Friday, December 19, 2003

TSA, Hartsfield-Jackson offer holiday travel tips

The days following Thanksgiving are traditionally the busiest travel time for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but the weeks following the holiday are equally as busy. In fact, passenger volume frequently increases between November and January, airport officials say.

The national holidays that fall during that two-month period —  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day —  provide passengers with extra time away from school and work, so many often choose to travel during these periods.

“As people make their way back and forth this holiday season, we anticipate seeing significantly more air travelers,” said Hartsfield-Jackson General Manager Ben DeCosta. “The surge in passenger volume is great news for the airline industry. We’re looking forward to a very brisk holiday travel season.”

Airport officials and the Transportation Security Administration offer the following tips for passengers traveling between late November and mid-January:

• For domestic flights, arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

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

• Remember, enhanced airport security measures limit carry-on items. Passengers are now restricted to a total of two items including one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or computer case.

• Wait until you reach your destination to wrap presents. Wrapped gifts may be opened and inspected in some cases.

• Pack all film inside your carry-on bags, as checked baggage security screening may damage film.

• In the event of inclement weather, call your airline ahead of time to determine the status of your flight.

• 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 passenger boarding areas of the Airport or on board the aircraft.

• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. These items may cause the alarms on the passenger security screening devices to activate.

• Place identification tags in and on all of your baggage.

According to Asa Hutchinson, under secretary for Border and Transportation Security, “With more people flying, airports will be crowded. It’s important to allow plenty of time to check-in and go through security. When travelers are prepared to enter the checkpoint, it helps screeners immensely.”

The TSA also recommends the following tips, designated as ”in, out, and off” for travelers. These tips can help passengers avoid the need for secondary security screening.

IN ­ Place all metal items IN a carry-on bag while waiting in line.

OUT ­ Take laptop computers OUT of their cases.

OFF ­ Take coats OFF.

Additional information about items prohibited from carry-on and checked baggage can be found at www.TSATravelTips.us.