NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2006 – The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing leading U.S. airlines, is forecasting that 25 million passengers – an average of more than two million per day – will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the 2006 Thanksgiving holiday season spanning Friday, Nov. 17 through Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The nation’s airlines expect this three percent year-over-year increase in passengers to result in planes, on average, being more than 80 percent full over the holiday. Sunday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Nov. 27, are expected to be the busiest two days.
“While we are enthused that many people will be flying this Thanksgiving holiday, we want our customers to have a pleasant travel experience, and this year that requires a bit of preparation,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “Airports will be packed and at times lines could be long, so it is critical that passengers understand what to expect, especially given new security measures.”
To ensure a smooth travel experience this Thanksgiving season, ATA encourages passengers to:
- Become familiar with the TSA ban on liquids, gels and aerosols. Note that any such items in your carry-on baggage must be packed in three-ounce or smaller containers that fit comfortably inside a one-quart, zip-top bag. Any additional quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols should be placed in checked luggage
- Leave lighters and matches at home. Familiarize yourself with all TSA permitted and prohibited items and under what circumstance permitted items can be carried onboard
- Travel with an unexpired government-issued photo identification card and allow plenty of time to get to the airport, park (if you drive to the airport), check in, go through security and get to the gate. It is important to check with your airline in advance for specific policy or airport recommendations
- Before arriving at the security checkpoint, place all metallic objects (e.g., loose change, keys, pens, cell phone, watch, camera) in your carry-on bag
- Make sure that each bag is identified with your name and contact information, both on the inside and outside, and remove all old destination baggage tags from previous trips
- For further convenience, use automated check-in options, offered via airline Web sites and at airport kiosks, up to 24 hours before departure
ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.
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