AAA Offers Advice for Travelers During Wartime
HOUSTON--March 22, 2003--AAA Texas is advising travelers that there are steps they can take to increase their safety preparedness during the Iraqi conflict."International leisure travel is typically light at this time of year," said George Clarke, vice president and general manager of AAA Texas. "Despite the conflict in Iraq, there is no reason to avoid travel, as long as travelers stay well-informed and plan ahead."
Below are tips for those traveling in the next few days:
| -- | Domestic and international travelers should monitor news reports for information that could affect their travel plans. If flying, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. Airports are stepping up vehicle searches and in some cases closing off nearby parking lots, so allow enough extra time to park and get to the terminal. |
| -- | Pack luggage for flights in accordance with Travel Security Administration guidelines, which include: not packing weapons, avoiding packing of food items, packing books separately instead of stacking them, packing shoes on top, leaving luggage unlocked and not packing film in checked luggage. |
| -- | Make sure family and/or friends have detailed information about your itinerary, including contact numbers and addresses of where you will be staying. |
| -- | International travelers should consult the State Department's Web site (www.travel.state.gov) for the latest information on travel advisories and warnings. |
| -- | Make copies of your travel and identification documents and credit cards. Take one set of copies with you stored separately from the originals and leave a set at home in case they are lost or stolen. |
| -- | Take your travel agent's business card in case you need to change plans while on the trip. |
| -- | Maintain a low profile while traveling overseas. For example, don't wear clothing or bring luggage with American flag logos on them. |
"Travelers can enjoy their trips more fully by taking these simple safety precautions," Clarke said.
For more up-to-date information on travel safety tips, visit AAA's Web page, www.aaa-texas.com/travel/tips/index.asp, which includes several useful travel links.
AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas' members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.
