AAA-CMC Offers Guidance for Safe Air Travel

    AURORA, Ill., Sept. 13 Once U.S. government authorities
determine that air travel is safe and airports are reopened, the AAA-Chicago
Motor Club suggests travelers contact their travel agent or airline to confirm
travel arrangements.
    "It's important for travelers to understand that airports will be crowded
and under a heightened state of security," said Mark Bruno, spokesman for
AAA-CMC.
    AAA-CMC suggests travelers consider the following guidelines:

    -- Passengers should contact the airline or their travel agent immediately
       to confirm their flight or to rebook a flight.  Travelers are urged to
       do this by phone since ticket counters at the airport will most likely
       have long lines.
    -- Arrive at the airport two hours ahead of time for a domestic flight,
       and at least three hours ahead of time for an international flight.
    -- Be prepared for more rigorous security checks than in the past.  Expect
       more frequent hand inspection of carry-on luggage and body searches
       through security terminals.
    -- Be sure to carry two forms of identification at all times, in addition
       to passports for international flights.
    -- Do not leave luggage unattended or carry anything on board an airplane
       for someone you do not know.
    -- Be aware of the elimination of curbside check-in or check-ins at hotels
       and other off-airport sites.
    -- Understand that access to secure areas of the airport will be
       restricted to ticketed passengers and electronic ticket holders only.
       Electronic ticket holders should carry a receipt or evidence of their
       ticket.

    "Airports across the nation have placed a prohibition of knives,
regardless of size, in any secure areas of the airport, and that some airlines
may restrict a passenger's ability to carry any luggage on the plane at all,"
said Bruno.  "In this case, travelers should contact their travel agent or
airline for information regarding carry-on policies."
    According to AAA-CMC, the club is committed to providing whatever
assistance its traveling members and customers require, ensuring a safe trip.
In these difficult and disturbing times, experience affirms that these steps
will help to reduce hassles and increase the likelihood of a worry-free trip.
    The AAA-Chicago Motor Club is a not-for-profit, tax paying membership
organization serving more than 800,000 members and the general public in
Illinois and Northern Indiana.  The AAA-Chicago Motor Club provides
automotive, insurance, travel and financial services, and is a member of The
Auto Club Group.
    Please visit our web site at http://www.aaa.com .

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