Goodbye 2009, Hello End of Year Sale at BookIt.com®

-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Catch the last vacation deals of 2009 with BookIt.com®’s End of Year Sale – and save up to 70 percent on great resort and hotel packages booked through the online travel provider.

“Plus with flexible BookIt.com payment options there is no reason to pay more later when you get a steal now.”

Deals must be booked by midnight January 1 for End of Year savings and 2010 travel, with featured low rates at top resorts including Las Vegas, Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New York City and New Orleans. Guests can also save on bonuses such as free upgrades, spa credits and more.

“2009 has definitely been the Year of the Deal - but guests can get incredible deals on 2010 vacations booked by midnight January 1 through the BookIt.com End of Year Sale,” said Jesse Henson, Vice President of Marketing for BookIt.com. “Plus with flexible BookIt.com payment options there is no reason to pay more later when you get a steal now."

Lower travel prices were a silver lining in 2009’s soft economy. The U.S. Travel Association forecast a 6.6 percent drop in its travel price index in 2009, but foresees growth resuming in 2010 with an uptick of 0.3 percent.

Featured deals from the End of Year Sale include, but are not limited to, the following:

NH Riviera Cancun Luxury Resort - Riviera Maya

* $99 All-Inclusive: 60% off
* Reg. $249 pp/pn
* $180 in resort credits w/ 3-night stays
* 2 Kids stay free

Regal Sun Resort - Orlando

* $75: In Disney w/free upgrade
* Reg. $139
* Kids eat free

The Richmond Hotel - South Beach, Miami

* $129: Oceanfront plus free upgrade
* Reg. $229+
* Free upgrade
* Oceanfront

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FlyersRights.org Supports TSA Efforts, but Cautions That New Procedures be Implemented Carefully

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, FlyersRights.org, the nation's largest non-profit airline consumer advocacy group, applauded the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to improve airport security in the wake of this week's incident aboard a Northwest flight bound for Detroit. However, the group warned that a large number of its members have expressed concerns that the new TSA procedures, including the 'one-hour rule', may place an undue burden on passengers.

"Obviously, safety during air travel must be the number one priority for everyone. However, we caution the TSA to fully consider the ramifications of these new rules, and take all steps necessary to ensure they are implemented with common sense and respect for the dignity of passengers. While it may seem obvious that airlines would implement these rules with a liberal dose of common sense, history has proven otherwise," said Kate Hanni, spokesperson for FlyersRight.org.

Our membership is concerned that the new procedures could so infringe on basic passenger needs that some travelers will find it necessary to avoid air travel altogether. In particular, we are concerned that the newly implemented "one hour rule", which severely restricts passengers' activities in the last hour of a flight, may pose health and safety risks for many people. Activities potentially banned during the last hour of a flight include: using the restroom, giving formula to a baby, taking vital medications, and stretching one's legs to avoid blood clots. We caution the TSA to restrict passengers' in-flight activities sparingly, and only when such restrictions have a direct and measurable correlation to improved safety.

Continued Hanni, "We can restrict passenger behavior ad infinitum in the hopes of preventing some future catastrophe, but, at some point, we will lose our identities as Americans. When it gets to the point when we can no longer feed a young child or access our handbag, we have to ask ourselves who is really winning this battle."

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Three Years Later: FlyersRights Is Still Protecting You From The Not So Friendly Skies

/PRNewswire/ -- Three years ago today, 13,800 people boarded 138 American Airlines jets in hopes of reaching Dallas Fort Worth for their connecting flights during a crowded holiday season in late 2006/early 2007. Yet, all 138 of these flights were diverted to 24 airports in and around Texas to endure what would be for some people -- including Kate Hanni and family -- a painful and life-changing ordeal. In Hanni's case, she and her family were stuck on an airport tarmac for 9 hours and 17 minutes without water, food, or usable toilets. That is when she decided to take action.

"FlyersRights.org has become, in 3 short years, the organization that airline passengers rely on to stand up for them and fight for their rights," said Kate Hanni, Executive Director FlyersRights.org. "It is rather amazing what we have accomplished, together, during such a brief period of time":

-- The introduction of 9 airline passengers' rights bills before Congress
-- The House of Representatives' twice passing our airline passengers'
bills
-- The passage of the New York Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights Law
(later overturned by the appellate court).
-- The passage of the currently-in-force Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulation requiring airlines to report time on the tarmac for
diverted, canceled and multiple gate return flights.
-- The DOT's doubling the bumping compensation for flights that are
oversold from $200-$400 to $400-$800 respectively.
-- The DOT's mandating that airlines note at point of purchase their
baggage fees so there are no surprises!
-- Completion and implementation of a DOT rule requiring airlines to
allow passengers off flights after 3 hour delays and taking care of
the essential needs of passengers while trapped on the tarmac.

