---

AAA Offers Tips For Dealing With Record Holiday Crowds

16 December 1997

AAA Offers Tips For Dealing With Record Holiday Crowds

    ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 16 -- To help the record 44.5 million
Christmas and New Year's travelers deal with congested highway and crowded
airports, AAA offers the following advice:

                                 AUTO TRAVEL
    *  Before hitting the road, check your vehicle's fluid levels and make
sure the tires, including the spare, are in good condition and inflated
properly.
    *  Plan your route in advance. Keep a map handy.
    *  Carry emergency items in your car including a flashlight with fresh
batteries, blankets, jumper cables and a flare or reflective triangle.
    *  If driving to a cold-weather destination, travel with an abrasive
material such as sand or non-clumping cat litter, an ice scraper and a small
shovel.
    *  Consider traveling with a cellular phone for emergencies.
    *  Make certain everyone is properly secured in a seat belt or child
safety seat.  Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat.
    *  Stop every two hours to "re-energize" -- especially if traveling with
children.  Caffeine-containing beverages may improve alertness, but only for a
short time.
    *  Drive with your headlights on during the day to make you more visible
to others.

                                  AIR TRAVEL
    *  Travel with a photo identification at all times.
    *  Reconfirm your flight directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours prior to
departure.  Use public transportation or arrange to have someone drive you to
the airport to avoid holiday traffic and parking delays.
    *  If you must drive to the airport, consider off-airport, park-and-ride
arrangements.
    *  Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour-and-a-half prior to
departure for domestic flights; at least two hours ahead for international
flights.
    *  Keep your carry-on baggage to a minimum.  Heavy passenger volume during
the holidays may limit overhead bin and underseat storage capacity. Some
airlines are now limiting the amount of carry-on luggage so check with the
airline or your travel agent for restrictions for your flight.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.

SOURCE  American Automobile Association