AAA Chicago Offers Tips for Concerned Travelers;

Creates Resource for Travel Information at www.aaa.com

AURORA, Ill., March 20 -- With the nation at heightened security due to the conflict in Iraq and a constantly changing travel environment, AAA Chicago has put together the following tips for people who plan on traveling in the coming weeks. In addition, the club has established a comprehensive list of travel information and links to various travel and security related web sites at www.aaa.com , including the Transportation Safety Administration and the Office of Homeland Security.

  -- Check with your travel agent before you go.  AAA Chicago hasn't had
     many travelers cancel their vacations; however, the club has had people
     inquire about various travel vendors' cancellation/trip alteration
     policies.  Many vendors have altered their cancellation/trip alteration
     policies and will continue to do so as the situation in Iraq and the
     world changes.  Several airlines have eliminated fees for changing
     their travel plans.  Your travel agent will be able to get you the
     latest cancellation information, as well as any pertinent security
     information that you might need to know.
  -- Airports will be under a heightened state of security and it might take
     longer to get through security.  Travelers can expect more rigorous
     security checks, including canine patrols and more uniformed security
     officers.   As of January 1, 2003, 100 percent of all baggage is being
     screened.  To avoid unnecessary delays, travelers should not lock their
     baggage or pack any items that are prohibited.
  -- Avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry or other metal objects that
     will set off the metal detectors.
  -- Any undeveloped film should be carried onto the plane.  Passenger
     screening devices will not harm undeveloped film, but new screening
     equipment for checked baggage can damage the film.
  -- Access to secure areas of the airport are now restricted to passengers
     that hold boarding passes.  Children who are flying alone or seniors
     who need assistance to the gate from a non-ticketed passenger should
     contact their travel agent for information on how to make arrangements
     for those special situations.
  -- To speed the process, AAA counsels travelers to carry two pieces of
     photo identification. Do not leave luggage unattended or carry anything
     on board an airplane for someone you don't know.
  -- AAA also suggests that passengers help reduce long lines and congestion
     at the airports by contacting the airline or their travel agent by
     telephone to confirm or rebook their flight.
  -- Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours
     ahead of their scheduled departure time for a domestic flight, and at
     least three hours ahead of time for an international flight.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada.