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CNN Saturday Morning News
Travelers Come to Airports Prepared for Delays
Aired December 22, 2001 - 10:25 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, this could be one of the busiest days of the year, travel-wise. And if you are flying today, we've got some tips for you.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Yes: Don't fly.
HARRIS: No, no.
PHILLIPS: Get to the airport early and don't wrap those Christmas presents unless you enjoy watching the security screeners unwrap them for you.
Now from CNN's Michael McManus.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANTHONY MILTON, TRAVELER: My MP3 player and...
MICHAEL MCMANUS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sixteen-year-old Anthony Milton is prepared for his trip.
MILTON: I got my Game Boy Advance, my MP3 player and we went and stopped and bought a couple of magazines and stuff like that, just stuff to keep us busy where we don't go nuts on the way there.
MCMANUS: On this day, he's flying home to Texas with his parents who also packed accordingly.
ANGELA VAIL, TRAVELER: Lately, we pack a travel bag because of the delay. So that if we had to stay overnight or a flight was canceled or even prepared, we have everything in our bag to make it through another 24 to 48 hours.
MCMANUS: Yolanda Clark helps make sure the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield International, runs smoothly. Tops on her list right now...
YOLANDA CLARK: Being prepared to deal with the additional security measures that are in place, as well as the additional traffic volume that we experience this time of year.
MCMANUS (on-camera): If you traveled this summer, your experience will be completely different this winter. The best advice, says travel experts, be prepared for delayed flights, carry on regulations and long lines. But follow some tips and you should have a good trip.
(voice-over): Some helpful hints include arriving at the airport early, two hours before departure for most domestic flights. Chances are you're going to end up waiting somewhere during your trip. Bring a book or a magazine and pass the time reading. Most airlines aren't serving food onboard anymore. Try to bring a granola bar or some sort of snack that's easy to pack. And chances are if you're bringing a bag on board, it will be searched.
In addition, have your ticket and identification ready to go. You'll be asked for it up to three separate times before you get on the airplane. If you don't have a license, most airlines will accept a passport or birth certificate.
One more thing to remember especially over the holidays...
JOHN KENNEDY, DELTA AIR LINES: Do not pack either in your checked luggage or in your hand luggage wrapped gifts because there's a chance that they will be opened.
MCMANUS: As for Anthony Milton, he's looking forward to a safe flight home for the holidays.
MILTON: I still consider flying safer than driving.
MCMANUS: He's ready for his trip from the curb all the way to the cabin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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