LAX EXPECTS 800,000 PASSENGERS DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY; OFFERS TRAVEL TIPS

11/18/2002 12:00 AM

LAX EXPECTS 800,000 PASSENGERS DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY; OFFERS TRAVEL TIPS

 

(Los Angeles, California - November 18, 2002) Airlines serving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are predicting Thanksgiving 2002 will be busier than last year with nearly 800,000 travelers passing through the airport from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1.

This holiday period's passenger volume is 16 percent higher than last year's low of 690,000 passengers, but still 14 percent less than the record-breaking level of 925,000 passengers of Thanksgiving 2000.

Wednesday and Sunday will be the busiest days of travel at LAX. Many passengers will see the new federalized passenger screening force for the first time. On Nov. 5, the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) completed its federalization of 1,600 passenger screeners, the largest screener workforce of any U.S. airport.

The TSA is observing its first anniversary today and embarking on a public awareness campaign to prepare travelers for what to expect at airports during this holiday.

"We congratulate the Transportation Security Administration on its first anniversary and commend the dedication and hard work of their LAX workforce to achieve this important milestone for improving passenger security. The new federalized screening workforce is well-trained, enthusiastic and sensitive to customer service. Travelers this holiday season will definitely see a difference in the way this important task is carried out," said Lydia H. Kennard, executive director of the Los Angeles World Airports.

Airport officials are recommending several "Smart Traveler" tips for holiday travelers.

Before arriving at LAX,  passengers should remember:

  • Do not pack or bring prohibited items to LAX.
  • Leave gifts or large boxes unwrapped for inspection.
  • Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm at the metal detector.
  • Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
  • Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on item plus one personal item. This includes laptops, purses, backpacks, briefcases or camera cases.
  • Place identification tags on and in all your baggage. Travelers 18 years and older require a government-issued photo identification to receive boarding passes.

While at the airport, travelers should remember:

  • Passenger drop-off and pick-up at terminal curbside is permitted. Meet arriving passengers in the baggage claim areas on the Lower/Arrival Level.
  • Do not bring drinks or other liquids to the security checkpoints unless they are in paper or foam containers that are re-sealable or spill-proof.
  • All metals should be placed inside your carry-on bag. This includes jewelry, loose change, keys, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants.
  • Take laptop computers out of their carrying cases and place them in a bin.

For more information:

There are a number of sources for passenger service information. For up-to-date information:

  • Log onto the LAX Internet website at www.lawa.org.
  • Call the LAX toll-free phone number at (888) 544-9444.
  • Tune radios to AirRadio AM 530 for airport traffic information.
  • Call the LAX General Information Operators at (310) 646-5252.
  • Passengers with disabilities, medical concerns, or other types of special needs should visit the TSA website www.TSATravelTips.US, or contact your airline.
  • Passengers with questions or complaints about security procedures should call the TSA Consumer Response Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673 or e-mail the agency at TSA-ConsumerResponse@tsa.dot.gov.

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