For the week of December 10 - 16, 2003

Airport officials
stress timely arrivals

Slow lines at security expected

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

Officials with commercial airline operators, Horizon Airlines and Sky West stress that passenger should arrive early for flights at Friedman Memorial Airport during the high season this winter.

Flights departing for both airlines are expected to be completely full for most departures, Horizon Station Manager Margaret Youdall said. "One thing we want to stress is that passengers arrive 90 minutes prior to departure. We expect flights to be very full."

Airport officials are concerned that security screening for more than 100 passengers at a time is going to be slow.

"We only have one X-ray machine," Youdall said. "Security is going to be a challenge."

Horizon and Sky West both have flights departing at 7 a.m., beginning Sunday, Dec. 14. All Sky West flights go through Salt Lake City. The 7 a.m. Horizon flight goes to Los Angeles; a 1 p.m. flight goes to Seattle. The new Sun Valley to Oakland flight, beginning Dec. 17, departs at 5:35 p.m.

In addition to overcrowding in the terminal, airport officials said that in the case of weather diversions passengers must contact the airlines to arrange bus transportation.

"When we have a weather diversion to Twin Falls, passengers need to check in three and a half hours prior to a scheduled departure," Youdall said. The drive to Twin Falls is two hours by bus.

On the average, 20 percent of Horizon flights are diverted due to weather each season Youdall said. "But predicting that is crystal ball stuff."

Here are some airport tips for high season travelers:

• Be at the airport no later than 90 minutes prior to departure.
  
   
• Passengers are asked to conduct farewells before entering the terminal.
  
   
• Gifts should not be wrapped before flying. Security personnel may have to open them at the checkpoint.
  
   
• "Pack Smart": Be sure luggage does not contain any restricted items. A list can be found at www.TSATravelTips.US.
  
   
• "Dress the Part": Avoiding clothing and accessories that may set off metal detection equipment will speed the security screening.
  
   
• If inclement weather is imminent, air carriers recommend calling three and a half hours in advance of departure. Alternative transportation may require an earlier departure from the airport.
  
   
• Passengers are limited to one carry-on item and one personal item such as a lap top computer or a handbag.

 

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