SANTA REMINDS TRAVELERS THAT SECURITY IS EVERYONE’S JOB

(Los Angeles, California - December 19, 2002) Even a busy traveler on a hectic schedule like Santa Claus observes the security rules for passengers traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Before his international departure from LAX today for the holidays, airport officials reminded passengers important security measures are in effect, some of which will affect more travelers because they are carrying gifts to friends and relatives. Santa even made a short video for LAX officials about travel tips to help passengers smooth their way through their departure.

Among the important security tips Santa said:

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.

• 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.