LOS ANGELES AND ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC

(Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2001) Shortly after 12:00 p.m. today, Los Angeles International (LAX) and Ontario International (ONT) airports reopened to the public. LAX and ONT were among the first in the United States to be certified by the FAA to resume operations.

Passenger flights will resume on a limited basis. Approximately 100 flight operations are expected at LAX today compared with the normal level of 2,200 flights per day at LAX. Air carriers plan to gradually resume more flights in the days and week ahead.

"Los Angeles World Airports wholeheartedly supports the FAA's new security measures and is committed to full compliance to ensure the highest level of aviation safety and security in partnership with the airlines," said Lydia H. Kennard, LAWA Executive Director.

Each of LAX's 125 carriers will decide when to resume service and which flights to operate. Travelers are asked to contact the airlines directly for flight information before coming to the airport.

The public can expect to encounter these new security measures:

• Skycap curbside check in service is discontinued. All passengers will be required to check baggage at the ticket counters.
• Only passengers with tickets or ticket confirmations will be allowed past security checkpoints.
• A ban has been imposed on all knives and other cutting instruments. 

Travelers are prohibited from driving their vehicle into the LAX Central Terminal Area (CTA) or being driven to LAX in private vehicles until further notice. Travelers can take alternative transportation such as the Metro Green Line, door-to-door shuttle vans, Van Nuys FlyAway, rental cars, taxis, public buses and limousines. Private vehicles can drop off travelers at airport Parking Lots B (111th Street and La Cienaga Bouelvard) and C (96th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard) for free shuttle bus service to the passenger terminals.

Travelers whose cars have been parked in the CTA while the airport was closed may now retrieve them. They will not be charged for the time their cars where parked here during the airport shutdown period.

Passengers are reminded to bring appropriate identification and their airplane tickets with them. Those who are traveling with e-tickets will still need to check-in at the ticket counter.

For the latest information about LAX, please visit www.lawa.org or call the toll free number (888) 544-9444.