DFW International Airport Spreads Holiday Cheer with Quick Security Lines, Tasty Donuts and Holiday Helpers

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (November 22, 2006) – With strolling musicians serenading passengers with music ranging from country to jazz, DFW International Airport’s Holiday Helpers and Airport Ambassadors will greet more than 185,000 passengers today on the busiest ‘getaway day’ of the Thanksgiving season. 

The Radio City Rockettes, in North Texas for a series of performances, stood on the tarmac in their green tights waving to soldiers arriving from Iraq and Afghanistan on their “Rest and Recuperation” (R&R) flight home, then mingled with friends and families who were also greeting the troops. The Rockettes also toured International Terminal D and greeted holiday travelers and posed for photos. 

The Airport’s volunteer Holiday Helpers and Ambassadors distributed finger puppets and Thanksgiving stickers for children, and performed another vital travel duty: helping passengers understand the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 3-1-1 rules dealing with liquids and gels and identifying the fastest security checkpoint lines in each of the terminals. Passengers are urged to visit www.dfwairport.com prior to arriving at the Airport to review all of the new security rules regarding liquids and carry-on luggage. 

“Our employee volunteers and Ambassadors have the pride and spirit that truly demonstrates our Texas hospitality to the world and helps make the travel experience easier and less stressful for our holiday passengers,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. “Our security lines remain very fast because most of our passengers come prepared. And our volunteers are doing a great job explaining the new rules and assisting passengers if they need to re-pack some of their carry-ons.” 

The GLAD Products Company (www.GLAD.com) has donated more than 100,000 clear, quart-sized bags for DFW to distribute across its five terminals during the Thanksgiving holiday season. GLAD representatives have also been on hand this week to assist passengers and make sure all liquid and gel containers meet security requirements. 

DFW estimates 2.2 million passengers will pass through the Airport between November 17 and 28 as they travel to and from their Thanksgiving destinations. The Airport’s employee volunteer efforts have become a holiday tradition at DFW. 

“We love to see smiles and shake hands with people because we know that holiday cheer is out there. We like to help it along with a little fun, music and our great people,” says Joe Lopano, executive vice president of terminal and revenue management at DFW. “These are special days, days where we see travelers we normally don’t see the rest of the year. And we want them to know DFW is a comfortable, friendly place. I mean, how many times do you get to see the Radio City Rockettes in an airline terminal?” 

Holiday Helpers - Holiday Treats DFW’s Holiday Helpers program, born in the stressful travel period post 9/11, continues a five-year tradition of assisting passengers and distributing holiday treats. Airport employees left their desks for the day to distribute turkey-themed finger puppets, stickers, and pin the “Hat on the Turkey” game along with smiles and good cheer. Other goodies available to passengers include: ▪ Dunkin’ Donuts distributed 100 dozen of their famous donuts throughout the terminals on Wednesday morning, courtesy of the company’s Richardson location ▪ Aquafina “Splash Water” samples ▪ Pepsi soft drink samples ▪ Pepsi-sponsored drawings for an iPod and Nintendo DS for lucky passengers

U.S. Military R&R Flight

Four members of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes stood on the tarmac and greeted today’s R&R flight as it passed through the DFW Department of Public Safety “Shower of Affection.” The Rockettes then met the smiling troops as they exited the long line of greeters. DFW has hosted more than 296,000 troops since the U.S. military began its flights in June 2004. 

Fast Security Lines – 3-1-1

DFW continues to offer passengers some of the fastest security lines in the nation with checkpoint improvements implemented in 2005. DFW is able to move passengers through its 20 checkpoints quickly. DFW’s security lines average 11 minutes or less. 

DFW is also working with the TSA and GLAD to urge passengers to have their liquids and gels correctly packed before they get to the Airport. The Airport and GLAD are also urging passengers to brush up on the carry-on rules in advance by simply going to www.dfwairport.com and clicking on a direct link to the regulations. 

GLAD bags are being distributed in ticketing halls prior to passengers entering the ticketing queue, with the goal to reach passengers before they check their luggage. DFW has also set up repacking tables in strategic locations within the ticketing halls and displayed signs that further communicate TSA’s 3-1-1 message. GLAD bags are also available prior to bag re-check in International Terminal D. 

More Flights

DFW's travel forecast of 2.2 million passengers is near the estimate as Thanksgiving 2005, which saw 100,000 additional passengers over 2004. New and expanded service from Alaska, ATA, AirTran, American and Mexicana Airlines to Seattle, Chicago, Joplin, Missouri and Mexico City have been highlights for 2006 travel. DFW also continues to back American Airlines’ efforts to bring non-stop service between Beijing and Dallas-Fort Worth. The new service would link DFW to China for the first time in Texas history. 

Holiday Shopping

DFW offers a selection of nearly 100 fine retailers and specialty shops in more than 190 locations, giving busy travelers multiple options for last minute gifts or a holiday treat for the family. For a terminal-by-terminal look at shopping options, please visit www.dfwairport.com/shops. 

Holiday Parking Deals

Parking on the Airport grounds is always the fastest and most convenient way to park for a flight at DFW. Thanksgiving travelers arriving at fully occupied Express or Remote parking lots will receive a coupon to upgrade to Terminal Parking at the discount rate of $10 per day. The Airport has nearly 40,000 parking spaces.