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5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

If tradition holds true, today will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel time as people leave to visit relatives for the holiday. Here are five things you need to know before setting out:

What's new at the airport since last year?

Daily parking rates are higher, ranging from $9 daily for the economy lot to $25 for valet parking at Tampa International Airport. Overflow parking will be available at a flat rate of $10, but only after economy spaces are filled. Construction requires caution.

What can be expected with flight delays?

TIA typically ranks among the top five U.S. airports in on-time departure performance, so don't be late. Officials suggest arriving two hours early to park, check in and pass through security. One-third of U.S. delays involve New York airports, the No. 1 location for flights to and from Tampa.

What's new with passenger security?

Small lighters are no longer banned as carry-on items, but torch lighters remain prohibited. Remember the 3-1-1 rule about carry-ons: 3-ounce bottles or less for liquids, gels and aerosols; one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag to hold small bottles; one bag per passenger placed in the screening bin.

What are sources of travel information?

•The site tampaairport.com provides real-time flight information, as does faa.gov. From your cell phone or PDA, go to www.faa.gov/wireless.

•Alert services - such as OrbitzTLC for airline ticket customers on orbitz

.com and traffic.com for highway information - provide vital updates over the Internet and cell phones.

What about driving?

Gas will cost an average of $1 a gallon more than a year ago. Despite that, AAA Auto Club South predicts a 2 percent increase in both airline and automobile travelers in the Southeast this Thanksgiving.

DETAILS, Business, Page 1

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