Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel Experience

The Air Transport Association (ATA) is forecasting that 21.7 million passengers will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the 2005 Thanksgiving holiday season (Saturday, November 19 through Tuesday, November 29).

“The airlines have been working closely with the FAA and the TSA to ensure that air travel remains safe and convenient,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.

“Even with these cooperative efforts, millions of people will be traveling over a short period of time and passengers should plan accordingly.”

All Thanksgiving air travelers should keep in mind:

• Travel with a government-issued photo identification card and allow plenty of time to get to the airport, park your car (if you drive to the airport), check in, go through security and get to the gate. Most carriers request that passengers arrive at the airport one to two hours (depending on destination) prior to departure for domestic flights, and two hours for international flights. It is important to check with your carrier in advance for specific recommendations.
• Automated check-in options are now offered via airline Web sites, up to 24 hours prior to departure as well as airport kiosks. These can greatly expedite the check-in process.
• Federal rules limit each customer’s carry-on baggage to one standard-size bag and one personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, laptop computer).
• Place all metallic objects (e.g., loose change, keys, cell phone, watch, camera) in a carry-on bag before arriving at security checkpoints.
• Make sure that all of your bags, checked and carry-on, include your name and address – both on the inside and the outside of each bag. Also, remove all old destination baggage tags from previous trips.

The Air Transport Association of America, Inc. is the trade association for leading U.S. airlines. ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.

FMI: www.airlines.org