LAX EXPECTS MORE THAN 800,000 TRAVELERS OVER THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND PASSENGERS REMINDED NOT TO BRING FIREWORKS TO THE AIRPORT

06/30/2004 12:00 AM

LAX EXPECTS MORE THAN 800,000 TRAVELERS OVER THE 4th OF JULY WEEKEND
Passengers Reminded Not To Bring Fireworks To The Airport

 

(Los Angeles, California – June 30, 2004) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) officials are expecting more than 800,000 travelers over the Fourth of July holiday weekend beginning Friday, July 2, and extending through Monday, July 5. This would be an increase of approximately 12 percent over last year's comparable July 4th holiday period.

Passengers will experience congested roadways, crowded terminals and virtually full flights. Overall, summer passenger traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day at LAX this year is expected to be 17.5 million - a 12 percent increase over last summer.

Travelers also should expect to see beefed up security during the July 4 holiday weekend. Travelers are urged to allow additional time for passenger and baggage screening. In some cases, vehicle screening may be required. The decision to tighten security for the July 4 holiday was made as a precaution although the national color-coded terror alert warning system will remain at yellow, designating an "elevated" risk of attacks.

Airport officials noted that while the public may notice some increased security related to operational alertness, such as increased use of K-9 patrols in passenger terminals, other security measures are confidential and may go largely unnoticed by most people. Presence of additional uniformed officers in front of and inside the passenger terminals will also be noticed.

"The summer of 2004 continues to shape up as the strongest sustained travel period since 9/11," said Kim Day, interim executive director for Los Angeles World Airports. "Many airlines have added flights to meet the demand. We expect the airport to be extremely busy through the Labor Day weekend."

The passenger forecast for the 2004 July 4th weekend is approximately 10 percent below the record passenger traffic carried in the summer of 2001 before the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Airport officials strongly cautioned passengers not to bring fireworks of any kind to the airport or aboard an aircraft -- either in checked luggage or as carry-on items. Fireworks are illegal, jeopardize passenger safety and will be confiscated.

Other travel guidance for the holiday travel period includes:

  • Before packing, check the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Internet website at   www.tsa.gov  for a comprehensive list of prohibited items.
  • Travelers 18 years and older require government-issued, photo identification.
  • Watch your bags at all times and remember to retrieve personal belongings from passenger screening checkpoints.
  • Undeveloped photographic film, film in cameras and videotape should be placed in carry-on baggage. Checked-baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
  • If picking up an arriving passenger, do not contribute to traffic congestion by continuously driving around the horseshoe-shaped roadway. Conveniently park in any of the parking structures located across from each terminal and walk to the terminal to wait.
  • If picking up an arriving passenger, take advantage of the free two hours parking in Economy Lots B and C. Then board the free LAX shuttle buses to the terminals.
  • Lift-equipped vehicles over 6 feet 10 inches in height only are allowed to park up to 30 days free in vendor delivery parking areas adjacent to parking structures 3, 4 and 6 in the Central Terminal Area. Vehicles must be lift-equipped and display a valid disabled placard or license plate.
  • Tune car radios to AiRadio AM 530 for airport traffic conditions and parking availability
  • For more information, visit LAX's Internet website at www.lawa.org.

 

 

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