Holiday travel tips

The Air Transport Association says that airline capacity is down 9% and expected traveler volumes is down by the same amount.

The ATA... is forecasting a 9 percent year-over-year decrease in the number of passengers who will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the 21-day winter holiday travel season (spanning Thurs., Dec. 18, 2008, through Wed., Jan. 7, 2009). The number of available seats has declined 9 percent from the same period a year ago, resulting in full or near-full flights throughout the holiday.

The busiest days are expected to be Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 27. As he did last year, President Bush says he'll open up some military restricted airspace that will help ease congestion somewhat.

The ATA offers these travel tips:

· Pack any gifts unwrapped, as they may need to be inspected by security.

· Use automated check-in options, offered via airline Web sites and at airport kiosks, up to 24 hours before departure.

· Sign up with your airline to receive automated travel notifications delivered to your cell phone or wireless device; in the event of system delays, airlines will keep travelers informed of flight and schedule changes. Passengers can also check on the latest airport delays via the FAA Web site.

· Travel with an unexpired government-issued photo identification.

· Allow plenty of time for checking in and for security screening at the airport. If traveling on the busiest days, plan for longer-than-usual security lines. And remember that families and individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids this holiday season can take advantage of specially-designated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) family lanes.

· Familiarize yourself with the latest TSA 3-1-1 security program rules at www.tsa.gov, and with the list of TSA permitted and prohibited items.

· At the security checkpoint, place metallic objects (including keys, coins, pens, cell phone, watch, camera) in carry-on baggage. Plan to carry small electronics and spare batteries with you. Check DOT restrictions against packing batteries in checked luggage before getting to the airport.

· Tag each bag, inside and out, with traveler name and contact information, and remove all destination baggage tags from previous trips.