Press Release

November 16, 1998

Holiday Travel Tips From Washington’s Airports

Alexandria, VA— Thanksgiving week and the holiday season which follows bring more travelers to Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is offering travel advice to area residents.

"We have much-improved facilities for area travelers and visitors this year, including a variety of shopping and dining choices. However, the holiday season brings more crowded conditions to our airports so it may be wise to allow extra time for parking and check-in to ensure a smooth trip," said Airports Authority President/CEO James A. Wilding.

During the holidays, the Airports Authority offers these travel tips:

Leave Early -- Airline and airport officials urge travelers to allow at least 1 2 hours in advance of domestic flights and 3 hours in advance of international flights to allow time for ground transportation, parking, luggage check-in and security screening. Holiday traffic increases at National and Dulles Airports, so vehicles can not wait in front of airport terminals. In addition, plan extra time to find parking spaces since the lots and garages will be crowded.

Be prepared when you arrive at the ticket counter. Airlines require photo identification of passengers over age 18. Many airlines request a government-issued photo i.d., such as a driver’s license or passport.

Airline and security screening procedures may also take extra time to accommodate the increased number of travelers. Expect to have any carry on items scrutinized and avoid wrapping presents that you plan to take through airport security screening. Electronic equipment will also be examined carefully.

Check ahead of time: Dial 530 AM -- The Airport Channel on your car radio will keep you up-to-date on available parking at the airports. Call your airline’s 1-800 number to re-confirm your flight or to answer questions about carry-on luggage.

Try the Washington Flyer or SuperShuttle Service-- If you don’t want to drive to the airports, consider the Washington Flyer express bus service from the downtown location at 16th and K Streets, N.W. For information about this service, please call (703) 685-1400. SuperShuttle provides door-to-door shared-ride service to the airports, please call 1-800-BLUEVAN.

Take Metro -- Metrorail is a good way to travel to National Airport where pedestrian bridges connect directly to the terminals. Metro also serves Dulles through a Washington Flyer bus connection from the West Falls Church Metro Station.

Travel Safely -- Carry medicine, cash, jewelry and other important valuables with you on the plane. Have identification tags on the outside and inside of your luggage; these tags are available at the airline ticket counters. If you leave your car at the airport, remove any valuables. Carry your purse and wallet securely, and keep your luggage and carry on items in your sight at all times.

For general information about Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports, call (703) 417-8000 for National and (703) 572-2700 for Dulles.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority wishes a happy holiday season to area travelers.

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