DFW Airport Readies For Biggest Travel Week Of 2002

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (November 22, 2002) – The busiest travel week thus far in 2002 begins today, and DFW is predicting a robust 10 percent gain in holiday passengers compared to Thanksgiving 2001. DFW will serve more than 1.9 million passengers from Friday, November 22 though Tuesday, December 3 and handle four of the busiest travel days of the entire year. Last year, during the first holiday period following September 11, DFW handled 1.3 million passengers

"We continue to be encouraged by this year's increased travel volumes and we're looking forward to treating our passengers to our holiday hospitality," says Joe Lopano, executive vice president at DFW Airport. 

DFW's Holiday Helpers will be in the terminals on Wednesday, November 27, one of the four busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving season. More than 100 Airport volunteers will join Airport Ambassadors in assisting travelers, helping families traveling with small children, and providing a positive presence for all. Children will be treated to crayons, coloring books and inflatable airplanes. Adults will enjoy complimentary newspapers, and all will enjoy popcorn, cotton candy and soft drink sampling, courtesy of Pepsi. The Holiday Helpers program is in its second year, born during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

And now, compliments of AT&T, passengers can check or send emails from DFW Airport free of charge. AT&T is providing pre-paid Internet access cards to DFW Airport guests traveling this holiday season. These cards can be used on the AT&T PP2000-I Internet Phones located in all terminals.

"DFW is more than gates and glass, it's thousands of people who work every day to make passengers feel as secure and comfortable as possible, especially during the holiday travel season," says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW Airport. "We appreciate our employees volunteering their time away from their desks to work in the terminals and our vendors for providing some free services. It all counts in a big way for us to meet our goals for great customer service during a stressful travel time."

DFW encourages travelers to check ahead for flight status, security updates and other useful information on its Web site, www.dfwairport.com. The Airport is also supporting the Transportation Security Administration's new initiative, Prepare for Takeoff, by linking directly to the TSA web site from the front page of the DFW’s site under “Holiday Resources.” Under this, travelers will also find the latest parking information, which details the Airport's new, convenient and affordable options in Express and Remote Parking. 

DFW also rolls out free vehicle aid to the new lots, which debuted November 4. Guest Assistance Patrols that provide security and motorist assistance in Terminal Parking will now canvass another 10,000 spaces across the four new lots, assisting with inconveniences such as lock-outs and dead batteries. This complimentary service is a big plus for customers who may need of assistance after returning from a long holiday weekend.

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2,000 flights per day and serving 55 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 130 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “Media Site” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com.