LAX EXPECTS 2.6 MILLION PASSENGERS TO USE LAX DURING HOLIDAYS AIRPORT OFFICIALS OFFER HELPFUL TIPS TO TRAVELERS

12/19/2003 12:00 AM

LAX EXPECTS 2.6 MILLION PASSENGERS TO USE LAX DURING HOLIDAYS
Airport Officials Offer Helpful Tips To Travelers

 

(Los Angeles, California - December 19, 2003) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) officials are estimating 2.6 million holiday travelers will pass through the airport between Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 4. The daily average of this year’s passenger traffic is expected to be the same as last year's. However it remains nine percent lower than the record holiday travel recorded in late Dec. 2000 and early Jan. 2001.

Airport officials noted airlines during this year’s holiday period are continuing to fly reduced schedules, a practice that began after Sept. 11, 2001. Passenger volume also is expected to be off about 2.8 percent from 2002, to finish 2003 with a total 54.6 million passengers.

Heavy travel is expected on the weekend before Dec. 25 and again on the weekend concluding Jan. 4 as travelers stretch their holiday because Jan. 1 falls in the middle of the week.

All available airport police and traffic officers will be on duty. The Transportation Security Administration has advised that its passenger and baggage screeners’ work hours are established to handle the busy holiday period, including peak hours. The TSA and LAX officials said, “We expect everything to go smoothly just as it did during the Thanksgiving holiday period.”

Passengers will see additional passenger screening checkpoints at three terminals, giving airport officials reason for their optimism about the prospect of improving passenger convenience this holiday. LAX has constructed and Transportation Security Administration has installed four new passenger screening lanes at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (home to more than 30 airlines), one new one at Terminal 1 (three airlines), and one new lane at Terminal 3 (six airlines).

Many airlines have lowered the weight allowable for individual bags checked by travelers. Travelers with oversized bags or bags over the weight limit will be subject to additional charges for items greater than the new limits. Passengers should contact their airline for allowable weights and applicable charges.
Airport officials predict parking will be available at Central Terminal Area
Lots and at reduced rate Lots B at LaCienega Boulevard and 111th Street and Lot C at Sepulveda Boulevard and 96th Street. Central Terminal Area parking is $30 per day and $10 a day at Lot C and $8 a day at Lot B.

Passengers are able to check luggage at their preferred check-in location -- airline ticket counters, airline self-service computer kiosks or curbside check-in. Airport officials reminded passengers that they play a major role in aviation security and customer service. By following some “Smart Traveler” tips, passengers can lessen the stress of holiday travel and help speed everyone through security checkpoints:

Before arriving at LAX, passengers should remember:

  • Do not pack or bring prohibited items to LAX. Do not pack food or beverages -- which tend to set off alarms -- in checked luggage. Don't stack books in luggage -- spread them out. Put footwear on top of other contents.
  • Do not wrap gifts or large boxes to be carried on or checked in.
  • 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 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, such as a laptop, purse, backpack, briefcase or camera case.
  • Place identification tags on and in all baggage.
  • Travelers 18 years and older require 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 carry-on baggage. 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 up-to-date passenger service information: Log onto the LAX Internet website at www.lawa.org/lax/.
  • 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 TellTSA@tsa.dot.gov.

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