Weekend travel information
September 13, 2001
1:50 PM EDT (1750 GMT)
ATLANTA -- With the possibility of racing resuming this weekend, NASCAR.com collected some travel information and advice for those fans making the journey to Texas on Saturday for the Truck Series’s Silverado 350 and the Cup’s New Hampshire 300 on Sunday in Loudon.
Friday qualifying for both events has been canceled. NASCAR has said it will make a decision about Sunday's race in the next 24 hours.
Here’s a look at what several major airlines are posting on their Web sites, along with tips for travelers heading to New Hamshire and Texas.
AIRTRAN: In response to the recent terrorist attacks … the FAA is instituting increased security measures at all airports nationwide.
As part of the heightened security, the following procedures will be implemented:
-- Passengers only will be permitted through the security checkpoint.
--All passengers will be required to show a reservations receipt or a boarding pass, along with a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) at the security checkpoint in order to proceed to the departure gate.
--If a passenger does not have a reservations receipt, the passenger must go to the airport ticket counter to check-in and get a boarding pass in order to proceed through the security checkpoint.
--Curbside baggage check-in has been suspended. Passengers must check their bags at the ticket counter.
--Please allow for extra time needed at the airport to comply with the increased security measures. We recommend you arrive at the airport 90 minutes before flight departure time.
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AMERICAN AIRLINES: All scheduled American Airlines flights are cancelled until Thursday afternoon.
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DELTA: As a result of the FAA’s decision on grounding U.S. commercial flights, Delta and it's Connection carriers (Atlantic Coast Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Comair and SkyWest) have decided to cancel all scheduled flights through 5 a.m. Thursday.
Delta will announce as soon as possible when scheduled flights will resume, consistent with FAA authorization and operational requirements.
Reissues -- Customers with confirmed reservations through Sept. 18 may make changes to their travel dates with no penalties, additional collection or administrative fees, provided passengers are rebooked in the same class of service with the next 60 days.
Refunds -- When alternate travel options do not meet our customer travel needs, refunds are permitted for passengers traveling September 11-18, 2001. Penalties and/or administrative fees will be waived.
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MIDWAY: Due to the financial strain Midway Airlines was already under and the grounding of all airline travel following Tuesday's attack, the Raleigh, NC-based company has closed its doors.
The official announcement was made Wednesday and was followed by the layoff of 1,700 of the company's employees. Midway had already filed for bankruptcy on Aug. 13 and laid off 700 workers.
"It just became clear as we went through the day Tuesday that people weren't booking air travel," said Karen Wing, a spokesperson for Midway. "The calls just stopped in the travel center for reservations, and the people who did call wanted a refund because they didn't want to be on an airplane for a little while."
About 100 employees will remain on the job to close down operations and arrange for refunds. When Midway declared bankruptcy in August, it had 74 aircraft serving 28 destinations.
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TRAVEL ADVICE -- NHIS: Expect huge delays into Boston and New York as well as heightened security.
Travelers should make sure they arrive at airport at least two hours prior to departure time. Also, the name on your driver's license or passport should read exactly as it does on airline ticket reservation. Only people with reservations are allowed to fly to these cities this weekend.
Flights aren't expected to resume on many airlines until FAA lifts air grounding, possibly at noon Thursday. Given the fact that planes need to be rerouted, grounded pilots and passengers are trying to get to final destination, it is "complete chaos," said a Delta agent. Please check with your airline for the most up-to-date information regarding your flight.
-- All hotels are open.
-- Amtrak and Greyhound both go into Boston and are running on schedule.
-- For more information, contact the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce (603-224-2508)
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TRAVEL ADVICE -- TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Expect huge delays into the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport as well as heightened security. Travelers should make sure they arrive at airport at least two hours prior to departure time.
Also, the name on your driver's license or passport should read exactly as it does on airline ticket reservation. Please check with your airline for the most up-to-date information regarding your flight.
-- All hotels are open.
-- Amtrak and Greyhound both go into Dallas and are running on schedule.
-- For more information, contact the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (817-336-2491).
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