FlyersRights.org looks forward to final passage of the FAA Modernization act S: 1451 which contains many further provisions for airline passengers that will make their travel by air safer, healthier and more tolerable. We intend to be the voice for all air travelers indefinitely!

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Mayday Air Jamaica Advises the Travelling Public Against the Use of Foreign Carriers into Jamaica During Inclement Weather

/PRNewswire/ -- A former president of the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) has sent an open letter to both Spirit and American Airlines advising of the high potential for disaster, and requested that they exercise extreme care when dispatching flights into Jamaica in marginal weather and not use Jamaican airports as alternates under any circumstances until the NTSB report is final.

Wesley Sampson and his organization, Mayday Air Jamaica (http://www.maydayairjamaica.com/), had last month on Nov. 19, 2009, in an open letter to Spirit re: its bid to purchase Air Jamaica, expressed grave concerns over the safety of the international travelling public into Jamaica, and the callous attitude of the Jamaican authorities in this regard.

"We note where the FAA had previously downgraded the islands' airports, the status of which, although reinstated, remains questionable where emergency equipment and facilities are concerned, as this accident shows. It is not reasonable to assume or expect that two experienced American Airlines pilots, trained to the highest standards of aviation safety, simply flew into Jamaica and crash landed in routine operations," said Sampson.

Mayday Air Jamaica strongly advises the travelling public not to use foreign carriers in inclement weather conditions, and to await the findings of the NTSB and the supervision of the Jamaican government in implementation of the recommended corrective procedures.

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Only 3 Nights Remain to see Fantasy In Lights in 2009‏

Don’t let 2009 sneak away without enjoying Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, a spectacular holiday light and sound show production featuring more than eight million lights.

A tradition for families and friends to spend time together creating holiday memories, Fantasy In Lights is open daily through December 30, 2009. The Christmas Village opens at 3:00 p.m. and the lights begin at 6:00 p.m. Tickets to Fantasy In Lights include same-day admission into Callaway Gardens, providing visitors twice the enjoyment from one ticket! The Gardens open daily at 9:00 a.m.

The remaining nights are for the less-expensive Value Night tickets priced at $16 for adults and $8 for children ages (6-12). Tax is additional. Children five and younger are admitted free but require a “free child” ticket. Group rates are available.

Two simple ways to purchase Fantasy In Lights tickets: 1) Order online at www.callawaygardens.com and print on your home computer (no waiting in a ticket line); and 2) Call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

When ordering tickets, guests should decide the date, time, ages of those in party and whether they want to ride in their personal vehicle or on the Jolly Trolley.

Guests also are invited to stay overnight on the Fantasy In Lights package. Starting at $129* in the Mountain Creek® Inn at Callaway Gardens, package includes special admission to Fantasy In Lights; overnight accommodations; breakfast (per adult, per night of stay); admission to Callaway Gardens and daily use of the Callaway Fitness Center. The same package without breakfast is available for $109*.

Every year, Fantasy In Lights shines bigger and brighter. Since it opened in 1992, Fantasy In Lights has brought holiday cheer to millions of people! Make Fantasy In Lights a holiday tradition for your family!

Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, contact Callaway at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Fantasy In Lights® is a registered trademark of the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.

*Based on double occupancy.

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Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers Affected by Winter Weather Across U.S. Midwest

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced travel options for customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather across the U.S. Midwest - including at Delta's Detroit and Minneapolis-St. Paul hubs - through Sunday.

Customers booked on flights operated by Delta, Northwest Airlines or Delta Connection carriers to, from or through the following states from Dec. 22-27 may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees if tickets are changed by Dec. 27, 2009.

-- Illinois
-- Indiana
-- Iowa
-- Kansas
-- Michigan
-- Minnesota
-- Nebraska
-- North Dakota
-- South Dakota
-- Wisconsin


Delta will proactively reduce flight schedules to and from affected airports to ensure delays are minimized during the storm. However, customers may wish to consider postponing or rerouting their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

Travel for changed itineraries must begin by Jan. 1, 2010 and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds.

