Travel Tips: Need To Be Somewhere?

| Contact An Airline | Flying Tips | Amtrak |
| Car Rental | Greyhound | Weather Conditions |

After flights around the country were grounded for two and one-half days or longer, airports eased back onto their flight schedules, only to find fewer passengers.

Many people who would normally fly on commercial airlines are either chartering private planes or finding alternate travel options.

If your flight was canceled during the shutdown, or you're reconsidering your decision to fly, don't worry. Many airlines have altered their normal rules about flight changes/cancelation fees.

Check airline Web sites or call them for more information.

While at the airport, be aware of new security measures that were implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration. These include:

Uniformed security personnel at airports.

A ban on curbside check-ins and on off-airport check-ins.

Visitors no longer will be allowed to pass through security checkpoints to pick up passengers at the gate.

Knives and other cutting tools, including plastic ones, are prohibited. Previously, knives smaller than 4 inches long, such as Swiss Army knives, were allowed onboard.

Random identification checks of passengers.

Identification checks of employees and vendors.

Matching all luggage to passengers, meaning that a bag cannot be carried onboard an airplane unless the passenger is onboard as well.

Increased use of hand-held metal detectors for passengers, and searches of carry-on luggage.

Searches of all airplanes before passengers board, including cabins and cargo holds.

Increased use of bomb-sniffing dogs or explosive detection machines for checked baggage.

Reduced access to runways and other secure areas of airports.

"It'll take a lot of security to get people to really come back and fly. But I'm sure they will," said Honey Lomish of Hawaii. She was on her way home from Boston and got diverted to Detroit the week of the attacks.

"I would feel much better if they put a government marshal on every plane that takes any distance trip," said her husband, Bob Lomish.

Tips For Staying On The Ground

Amtrak
If you decide to pursue other modes of transportation, Amtrak train service is a popular choice. Ticket sales increased by about 50 percent the week of the attack, according to their Web site.

Amtrak has been jammed with travelers, first by those grounded by the limited resumption of air travel, and now by travelers reluctant to get on a plane.

However, they've been expanding their service, so they're worth a try. Visit their Web site (www.amtrak.com) or call them at (800) USA-RAIL.

Amtrak is allowing free travel for emergency workers helping with recovery efforts and families of victims.

Rental Car
Renting a car has also been a popular option. Many altered their policies to assist diverted travelers the week of the attack. Availability varies vastly by region.

Some of the biggest rent-a-car services are listed here (all numbers are for reservations within the United States):

• Alamo: (800) GO ALAMO
• Avis: (800) 230-4898
• Budget: (800) 527-0700
• Dollar: (800) 800-4000
• Enterprise: (800) Rent-A-Car
• Hertz: (800) 654-3131
• National: (800) CAR-RENT
• Thrifty: (800) THRIFTY

Greyhound
Greyhound bus service is another viable on-the-ground travel option. All scheduled service has been restored throughout the Greyhound network, including the New York City Port Authority bus terminal.

Contact Greyhound at (800) 231-2222 or visit their Web site at greyhound.com.

Watch The Weather
Although it's not traditionally the worst season in which to travel, weatherwise, be aware of upcoming conditions wherever you plan to travel.

Check out these weather maps for the latest conditions:

• National weather maps

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