Travel Advice
By Herschel J. Grangent, Jr.

After Labor Day, summer travel will be a thing of the past as far as the masses are concerned. For some, images of crowded terminals and long lines will begin to fade. However, there may be others who are planning late-season travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For those travelers, here are some helpful tips and advice to help reduce wait times and make things go as smoothly as possible.

Hartsfield-Jackson Web site
A wealth of travel information awaits at www.atlanta-airport.com. You can find out about available on-site parking, wait times at the Main Security Checkpoint, and even track your flight.

• Trak-a-Flight
  This service is available on the Airport Web site, and allows travelers to keep tabs on their flight throughout the day. Simply enter your flight number along with an email address or mobile phone number and you can receive up-to-the-minute information on any gate changes or delays involving your flight, before you even leave your residence.
  
• Online Check-in
  Many airlines allow you to check in for flights online prior to arriving at the airport. From your home or office, you can even print boarding passes and your receipt.
  
• Remote bag check
  Currently, four Metro Atlanta locations offer remote bag check-in through Baggage Airline Guest Services (BAGS) -- the Westin Atlanta Airport on Best Road, the Atlanta Crowne Plaza Ravinia on Ashford Dunwoody Road, the Grand Hyatt on Peachtree Road, and the Park N’ Fly Plus parking facility on Camp Creek Parkway. Simply pay a nominal $10 fee (the service is free for Park N’ Fly customers) and present your identification and itinerary, and your baggage will be securely transported to your plane.
  
• Pack with security in mind
  Remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing toiletries: three (3) ounce containers, in clear, one (1) quart zip-top bags, and one (1) bag per passenger that must be placed in a security bin for screening. Prohibited items such as weapons or explosives should not be brought to the airport. A visit to the Transportation Security Administration’s Web site (www.tsa.gov) will provide you with a complete list of prohibited items.
  
• Arrive at the Airport early to avoid lines
  Arrive two hours prior to your flight time whether or not you are checking luggage. If you are taking an international flight, arrive about three hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This gives you ample time to navigate the Checkpoint and Transportation Mall.
  
• Curbside check-in is available at Hartsfield-Jackson.
  
• Relax and enjoy your flight!
  You’ve worked hard all year, and you have more than earned this vacation, so relax.

© 2007 Hartsfield-Jackson News. A Publication from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. All rights reserved.

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