Delta also has extended its winter travel waiver for customers whose travel plans were affected by last weekend's record-breaking snow storm on the U.S. East Coast. Delta customers who were booked on flights between Dec. 18 and Dec. 26 to, from or through Baltimore; Boston; Greensboro, N.C.; Lynchburg, Va.; Newark, N.J.; New York (LaGuardia and JFK); Philadelphia; Raleigh, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National) may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees if tickets are changed and new travel begins by Jan. 1, 2010.

Complete details and the latest flight updates are available at delta.com and nwa.com.

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Air Transport Association Comments on DOT Tarmac Delay Rule

/PRNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today commented on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Tarmac Delay Rule.

"We will comply with the new rule even though we believe it will lead to unintended consequences - more cancelled flights and greater passenger inconvenience. In particular, the requirement of having planes return to the gates within a three hour window or face significant fines is inconsistent with our goal of completing as many flights as possible. Lengthy tarmac delays benefit no one," said ATA president and CEO James C. May.

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional industry information, visit www.airlines.org.

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AirTran Airways Brings Low Fares to the Caribbean With New Service to Aruba

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched new service between Atlanta and Aruba, offering one nonstop flight each week. On January 9, 2010, the airline will also introduce weekly nonstop flights between Orlando and Aruba.

Service to the popular vacation destination will join existing flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cancun, Mexico, and most recently, Nassau, Bahamas, and Key West, Fla. In February, the low cost airline will continue its Caribbean expansion with flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

"Bringing our low fares and high-quality service to the Caribbean is a priority for AirTran Airways. Offering new service to Aruba is one more step in that direction," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. "Travelers in Atlanta and Orlando will benefit from the nonstop service, and customers from all over the country can make just one stop to get to their vacation in paradise."

"Speaking for everyone in Aruba's tourism industry, we are delighted to welcome AirTran Airways as our newest airline partner. By increasing the opportunity for more Americans to discover our island's unique pleasures and year-round perfect weather, this new direct service from Atlanta will benefit not only our visitors but the people of Aruba, for whom tourism is so important," said Otmar Oduber, Aruba's Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Labor. "The special character of a vacation in Aruba has helped us maintain a repeat visitor rate of over 60 percent - the highest in the Caribbean - and we are pleased that partners like AirTran Airways are helping us make those enriching experiences accessible from more gateway cities across North America."


*Sale Fare Terms & Conditions: All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Seven-day advance purchase required. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by January 2, 2010. Sale fares are valid for travel January 9, 2010 through March 10, 2010. Blackout dates are as follows: February 12-13, 2010, February 15, 2010, and February 20-21, 2010. A first bag may be checked for a fee of up to $15 per person and a second bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares shown do not include Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Fares to/from Aruba do not include additional government taxes of up to $100.

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Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers Affected by Winter Weather Along U.S. East Coast

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced travel options for customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather along the U.S. East Coast - including at Delta's New York-JFK hub - through Sunday.

Customers booked on flights operated by Delta, Northwest Airlines or Delta Connection carriers to, from or through the following cities from Dec. 18-20 may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees if tickets are changed by Dec. 23, 2009.

-- Baltimore, Md. (BWI)
-- Boston, Mass. (BOS)
-- Greensboro, N.C. (GSO)
-- Lynchburg, Va. (LYH)
-- Newark, N.J. (EWR)
-- New York, N.Y. (JFK, LGA)
-- Philadelphia, Pa. (PHL)
-- Raleigh, N.C. (RDU)
-- Richmond, Va. (RIC)
-- Roanoke, Va. (ROA)
-- Washington D.C. (DCA, IAD)


Delta is proactively reducing flight schedules to and from affected airports to ensure delays are minimized during the storm. However, customers may wish to consider postponing or rerouting their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

Travel for changed itineraries must begin by Dec. 23 and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds. Complete details are available at delta.com and nwa.com.

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US Airways Brings the “Aloha Spirit” to the East Coast with Launch of New Service from Charlotte to Honolulu

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE:LCC) begins new, daily, nonstop service between its largest hub in Charlotte, North Carolina and Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu today, creating more travel options for the airline’s customers on the East Coast. The year-round flight complements US Airways’ daily nonstop service to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island from its Phoenix hub. The flight will be operated with Boeing 767 aircraft with seating for 18 in First Class and 186 in the main cabin.

US Airways Managing Director, Network Planning Mike Britman said, “Hawaii is one of US Airways’ most popular vacation destinations, and we’re pleased to provide our customers throughout the East Coast with easy access to Honolulu.”

Customers may book their flight through US Airways’ Web site at www.usairways.com, by calling US Airways Reservations at 1-800-428-4322 or through their travel agent. Complete air and hotel vacation packages are also available through US Airways Vacations at www.usairwaysvacations.com.

