares, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.