Thanksgiving travel time

As we get closer to the Thanksgiving, more and more people are getting away for the holiday.

AAA says overall travel will be down about 7 percent this year nationwide because of the tough economy. Locally, however, more people are on the move for Thanksgiving.

"We're expecting about, in our region, 4.5 million to be traveling for the holiday. That's an increase from 4.2 million last year," AAA's Don Redman told WWL First News.

Gasoline prices are currently running much higher than they were a year ago. At this time last year, we were paying an average of $1.82 for a gallon of regular in the New Orleans area. AAA says now that price is $2.48.

"The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport expects a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period," according to spokeswoman Michelle Wilcut. "Increased traffic is expected ... through Sunday, November 29 with the heaviest days on Wednesday, November 25 and Sunday, November 29."

Wilcut adds in a news release, "Passengers are reminded that heightened security is in effect at the Airport."

She issued the following reminders:

-Arrive at least 2 hours prior to your departure time.
-Boarding Passes & government issued ID's are required at the security checkpoint.
-Carry-on baggage is limited to one (1) bag plus one (1) personal item such as a small purse, briefcase or laptop computer.
-Liquids of 3.4 oz. or less are allowed through the screening checkpoint. These liquids must be placed in a quart sized Ziploc bag and be placed in a bin separate from your other carry on items. Other restrictions apply; please refer to www.tsa.gov for more complete information.
-Passengers are encouraged to place all jewelry and valuables in a quart sized Ziploc bag for going through the screening process. The bag can be easily handled and you can place the jewelry back on after leaving the checkpoint area.
-All shoes must be removed for inspection at the screening checkpoints.
-If you plan to shop before catching your flight, Airport officials encourage you to do that prior to checking in your luggage because some items purchased pre-security must be placed in your checked baggage due to security restrictions.
-If traveling with gifts, do NOT wrap them, as they may need to be opened for inspection. All gifts should be left unwrapped.
-Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detectors.
-No knives, scissors, blades or sharp objects are permitted beyond security. If you are unsure of an item, please place it in your checked baggage or check with your air carrier.
-Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
-Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond security checkpoints.
-Curbside check-in is available for domestic ticketed passengers.
-Additional travel tips can be found on the TSA web site www.tsa.gov

Click here for more airport Thanksgiving travel information... http://flymsy.com/Press_Releases/2009/THANKSGIVING%202009.pdf