Oahu is the third new nonstop destination from US Airways’ Charlotte hub to be added this year. Last spring, US Airways resumed service between Charlotte and Paris after an eight-year hiatus and earlier this week, the airline began its first-ever service to South America with daily, nonstop flights to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Earlier this month US Airways also announced that it will begin daily, year-round service to Rome on May 13, 2010.

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Southwest Airlines Announces Destinations, Fares for New Service at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) today announced it will begin offering nonstop flights to four destinations from the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport when it opens May 23, 2010.

The four destination cities are Baltimore, Houston, Nashville and Orlando. Southwest begins selling tickets for the new service today.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the first international airport to be opened in the nation in more than a decade. The new airport, located in West Bay, will serve as a gateway to Northwest Florida and its world-famous beaches.

“We are very excited to join Southwest Airlines in announcing these four great destinations,” said Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill. “This new service will open up our region to greater numbers of visitors and provide excellent travel opportunities for Northwest Florida residents. With this announcement, we are truly Northwest Florida’s low-cost airport.”

Southwest Airlines is the nation’s low-fare airline, currently serving 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 employees system-wide.

The new, $318 million, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport will feature a 10,000-foot runway. The terminal building will be 125,000 square feet and have 7 gates. The airport aims to have the first LEED certified Terminal Building in the nation, with a state-of-the art storm water management system, extensive use of sustainable materials and a landscaping plan that will not require supplemental irrigation.

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AirTran Airways Returns Scheduled Service to Gulfport/Biloxi, Miss.

/PRNewswirel/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today announced plans to resume scheduled service from Gulfport/Biloxi, Miss., to the carrier's hub in Atlanta and add new service from Gulfport/Biloxi to Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.

This service will begin on Friday, January 8, 2010, and will replace existing charter service to Atlanta. Flights to Atlanta and Tampa/St. Petersburg will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with the airline's Wi-Fi equipped, Boeing 717.

"We are bringing back our award-winning, high-quality, low-cost service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since beginning charter operations in July, we have been very excited about the response to our flights," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning. "Now there's no easier way to get to the world-famous casinos and golf courses of the Gulfport/Biloxi area."

By transitioning from chartered service to regularly scheduled flights to Atlanta, residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast will also have access to virtually the entire AirTran network of more than 60 cities.

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Fly to Barbados Non-Stop From Atlanta With Delta Special

/PRNewswire/ -- Cure post-holiday blues with a warm-weather getaway to the beautiful beaches of Barbados. With one-way fares from Atlanta non-stop to Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport starting at just $229*, each way based on required round-trip purchase, traveling to the Caribbean in the high season has never been more affordable. *Additional taxes/fees/baggage charges apply. See below for details. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 28, 2009 for travel on or between Jan. 16 and Feb. 28, 2010. To book tickets or for fare information, visit delta.com. For information about Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

*Terms and Conditions:

Restrictions: Tickets are nontransferable. Seats are limited and this fare may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Tickets: Fare shown is one-way. Round-trip purchase is required. Tickets must be purchased 24 hours after reservations are made, but no later than December 28, 2009. Travel Period: Travel may begin on or after January 16, 2010 and must be completed by February 28, 2010. Blackout Dates: None Fare Validity: Fare is valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on Delta flights only. Minimum Stay: Saturday night. Maximum Stay: 30 days. Cancellations/Refunds/Changes: Tickets are nonrefundable except in accordance with Delta's cancellation policy. Fees may apply for downgrades/reissues and itinerary changes. Contact a Delta agent or visit delta.com for details. Taxes/Fees: Federal Excise tax of $3.60, Passenger Facility Charge(s) of up to $4.50, and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 for each flight segment are not included. For travel to/from Hawaii/Alaska, U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $16.00 is not included. International fares, including fares for travel to/from PR/U.S. Virgin Islands,] do not include U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $32.20 and U.S. and foreign user, inspection, security or other similarly based charges, fees or taxes of up to $299, depending on itinerary. Baggage Charges: For travel within the United States/PR/U.S. Virgin Islands and to/from Canada, $15 fee for 1 checked bag and $25 fee for second checked bag when bags are prepaid during online check-in at delta.com. For travel to/from Mexico, Central and South America (except Brazil), and the Caribbean, $25 fee for second checked bag when bags are prepaid during online check-in at delta.com. There is a $5 surcharge per bag on applicable fees when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. For all other travel, no fee for 2 checked bags ($50 for second checked bag for travel to/from Europe) and $200 fee for third checked bag. Allowances subject to size/weight limits. Miscellaneous: Fare and rules are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the passenger to be in possession of all necessary documentation (e.g. valid passport, visa where applicable) at the time of departure from origin. Delta reserves the right to deny boarding to passengers without the proper documentation. Other restrictions may apply. ©2009 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

