SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 12, 2005–Prudent travelers know that holiday crowds and winter weather call for flyers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual this time of year. Millions of travelers during Thanksgiving found that despite leaving the house early, the waits at most airport security lines were less than 15 minutes, which meant a lot of time to spend at the airport. Travelocity editors scouted top airports throughout the country and discovered ways to pass the extra time between flights this holiday season.
Travelocity data shows that the busiest airports for the winter holidays are: Denver, Southern Florida (Miami International, Miami Seaplane, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach airports), New York City (John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports), Orlando, and Los Angeles.
“Big crowds are expected at airports this winter season, especially with the holidays falling on the weekends,” said Amy Ziff, Travelocity Editor-at-Large. “While the majority of airports have kept security lines moving smoothly, in some instances we saw lines spike to more than 90 minute waits during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“You have to plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to traveling during the holidays,” Ziff added. “Now, if you find yourself with time on your hands we have plenty of suggestions for how you can fill it.”
Denver International
For a truly culture-rich vacation experience, travelers need to go no further than Jeppesen Terminal’s Great Hall. Worldly performers entertain crowds during the International Performance Series with music and dance from South America, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Israel and Eastern Europe throughout the holiday season. Travelers can also take time to explore DIA’s art collection, which includes various sculptures, murals and installations located throughout the airport.
Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International
To make that sweet taste of Southern Florida last a little longer, stop by Tropical Treats in Terminals 2 or 3 to order some of the Sunshine State’s celebrated citrus fruit. Straight from the grove to your doorstep, send a basket of oranges and grapefruit for a treat to yourself, or as holiday gift.
Newark International
Designed to meet the “mind-body needs of time-poor and world-weary travelers,” d-parture spa in Newark’s Terminal C indulges in tranquility in an otherwise bustling airport. Put your mind and body at ease before the long-haul with a foot rub or ten-minute massage. Even spruce up afterwards with a skin replenishing treatment or mini-makeover.
Orlando International
For those who missed the chance to go to NASA’s launch pad while visiting Orlando – or for those who just can’t get enough – the Kennedy Space Center Shop in the Main Terminal’s East Hall has trinkets that are literally out of this world. Looking for some noteworthy collectibles? Check out the space shuttle replicas or a commemorative coin collection. If you’re not really in the shopping mood, grab some space ice cream and take a photo with the life-size astronaut at the door.
Los Angeles International
Straight from Europe to LAX, Brioche Doree made Terminal 4 its first stop in the U.S., bringing French flair and European influenced meals to please the most persnickety of palates. With European-style sandwiches, rich espresso and freshly baked pastries, travelers may begin to think they’re at a Parisian sidewalk cafe instead of the airport. Bon Appetit!
To read about additional finds in airports across North America, please visit www.travelocity.com/airports.
Below are some of Ziff’s top tips for helping savvy travelers prepare for the Transportation Security Administration’s updated screening policies:
-- Consider shipping all gifts to your destination ahead of your
travels. Remember, wrapped gifts may be opened for screening
purposes, and extra fees will apply if your allotted baggage
limit is exceeded.
-- Be mindful of the TSA's IN, OUT, OFF security policy: place
items such as cell phones, keys and change IN your carry-on
bag; take your laptop and video cameras OUT of their cases;
take OFF all outerwear (coats and jackets) before entering the
security checkpoint.
-- For the sake of all passengers behind you in the security
line, wear shoes that are easily removable to speed up the
screening process and avoid wearing accessories that contain
metal.
-- Familiarize yourself with your airline's policies when
traveling with pets. Be aware that both you and your pet must
have a ticket to board, and most airlines will not allow pets
if it's colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more airport security tips, visit Travelocity’s Holiday Travel Survival Guide at www.travelocity.com/holidaytips.
About Travelocity(R)
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion – before, during and after the trip and works hand-in-hand with the world’s most reputable travel providers so that everything about a customer’s booking will be right. And if it’s not, Travelocity guarantees that it will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. – booking $4.9 billion in travel in 2004. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM), and lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
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SOURCE: Travelocity
