ATA ESTIMATES TWO
MILLION PASSENGERS PER
DAY TO
FLY THIS THANKSGIVING PERIOD
Two million people a day will take to
the airways during this year's 12-day Thanksgiving period, according to the
Air Transport Association of America (ATA), an industry trade organization
that represents the top U.S.
airlines. ATA anticipates a minimum of two million people per day will travel
globally over the holiday period, which stretches from Sunday, Nov. 12, to
Tuesday Nov. 28, with Nov. 26 and 27 expected to be the busiest days.
ATA President and CEO James C. May said,
"Airports will be packed and at times lines could be long, so it is
critical that passengers understand what to expect, especially given new
security measures."
To that end, the ATA has released a set
of guidelines for travelers this holiday season:
§
Become familiar
with the TSA
regulations on liquids (http://www.tsa.gov), gels and aerosols.
Note that any such items in your carry-on baggage must be packed in
three-ounce or smaller containers that fit comfortably inside a one-quart,
zip-top bag. Any additional quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols should be
placed in checked luggage
§
Leave lighters and
matches at home. Familiarize yourself with all TSA
permitted and prohibited items (http://www.tsa.gov) and under what
circumstance permitted items can be carried onboard
§
Travel with an
unexpired government-issued photo identification card and allow plenty of
time to get to the airport, park (if you drive to the airport), check in, go
through security and get to the gate. It is important to check with your
airline in advance for specific policy or airport recommendations.
§
Before arriving at
the security checkpoint, place all metallic objects (e.g., loose change,
keys, pens, cell phone, watch, camera) in your carry-on bag.
§
Make sure that each
bag is identified with your name and contact information, both on the inside
and outside, and remove all old destination baggage tags from previous trips.
§
For further
convenience, use automated check-in options, offered via airline Web sites
and at airport kiosks, up to 24 hours before departure.
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