The Air Transport Association (ATA)the trade association for the leadingairlines in the United States…
The Air Transport Association (ATA)the trade association for the leadingairlines in the United States, isprojecting nearly 38 million passengers to travel during the upcoming holiday season, representing growth of 5.7 percent over the 2003 holiday season.
Over this holiday season — the period of December 17 through January 3, 2005 — domestic air travel is expected to be 5.6 percent greater than during the holiday travel season in 2003. Domestically, the number of passengers is projected to top 34.6 million, while international projections expect the number of passengers to climb to nearly 3.3 million, up 5.7 percent.
Especially during the busy holiday season, a little patience and kindness goes a long way, said ATA President and CEO James C. May. With that in mind, we encourage passengers to plan ahead, allowing extra time for travel, parking, check-in and security lines.
If you are one of the anticipated 38 million passengers flying over the next few weeks, please consider the following tips:
Know before you go. Check your flight`s status in advance just in case there`s been an unexpected flight delay. Most carriers allow customers to check flight status online. Or call your carrier directly for more information.
It`s a wrap! Do not wrap packages or gifts-they should remain unwrapped whether carried onboard or placed in checked luggage. It is preferable to ship them in advance, using one of the many express-mail service companies.
Don`t cut it short. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check in for your flight, go through security and get to the gate. (As a
general rule, most carriers request that passengers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and up to two hours before
international flights; check with your carrier in advance for specific recommendations.)
Check out your check-in options. Ask if your carrier offers Internet check-in or check-in kiosks, which can help you expedite your check in and enable you to proceed directly to security screening.
Are we there yet? Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
Identification please. Don`t forget to bring proper identification; you`ll need it to board your flight. And remember, the name on your ticket must match the name on your ID.
Don`t get carried away. With carry-on bags, that is. Federal rules allow each customer to carry one standard-size carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera case or laptop computer.
Dress for success. Check out the Transportation Security Administration`s (TSA) Web site — http://www.tsa.gov — to find out what not to wear to avoid delays at the security checkpoint.
Name that bag. Make sure all your bags, checked and carry-on, are clearly identified with your name and contact information. It`s a good idea to place your name and contact information inside your bags as well, just in case your luggage tags aren`t securely attached to your bags. Also, label items like cameras, cell phones and laptop computers, or anything else you might accidentally leave behind at the airport or on board an aircraft.
Know what`s a no-no. If you`re not sure whether an item you want to pack is allowed, check out the TSA provides a list of prohibited and permitted items on their Web site. And be sure to carry film in your carry-on bag; screening equipment used to inspect checked baggage can damage film.
Pack plenty of patience. Remember the best way to start your holiday is to keep your cool and cooperate with airline personnel and government security screeners.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
