'Less is Best' When Traveling Through Airports This Thanksgiving; ACI Encourages Passengers to Travel Light and Be Prepared.

WASHINGTON -- With increased passenger numbers and newly implemented screening procedures by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airport officials at the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) suggest that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights from now until Monday, Nov. 29. Passengers are reminded to check with their respective airports' websites for information on flight operations, holiday parking options, and other unique arrangements and tips.

New security procedures passengers should be aware of include the removal of any type of outerwear such as light jackets, sweatshirts and shoes before screening. All metal objects -- including keys, coins, and phones -- must be placed in a carry-on or a plastic bag before reaching x-ray machines. Finally, baggage should be locked with a TSA accepted and recognized lock.

"Airports have done a terrific job assisting the traveling public in dealing with the new constraints on the aviation system. With the heavy volume of passenger traffic expected during this holiday season and the changes in the screening process, we encourage passengers to travel light and to be security-ready," said David Z. Plavin, ACI-NA President. "During the holiday season, passengers can expect increased congestion in parking areas, lobbies and at checkpoints. To ease the process, passengers should plan to arrive at the airport early, approach checkpoints with proper documentation, and be patient," he added.

According to the Air Transport Association, airports nationwide are expecting more than 16.3 million travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it the largest number of on record. The added requirements of safety and security will impose some new constraints on how to use the aviation system. With that in mind, ACI-NA offers the following tips on how to get from the start of your trip to your destination safely and efficiently.

PLAN AHEAD:

--Check web sites for the airports you will be using during your trip to confirm current procedures.

--Do not pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. For a complete list of items prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage, visit the Transportation Security Administration at http://www.tsa.gov/

--Place identification tags on all baggage

BEFORE LEAVING HOME:

--Carry-on baggage will be limited to one bag plus a personal item per passenger. These personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack or diaper bag.

--Wrapped gift packages may be opened and which could cause delays. Therefore check them in your luggage or don't wrap them.

--Make sure you are traveling with a government issued photo identification card and keep it with you at all times.

--Do not pack hazardous materials, such as matches, lighters or flammable liquids.

--Parking and curbside access may be controlled and limited. Parking availability and measures to control parking facilities are subject to rapid change and vary from airport to airport. Please check with your airport to determine what procedures are in place and the estimated time you should allow for this.

GETTING TO THE AIRPORT AND CHECKING-IN:

--Take the time to check local newspapers, airline announcements, public service announcements, and airport/airline web sites to determine if new procedures have been instituted.

--Be security ready when you arrive to the airport. Have all carry-on items, and your person ready to be screened while checking in. Please be prepared to show government issued ID as well as boarding cards at each stage of the boarding process (i.e. license, passport, and ticket information).

--If you are utilizing an E-ticket or ticket-less travel option, please confirm with your airline what you will need at check-in and the screening checkpoint.

--Please note the changes for international travelers at the US VISIT web site (http://www.dhs.gov/).

WHILE YOU WAIT:

--While waiting for your flight, do not leave your belongings unattended. Airport police will be on the lookout for unattended bags and luggage.

--Security is a major concern and priority. Please be aware that any jokes regarding security issues, such as bomb threats, are very serious and will be handled as such. If you see any suspicious activity, call the airport police immediately.

-ACI-

The Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) is a membership organization representing approximately 170 state, regional and local governing bodies that own and operate the principal airports served by scheduled air carriers in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports handle approximately 98 percent of the domestic, and virtually all of the international air passenger and cargo traffic in North America.