LAX UPDATE ON OPERATIONAL STATUS; ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS USING LAX

(Los Angeles, California -- September 20, 2001) Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are currently operating nearly 85 percent of the average 2,100 daily flights in effect prior to the terrorist attacks that shut down the nation's airports. This is expected to be the level of operations at LAX for the near future, as many airlines have already indicated they plan to reduce their flight schedules by 15 to 20 percent. Domestic and international airlines have resumed air cargo shipments from known shippers. The U.S. Postal Service has resumed shipping letters weighing 16 ounces or less.

The airport has opened a special stop for passengers being dropped off for departing flights ONLY. The facility is located at 9011 Airport Boulevard, north of the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Arbor Vitae/Westchester Parkway, about 10 blocks northeast of the Central Terminal Area (CTA). Free LAX shuttle buses pick up passengers for the short ride to the passenger terminals 24 hours daily. No parking is allowed in or around this new facility.

This separate location for passenger drop-offs is expected to reduce the number of vehicles in LAX Parking Lots B and C, and will help preserve those facilities for parking.

Arriving passengers who wish to be met are advised to use Lot B (111th Street and La Cienega Boulevard) for pick-up. Departing travelers who wish to park their vehicles for a long term are advised to use Lot C (96th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard).

Meeters-and-greeters are allowed to meet arriving passengers in the airline baggage claim areas ONLY. Meeters-and-greeters are advised to use short-term parking in Lot B and take the free LAX shuttle bus into the Central Terminal Area. An airline ticket is not required to walk into the airport or ride the LAX Shuttle Buses.

LAX officials are asking passengers to continue observing the following travel advice:

• Do not bring knives, scissors, screw drivers, fingernail files, garden tools, toy guns, gun-shaped cigarette lighters or any other weapon-like objects to the airport. They will be confiscated at security checkpoints. While these items are permitted to be packed in checked luggage, airport officials strongly recommend that passengers do not even include these items in their checked luggage.
• Airlines are recommending passengers to reduce the size and number of baggage to expedite the screening process.
• Passengers should put identification on the outside AND inside of their baggage, and on carry-on bags.
• Private passenger vehicles are not allowed to drive into the Central Terminal Area, except for vehicles with handicap placards and/or license plates. Vehicles with handicapped parking placards and/or license plates can park in the metered parking sections of the parking structures.
• Travelers should use commercial transportation such as taxis, door-to-door shuttle vans, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) buses and Metro Rail, Van Nuys FlyAway and other direct-to-airport buses, and limousines for hire. Courtesy vehicles from hotels, rental car agencies, and privately operated parking lots are permitted to enter the CTA. Due to demand at the FlyAway parking lots, travelers are urged to be dropped off rather than park at the FlyAway terminal, located in Van Nuys at the intersection of Woodley and Saticoy.
• Passengers should check with their airlines before coming to the airport.
• Passengers should check with their airlines to learn how much time in advance of their flights passengers should arrive at the airport.

(NSC - 9/20/01)