AAA-CMC Travel Agents Continue to Counsel Travelers in Wake of Tragedy

    AURORA, Ill., Sept. 21 The AAA-Chicago Motor Club
continues to provide assistance to its traveling customers as they make future
travel arrangements and alter existing plans.
    AAA-CMC travel agents have been working around the clock to answer
customer questions.  In addition, all customers that purchased airline tickets
through the AAA-CMC travel agency and were scheduled to travel within 10 days
of Sept. 11 received a phone call from an agent to update them about the
status of their travel plans.
    Like many travel agencies, AAA-CMC received numerous travel cancellations
following last Tuesday's tragic events.  However, while air ticket sales have
slumped, AAA-CMC has experienced an increase in car rentals, train and bus
ticket sales.
    With new security measures in place at our nation's airports, the AAA-CMC
travel agency is offering the following tips to passengers:

    -- 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.
    -- Keep in mind 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.  In that case, travelers should contact
       their travel agent or airline for information regarding carry-on
       policies.

    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.
   Visit our web site at http://www.aaa.com .

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