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American Airlines Praises U.S. and Japanese Negotiators for Reaching Tentative Open Skies Agreement

/PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, today praised U.S. and Japanese government negotiators for reaching an agreement on Open Skies that will establish and foster a healthy global aviation framework in the Pacific Rim and replace the existing bilateral agreement that has governed aviation between the U.S. and Japan since 1952.

"By their nature, bilateral agreements create a system in which some airlines receive aviation rights while others do not," said Will Ris, American's Senior Vice President - Government Affairs. "Open Skies agreements, on the other hand, end discriminatory aviation policies and are in the best interest of American and Japanese people as well as the nations' airlines."

The existing bilateral agreement had provided a competitive advantage on routes to, from and through Japan for certain carriers for many years. American joins the other U.S. air carriers in the market to applaud government negotiators for effectively reaching an agreement to best serve the interests of the traveling public despite the last minute efforts by the dominant carrier in the market, Delta/Northwest Airlines, to derail the talks.

"This Open Skies agreement will effectively reset the playing field and enable new working relationships, particularly pro-competitive joint ventures granted anti-trust immunity by the U.S. and Japanese governments. Ultimately, the agreement will benefit not only the traveling public, but both countries in terms of tourism, trade and commerce - and traffic between the two nations can grow unimpeded," said Ris.

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Delta Air Lines Applauds Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Decision on Delta-Virgin Blue Group Joint Venture

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today issued the following statement applauding a decision by the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to grant authorization to Delta and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group to enter into a joint venture on their flights between Australia and the United States.

"The ACCC's decision recognizes the increased competition and consumer benefits that Delta and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group will create by expanding their cooperation across the Pacific. Delta appreciates the ACCC's thorough review of the alliance and its finding that 'the joint venture is likely to enable the applicants to compete more vigorously and effectively against the established carriers on the route' and that it 'furthers the Government of Australia's key policy rationale in entering into an Open Skies Agreement with the United States.'

"Delta and V Australia are eager to move forward with their joint venture, and to bring new services to the market. We look forward to a similar decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation and urge the DOT to quickly conclude its review so consumers can begin to enjoy the important benefits of the alliance identified by the ACCC."

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Air Transport Association Expects 2.5 Percent Decline in Air Travelers Over 21-Day Winter Holiday Period

/PRNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, announced today that it expects 41 million passengers(1) to travel over the upcoming winter holidays(2) on U.S. carriers, representing a 2.5 percent year-over-year decline from the 42 million passengers(1) estimated to have flown during the same period in 2008.(3)

The three busiest travel days during this holiday period are expected to be Sunday, Dec. 27, Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29, respectively, based on sample data from the 2008 winter holiday period.

"We are continuing to see fewer air travelers over the holidays, a trend that has been apparent throughout 2009," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "Capacity reductions will likely mean fuller flights on many days." May added that the decline continues to be driven by a fragile economy and depressed global demand for travel.

ATA is expecting the federal government, once again, to open up Special Activity Airspace (SAS) on an as-needed basis to help ease congestion. SAS was also made available over the Thanksgiving holiday.

May encouraged passengers to pack light, to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, and to remember to arrive early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening.

In addition, ATA encourages passengers to consult its resource page for recommended travel tips. In particular, passengers are encouraged to keep in mind the following:

-- It is strongly recommended that all passengers review the Web site of
the airline on which they are flying for respective policies,
amenities, customer service plans and flight-operation alert
notifications.
-- Pack any gifts unwrapped, as they may need to be inspected by
security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also
providing additional Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers online.
-- Remember that TSA requires that air travelers follow its 3-1-1 Rule
for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags when passing through
security checkpoints.
-- Passengers should be aware that they could be asked to provide their
date of birth and gender when making a reservation, as part of the TSA
Secure Flight program. Travelers should expect no change in the travel
experience, however, as part of this security initiative.


ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.

(1) The total number of revenue passengers boarding aircraft in scheduled service.

(2) Defined as the 21 days spanning Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 through Wed., Jan. 6, 2010.

(3) There is no source of industrywide traffic statistics for less than one month, so historical data for holiday travel periods must be estimated.

