Auto Club Offers Guidance for Safe Travel
LOS ANGELES--Sept. 14, 2001--The new security restrictions surrounding airline flights will require travelers to change their habits and allow plenty of additional time for arriving at the airport, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California."The new safeguards will hopefully go a long way toward increasing passenger confidence as they also increase travelers' security," said Diana Meinhold, the Auto Club's group manager for travel. "The new procedures will also be unfamiliar to travelers, so they should try to educate themselves as much as possible before leaving on a trip so they will be prepared."
The Automobile Club of Southern California urges travelers to:
| -- | Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm or rebook your flight. Do this by phone if possible to avoid long lines. Flight schedules in the coming weeks are subject to numerous changes, so reconfirm the flight shortly before leaving for the airport. |
| -- | Check with your airline, travel agent or airport to learn about new drop-off and pick-up procedures. Some airports are not allowing personal vehicles to drop off passengers at the terminal. |
| -- | Arrive at the airport 2 to 2-1/2 hours ahead of time for a domestic flight, and at least three hours ahead of time for an international flight. Curbside and off-site airport check-ins are no longer allowed, and electronic airline tickets will be processed in person at airline counters just like paper tickets. |
| -- | Be prepared for more rigorous security checks than in the past. Expect more frequent hand inspection of carry-on luggage. |
| -- | Carry two photo identifications with you. |
| -- | Do not leave luggage unattended or carry anything on board an airplane for someone you don't know. |
| -- | If you must drive instead of flying to your destination, use an online mapping service for routing information or consult an Auto Club auto travel counselor to determine your route, stops and the length of time for your trip. The Auto Club's Internet TripTik(R) can be found at www.aaa-calif.com. There are also other online routing services available to the public. |
| -- | Road travelers in California can check the California Highway Information number, 800/427-7623, for roadway closure information that is updated hourly. |
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.