DFW International Airport Offers Active Military And Reserves Free Express Parking For Memorial Day Weekend

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (May 21, 2003) – DFW Airport kicks off the summer travel season this week with a special holiday offer for active U.S. military personnel and reserves: complimentary parking at Express South, beginning Thursday, May 22, through Tuesday, May 27. Parking plaza attendants will also be distributing 5,000 American flags to passengers on Friday, May 23 as they enter DFW Airport to commemorate the first Memorial Day following the Iraq war.

"This is a very small way we can acknowledge and honor the huge sacrifice and terrific service of our military men and women and their families," says Jeff Fegan, chief executive officer at DFW. "We were privileged to assist a number of military personnel during their deployment to Iraq, and we've been proud to be the site of some wonderful homecomings. We hope this will assist families and loved ones to connect on this very special holiday."

DFW is making it easy for active and reserve military to use the offer: simply show a valid military identification card at the Express South welcome booth and receive a complimentary parking coupon. The Airport expects the Remote lots to fill quickly as the holiday approaches, and encourages all parkers to consider Express as they travel this weekend. For the latest on parking availability: 972 574 PARK.

The Airport is cautiously optimistic by the uptick on summer travel bookings registered following the conflict in Iraq. So far, summer travel bookings continue to improve week over week, as consumer confidence continues to climb and load factors are expected to be within one to three percentage points of last year.

DFW's estimated load factors for the first half of May finished almost two points ahead of last year. "We have been hitting our monthly forecasts regularly and are cautiously optimistic about the summer," says Joe Lopano, executive vice president of marketing at DFW. "We also know there are a lot of guests who will be flying for the first time this year, and hope to make their trip to DFW as quick and easy as possible with some updated travel tips."

The tips, compiled by the Airport's Ambassadors and customer service representatives, include:

Arrive at the Airport at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours early. Check www.dfwairport.com's Flight Tracker for the latest flight information, which can be sent directly to your PDA, cell phone or pager. Check with your airline's web site to see if you can be issued your boarding pass on-line. This will speed-up the check-in process. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new security scanning devices at the checkpoints that are much more sensitive. Passengers should avoid wearing anything with metal that can't be placed in a tray for scanning. Watch for shoes with metal heels. Place all electronic devices like DVD and CD players in checked baggage. These items usually require TSA hand-search carry-on luggage, slowing down security checkpoint lines. Place all medications you might need in your carry-on bags. If traveling with children, bring along a snack and a "quiet time activity or toy" for play with while waiting for the flight. If traveling with an infant, be sure to bring enough diapers and formula or baby food.

Holiday Travel Parking Tip: Since opening in November 2002, DFW's Express Parking has become a popular option for those flying from DFW, especially families traveling with children. Express parkers receive quick pick up at their car, luggage assistance, a fast shuttle ride to their departure gate, free bottled water and a complimentary USA Today, all for just $9 per day. Parking at DFW Airport is convenient with more than 30,000 spaces available.

For more travel tips and a complete list of items prohibited from either carry-on or checked baggage, please visit the TSA on-line at: www.TSATravelTips.us or call TSA's Contact Center toll free at 1 866 289 9673.

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 54 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 132 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 further 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