DFW Airport Rolls Out Nationally Recognized "Holiday Helpers" Program On November 27

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (November 13, 2002) – DFW International Airport announced today that it will roll out its second annual "Holiday Helpers" event for Thanksgiving on November 27, one of the busiest travel days of the holiday period. Airport volunteers will assist passengers beginning at 5:30 a.m. as live bands and performers serenade travelers throughout the day. Special attention will be given to families traveling with children, with giveaways for the kids, while DFW's loyal cadre of road warriors and leisure travelers will enjoy free newspapers, soft drinks and snacks.

Meanwhile, the Airport is encouraging all holiday passengers to check out www.dfwairport.com for the latest in flight information, parking and security. DFW is fully supporting the upcoming Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) new Passenger Education Campaign, and is linking to the latest federal security rules for checked and carry-on baggage directly on the front page of the Airport web site.

"Since September 11, DFW has been at the national forefront of educating, accommodating and comforting our guests as they arrive at the Airport and helping them navigate the security checkpoints and procedures as quickly and stress-free as possible," says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. "We fully believe our passengers have done a great job learning the new rules and that's one reason why our security lines remain some of the quickest in the country. This second holiday travel season following September 11 will again be an opportunity for DFW Holiday Helpers and Ambassadors to work with passengers to assure everyone gets to their destination as quickly and safely as possible." 

Holiday Helpers will be distributing Airport coloring books, crayons and inflatable airplane toys to the kids, while grown-ups will enjoy complimentary newspapers from the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star Telegram. Pepsi will also be sampling its new Sierra Mist products for thirsty travelers, and the Helpers' popular popcorn and cotton candy machines will also be in full operation throughout the day.

The Airport will also feature a number of local musicians and performers who will be stationed throughout the terminals. The Stockyards Opry will be providing performers from pre-dawn flights to late afternoon departures, and will be joined by a diverse group of entertainers, including musicians from the Airport's popular "Live at DFW" series, including popular Jazz musicians David Carr and the Nick Kithas Quartet. Mariachi Estrella of Dallas will also perform.

Thousands of holiday travelers will also be introduced to the Airport's new parking programs and signage, announced on November 4. Simplified to Terminal, Express and Remote, DFW's parking lots are expected to begin filling up on Friday, November 22, as some holiday travelers get an early start to the season. DFW encourages families to try new Express Parking, which offers car-to-gate service directly to the terminals. "We know that families will be hauling a lot of luggage this holiday season, and we think they will be pleasantly surprised with the luggage assistance they'll receive at their trunk and at the terminal," says Joe Lopano, executive vice president of marketing. "It will certainly make the trip with the children a little easier." Travelers can check www.dfwairport.com/parking for the latest on the new services and availability.

DFW's Holiday Helpers program was born in the frightful hours of September 11, 2001. Airport employees literally left their desks and headed to the terminals to assist passengers to assure none were stranded. The efforts continued throughout that turbulent week and into the first major holiday period following the attacks. The nationally recognized program is composed entirely of DFW employees, working in conjunction with the Airport's Ambassador Program.

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 “MediaSite” 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.