Frequently Asked Questions

 What time does the Airport/Checkpoint/Ticket Counters Open?

The Airport terminal building is open 24 hours per day 7 days per week.

The Passenger Security Checkpoint opens between 4:00 - 4:30 am. This may vary at times depending on airline schedules for departing flights and during peak travel periods such as the holidays or winter break travel.

Airline ticketing counters open at least 90 minutes prior to their first scheduled departing flight of the day. TSA recommends passengers arrive at least 90 minute prior to scheduled departure times for domestic flights and at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure times for international flights.

 What time should I arrive at the airport before my scheduled departure?

TSA recommends travelers to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic, and two hours before international scheduled departures. This may vary during peak travel seasons; passengers are encouraged to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.

 What type of identification do I bring to the airport?

Passengers 18 years and older need to bring a government-issued photo ID to the airport and be prepared to show it at any time. *Reminder that all NYS residents must have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025 for air travel. Click here for REAL ID requirements.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot or Lost your ID? Please call the ROC TSA Coordination Center at 585-463-2980 for information on the identification/verification process.

 Do I still check in at the ticket counter if I have an e-ticket?

All passengers must attain a boarding pass before they are permitted past the Security Checkpoint. Boarding passes are not issued at the gate.

E-ticketed passengers must have a boarding pass before they can pass through security. Passengers can attain boarding passes at the ticket counter, at a self-serve kiosk or online.

Some airlines at ROC participate in the mobile boarding pass program. Contact your airline to find out if your airline participates.

 I travel with medications/diabetic syringes. Will I be able to carry this on board a plane?

Yes. Passengers with special travel considerations are permitted to bring medications/syringes in carry-on bags. Click here for information on traveling with medications.

 Can luggage be checked-in at the curb?

The Airlines do not offer curbside check-in for luggage at ROC.

The Airlines do offer curbside assistance for passengers who require wheelchair assistance and assistance with their luggage.

The Airlines contract for these services and have hired PrimeFlight Aviation. For assistance, vehicles may press a wheelchair call button on the columns of the departures roadway, or pull near the center entrance of the departures roadway where the PrimeFlight Aviation booth is staffed.

Single occupant vehicles may not be left unattended at the curb for any reason.

 Can I obtain a Gate Pass to escort a ticketed passenger requiring special assistance or children flying alone?

The Airline is responsible for issuing "gate passes" and therefore use their discretion/policies as to whether or not a gate pass may be issued. Please contact your airline directly with “gate pass” inquiries. Individuals issued “gate passes” must have proper ID and are subject the same passenger screening process as a ticketed passenger.

 How many carry-ons can I bring on board the plane?

Passengers are usually permitted to bring one carry-on and one personal item, such as a briefcase, laptop or purse. This may vary by airline and aircraft type.

 What items can I no longer carry on the plane?

Visit the TSA website for a complete list of permitted/prohibited items in carry-on and checked luggage.

 How can I buy an airline ticket?

There are a many ways to reserve a seat with an airline. The airlines make reservations at the ticket counter, online, through travel agents or by their toll free phone reservations number. Please note that most airlines do not accept cash payment at the ticketing counter.

 Which airlines service ROC?

ROC is currently served by six major domestic air carriers, including Allegiant, American, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, United, Spirit, and Frontier, serving 2.4 million passengers annually. With connections to large hub airports, service is provided to any airport worldwide. At this level of activity, the FAA classifies the airport as a “Small Hub.”

 What are the most popular destinations from Rochester?

ROC offers connections worldwide; however, the top ten destinations from Rochester (according to passenger counts daily each-way) are listed below in descending order:

  1. Orlando
  2. New York - JFK
  3. Tampa
  4. Atlanta
  5. Chicago
  6. New York - LGA
  7. Boston
  8. Ft. Lauderdale
  9. Charlotte
  10. Denver

 What non-stop destinations does the airport offer?

 Where do I pick up arriving passengers in the airport?

Arriving passengers can be met in the center of the baggage claim on the ground floor at the Arrivals Greeting Area. When you come inside to meet your passenger, you will use hourly parking. The rate for this lot is $2/hour.

Only ticketed passengers are permitted through the security checkpoints. When inside the terminal, Gate Camera’s can be viewed over free WIFI on the passenger information network "ROCview" from both the secure and public sides of the terminal. For more information click here.

The Smart Phone Lot is also available for family and friends to stage in while waiting for their passenger to arrive. This lot is located on the right, before you reach the terminal, as you pull onto the Airport Roadway from Brooks Avenue on Airport Way. The Smart Phone Lot has an electric vehicle charging station and a large Flight Information screen to view arrival information. When your passenger arrives, they should retrieve their luggage, proceed to the curbside and call your cell phone to inform you of which numbered column they are standing at for pick up. Please do not pull up to the curbside until your passenger has called and is waiting outside.

 Can I pick up someone at curbside?

Yes. The passenger must be waiting curbside with all their luggage waiting to load into a vehicle. It takes approximately 15 to 40 minutes to deplane and pick-up luggage after the flight arrives. There is no waiting or no parking at the curb for arriving passengers. If a vehicle is left unattended for any reason, the vehicle will be ticketed and towed at the owners’ expense. Family and friends are encouraged to use the airport's Smart Phone Lot to stage in - until their passenger has notified them that they are at the curbside and ready for pick up at the appropriately numbered column.

 Which Rental Car companies serve the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport?

 What are the names of some hotels in the Rochester surrounding area?