American Airlines Offers Family-Friendly Tips for Independence Day Travel
01 July 2009 - 1:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Millions of
families will take to the sky in search of great firework displays
on this holiday weekend. Whether you're hitting the beach, going to
the city or heading for the mountains, American Airlines, a
founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, wants to help
make this July Fourth holiday memorable by offering some tips with
the family in mind. Before Traveling... -- When traveling on an
international itinerary with a lap child (infants under the age of
two), contact American Airlines Reservations prior to departure at
1-800-433-7300 (en Espanol 1-800-633-3711) for information on the
proper documentation required for security clearance and boarding.
Infant ticket and fare rules for international destinations,
including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, vary by country, so
call ahead to avoid surprises at the airport. Although there is no
charge for traveling with lap children within the U.S., allow for
extra time at the airport to provide proper documentation to a
ticket agent. -- Consider purchasing a lightweight child-restraint
system rather than lugging a bulky car seat through security. The
system is easily transportable, and fits almost all American and
American Eagle seats. See http://www.aa.com/children for more
information. -- Some countries require a child traveling with only
one parent to carry written, notarized consent from the absent
parent. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination
country for information. As You Pack... -- Domestic Economy Class
customers can check one bag for $15; a second checked bag is $25.
If you've achieved AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum
status, the first two checked bags are free. See
http://www.aa.com/baggageinfo for information, as other exceptions
apply. -- Include your name, flight number, itinerary and phone
contact inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes
detached in transit. -- When traveling with an infant, be sure to
bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide
baby food, bottles or other related items. However, baby bottles
can be heated on all flights operated by American Airlines.
American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights are not equipped to
heat baby bottles. -- Fill a backpack for young children with
crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks. Consider
holding a new or special item aside until you are airborne. --
Place all prescription medicine, jewelry, documents, car keys and
other valuables in a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat in
front of you. That way, if overhead bin space happens to be full,
you won't have to check your bag with valuables at the gate. Before
Leaving for the Airport... -- Dress yourself and your children in
comfortable clothes, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and
off at the security checkpoint. -- Reduce time and stress at the
airport by checking in online. Visit http://www.aa.com/checkin up
to 24 hours prior to flight to select or change seats, and print
your boarding pass. -- If you're over the age of 18, federal law
requires you to show a government issued photo ID at Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. See
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm
for examples of TSA acceptable IDs. If you're traveling
internationally, don't forget your passport, as well as other
important documents for all customers, including lap children. Make
copies to carry with you (or scan and e-mail a copy to yourself)
and to leave with others at home. At the Airport... -- TSA limits
the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board;
however, medication, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice
are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are
not required to be in a zip-top bag. Families should declare these
items for inspection at the checkpoint. For more information,
including limitations on international travel, visit
http://www.aa.com/liquids. TSA's Web site, http://www.tsa.gov/, is
also a good source of information. -- Customers may carry onboard
one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one
personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop. A diaper bag
and umbrella stroller (as long as they fit in the overhead bin) for
a lap or ticketed child are permitted onboard in addition to the
standard carry on allowance. Additionally, an approved safety seat
and collapsible stroller may be checked at no charge. Don't forget
to label seats and strollers with your name and contact phone
number. -- Allow extra time for traffic, parking and transportation
to the terminal. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at
least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two to
three hours prior to departure for international flights. Some
cities have even earlier suggested arrival times because of lengthy
TSA security checkpoint lines. See
http://www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier
arrival is recommended. -- Instead of trying to remember your
parking location or writing it down on a scrap of paper, take a
picture of your location sign with a camera phone or digital
camera. -- If you haven't already checked in beforehand at AA.com,
try one of American's quick and easy Self-Service Check-in
machines. They're a great time-saver and can be used for both
domestic and international flights. You can print a boarding pass,
check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes and
purchase upgrades. -- Curbside Check-in is another great time
saver. You can check your bag with a skycap at the curb, and then
it's a straight shot to the security line and your gate. While
You're Waiting... -- Visit an Admirals Club(R) lounge. Select
locations in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, and
New York offer children's rooms equipped with computers that have
"kid-friendly" games and programs, as well as a TV featuring
age-appropriate programming. One-Day passes are available for $50,
and can be purchased in person, online, or at Self-Service Check-in
machines. -- American and American Eagle typically begin boarding
aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights
(45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an
on-time departure. Onboard the Plane... -- A portable video player,
audio player, or reading material can make the time fly, especially
for young travelers. However, audio and video equipment may only be
used with headsets. -- Changes in air pressure during descent may
cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle,
pacifier or chewing gum with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to
flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing
discomfort. -- American and American Eagle offer complimentary
non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and juice and milk are available
for children. In addition, American offers a choice of fresh light
meals and snacks through food-for-sale program. Options vary based
on flight time and length. For more valuable travel information,
visit http://www.aa.com/traveltips. And remember, fireworks are
prohibited, so leave them at home. About American Airlines American
Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities
in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights.
The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft.
American's award-winning Web site, AA.com(R), provides users with
easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news,
information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding
member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of
the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them
to offer their customers more services and benefits than any
airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly
700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories.
American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are
subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle,
AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are
registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)
AmericanAirlines(R) We know why you fly(R) Current AMR Corp.
releases can be accessed on the Internet. The address is
http://www.aa.com/ DATASOURCE: American Airlines CONTACT: Charley
Wilson, Corporate Communications of American Airlines, Fort Worth,
Texas, +1-817-967-1577, Web Site: http://www.aa.com/
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