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TSA and Continental Airlines Expand Paperless Boarding Pass Program at SJU

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Continental Airlines announced today the expansion of the Paperless Boarding Pass pilot program at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU). The program will allow passengers to receive boarding passes electronically on their cell phones or PDAs, which will then be scanned by Transportation Security Officers at the checkpoint and eliminate the need for a paper boarding pass.

"The deployment of the mobile boarding pass highlights TSA's ongoing commitment to innovative technologies to further enhance security," said Jose Baquero, TSA Federal Security Director for Puerto Rico. "We are pleased to be able to partner with Continental Airlines to provide travelers with this option."

Each paperless boarding pass will display an encrypted two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information that will identify the traveler. TSA Travel Document Checkers will use scanners to validate the authenticity of the paperless boarding pass sent to Continental passengers. The new technology heightens the ability to detect fraudulent boarding passes while improving customer service and reducing paper use.

TSA created the concept of how to scan the paperless boarding passes and Continental Airlines developed an implementation plan that involved encrypting the paperless boarding pass to ensure authenticity. Continental is the first U.S. carrier to test paperless boarding passes and offers the service now at 37 airports.

"We are very pleased that Puerto Rico has been selected as the introductory market of the mobile boarding pass program in the Caribbean and Latin America," said Rigoberto Alvarenga, Senior Director for Continental Airlines in the Caribbean. "Our customers surely appreciate this new technology as an added value when traveling. This program saves time and allows them to take more control of their travel experience."

The TSA Paperless Boarding Pass pilot program is currently operating at approximately 40 airports. The pilot is consistent with the global standard of the International Air Transport Association for bar coding of passenger boarding passes. TSA will continue to expand the use of electronic boarding pass scanners at the pace of participating airlines.

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US Airways to Offer New Nonstop Flight to Rome from Charlotte Hub

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE: LCC) customers will have more ways to experience “la dolce vita” when the airline begins daily, year-round nonstop service to Rome from Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 13, 2010.

The new flight will complement US Airways’ daily nonstop service to Rome from Philadelphia, the airline’s international gateway. It will be operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft with seating for 29 in Envoy, US Airways’ trans-Atlantic business class, and 259 in the main cabin.

US Airways Senior Vice President, Airport Customer Service, International and Cargo Operations Suzanne Boda said, “Rome is one of US Airways’ most popular European destinations. Our new service from Charlotte will offer our customers throughout the southeastern United States another convenient option for traveling to the Eternal City.”

US Airways currently offers nonstop service from its Charlotte hub to London’s Gatwick Airport, Frankfurt International Airport and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport and also codeshares with Star Alliance carrier Lufthansa on Munich service from Charlotte. On Dec. 15, the airline will begin its first-ever service to South America from Charlotte with daily nonstop flights to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Customers may book their flight beginning Dec. 12 through US Airways’ Web site at www.usairways.com, by calling US Airways Reservations at 1-800-428-4322 or through their travel agent. Complete vacation packages are also available at www.usairwaysvacations.com.

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Warm weather relaxing or playing in the snow? Tips for planning your winter travels

(ARA) - The winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway, and you don't have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations.

If you need to flee from the cold depths of winter, there are plenty of beaches in Florida and California, and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in Arizona and New Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow. Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun, or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water.

Here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation:

* Look for deals during the slow months. Because January and February are so close to the holidays, but too early yet for spring break, hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling.

* Pack sunblock, even if you've been "tanning." Also make sure your travel bags include sun shades, a hat with a brim and a water bottle. Nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration.

* Add a jacket to the luggage. Nights can get chilly, and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two, you'll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps.

Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and can't wait to schedule downhill skiing in Colorado, snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota. The images you'll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow, your daughter pulling a 360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road.

Tips for planning your snow vacation include:

* Figure out if you're going to take your gear or rent it at your destination. While looking into this, determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear, or if there are any restrictions barring you from taking it on the airplane. If you plan to rent, call ahead of time to reserve your equipment.

* Pack many layers of clothing. Many snow activities can make you warm, but once you stop moving, you're going to want the heavier layers back.

* Again, don't forget sunblock, goggles, shades or hat, because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes, and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer.

Once you have your destination picked and travels planned, there's one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful. While away from home, having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope, or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in Louisiana.

On Call International provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency, need medical care or evacuation while away from home. If you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available, On Call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family.

Only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home. This means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resort's local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away, or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident.

So when you plan your next trip to sunny Texas or snowy Michigan, don't forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family. And consider enrolling in an On Call International membership just in case you experience a travel emergency.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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