Friday, August 29, 2003

Weekend travel expected to be heavy

Officials at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport expect larger than normal crowds this week as travelers get away for the last holiday of the summer. Anticipated passenger traffic for the 2003 holiday period is up nearly 6.9 percent over the same period last year. More than 1.1 million passengers are expected to travel through Hartsfield during the days leading to and following Labor Day.

Projections for the six-day period beginning yesterday and ending Tuesdayindicate that 1,144,345 passengers will pass through the Airport during the Labor Day travel period. On an average day, close to 210,000 passengers navigate Hartsfield but as many as 240,000 people are expected to trek through the Atlanta Airport on the Friday before Labor Day.

The following travel tips are being offered to travelers to assist them in planning for an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Hartsfield officials advise you to arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before your flight to check-in. To monitor the approximate wait time at the security checkpoint areas, use the Trak-a-Line service available on the homepage of our Web site by logging on to www.atlanta-airport.com.

Remember to pack undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage. The checked baggage screening equipment can damage or destroy undeveloped film.

Clean off golf clubs and golf shoes to prevent triggering the baggage-screening equipment. Remember to pack clubs in a travel bag.

Place items such as fishing tackle and sports gear, i.e. bats and lacrosse sticks, with your checked bags. Scuba tanks are not allowed on commercial airlines. Consider shipping scuba tanks separately or renting a tank at your destination.

Gas containers for grills or stoves cannot be checked or carried onto a plane. Parachutes can be damaged as part of the security screening process. Consider other means of shipping or check parachutes closely for any signs of damage before using them.

Travelers should check with their airline before flying with aerosol canisters; some are flammable and prohibited onboard aircraft.

Remember to remove all knives, scissors, corkscrews, and blades of any type or size from your carry-on baggage. Such items should be packed in your checked baggage. These items are not permitted in the sterile area of the Airport or on board aircraft.

Carry-on baggage is limited to one bag plus one personal item per passenger. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop computer or backpack. Contact your airline for additional details.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to carry a needle or syringe on your person or in your carry-on baggage, you must have the medication that requires such injection on your person. The medication must be packaged with a pharmaceutical label or professionally printed label identifying the medication.

Carry photo identification. The name on your ticket must match your ID.

Only ticketed passengers are allowed past the security screening area. Persons wishing to greet travelers should meet in the baggage claim area or in the Airport Atrium area. If you have minor children, a medical, parental or other specific verifiable need to accompany a ticketed passenger, please check with your airline to determine how to proceed.

Make advance arrangements with your airline if you require special assistance, such as a wheelchair.

For current parking availability, use one of three options - call 1-877-ATL-PARK, tune in to Hartsfield's Parking Radio Network AM 830, or go to www.atlanta-airport.com

Use the Airport's Hourly Parking when picking up or dropping off passengers. Unattended vehicles parked at curbside will be ticketed and towed.

Look for a Hartsfield Customer Service Representative wearing a teal green jacket to answer any questions you may have.

For flight arrival and departure information, visit www.atlanta-airport.com and register for Trak-a-Flight.