AirTran Airways, a subsidiary
of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI), has compiled a number of tips and
guidelines for passengers and their families traveling this holiday season.
With the last two weeks of December traditionally the busiest travel times of
the year, AirTran Airways wants to help ensure customers' holiday splendor does
not turn to Grinch-link disappointment.
"We provide holiday transportation for hundreds-of-thousands of travelers, a
responsibility that AirTran Airways takes quite seriously," says Robert L.
Fornaro, AirTran Airways president and chief operating officer. "From family
members making their annual trip home to travelers on a holiday getaway, we are
proud to offer our customers a safe, efficient and affordable airline
experience."
To alleviate holiday travel anxiety, AirTran Airways offers the following
guidelines:
Airport Etiquette: Five Golden Rules to making Santa's "nice" list
* Pack before you wrap. Do not wrap your gifts before you reach your
destination because TSA agents may ask you to unwrap packages for
security screening purposes.
* Mind Father Time. With an estimated 37 million people traveling this
year and heightened Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
screening, you should arrive at the airport early. AirTran Airways
suggests arriving 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, but if
you are flying closer to Christmas or New Year's Day, tack an
additional 30 minutes onto your airport arrival time.
* Santa's Workshop isn't the only place for construction. Make sure you
know the most up-to-date information about your airport. For example,
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest
airport and currently under construction. Get the details at
http://www.atlanta-airport.com/.
* Unlock your Yuletide glee. TSA recommends your checked bags remain
unlocked in the event that security screeners need to open your
luggage.
* Protect your holiday memories. Put undeveloped film in your carry-on
bag. The x-ray machines used to screen checked luggage will damage
film.
Careful Planning: How to get home for the holidays
* T'is the sale. It's not too late to book seasonal travel. AirTran
Airways offers sales and last-minute specials to destinations across
the country during the holidays. Check availability at
http://www.airtran.com/.
* Take a morning sleigh ride. Book your flight for earlier in the day.
If your flight happens to get delayed, you have a good chance of
departing later that same day.
* This year's hot gift- the internet. To save time, AirTran Airways' web
site offers an excellent feature, Online Flight Check-In, which allows
you to select your seat and print your boarding pass electronically up
to 24 hours prior to departure at http://www.airtran.com/.
* Get ready for a Winter Wonderland. Be prepared for flight rescheduling
due to inclement weather. Like many travelers experienced during
Thanksgiving weekend, winter storms can throw a wrench in your holiday
travel schedule. It is important to check the weather and road
conditions before leaving home.
* Make a list and check it twice. Be flexible. If you're not locked
into specific dates or times, try different flight combinations before
you purchase your ticket. Traveling on holidays for example, Christmas
and New Year's Day, guarantees lower fares and less traffic.
Traveling with Children: Make sure they believe ... that flying is fun
* Inform your "elves." If you're traveling with children, talk to them
about airports and flying so that they are not frightened. Make sure
older children know that jokes/comments about bombs or explosives are
no laughing matter when traveling.
* Make holiday travel fun for all. With the anticipation of holiday gifs
and excitement, children can be particularly restless during flights or
waiting in airports. Pack books, handheld games, or portable DVD
players to keep your little ones occupied.
As you journey this season, remember it is your destination that makes holiday
travel a special occasion. All of the Crew Members at AirTran Airways wish you
a Happy Holiday!
AirTran Airways is one of America's largest low-fare airlines - with 6,000
friendly, professional Crew Members and operating over 500 flights a day to
more than 40 destinations. The airline's hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport, the world's busiest airport by passenger volume, where
it is the second largest carrier. AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran
Holdings (NYSE:AAI), is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 717 and has
America's youngest all-Boeing fleet. The airline recently added the Boeing
737-700 aircraft to its fleet, which like the Boeing 717 is one of the most
fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft flying today. AirTran
Airways was also the first airline to install XM Satellite Radio on a
commercial aircraft. For reservations or more information, visit
http://www.airtran.com/ (America Online Keyword: AirTran).
Media Contact: Tad Hutcheson
678.254.7442
Judy Graham-Weaver
678.254.7448
DATASOURCE: AirTran Airways
CONTACT: Tad Hutcheson, +1-678-254-7442, , or
Judy Graham-Weaver, +1-678-254-7448, , both of
AirTran Airways
Web site: http://www.airtran.com/