ALPA's Communications Department provides information and support for news media inquiries. An ALPA communications representative can be reached in the Herndon, Va. office at (703) 481-4440.

Release #01.125
November 16, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C.--- The Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) today issued a new brochure, "America Flies," to help the flying public prepare for the busy holiday travel season.

"Since the horrible attack of Sept. 11, we’ve heightened aviation security in this country to unprecedented levels," said FAA Administrator Jane F. Garvey. "This new brochure will let passengers know what to expect at the airports and how to pack to help them pass through all the additional security more quickly."

"We’re pleased to partner with the federal government on this program because we believe it empowers our valued customers with information, and enlists them as participants in the effort to enhance air-travel security," said Captain Duane Woerth, ALPA’s president. "Pilots and crewmembers have a special kinship with passengers, sharing a common experience and fate aboard our airlines’ flights. Accordingly, ALPA pilots from a variety of airlines will distribute this brochure to passengers at our nation’s airports."

The FAA has significantly increased security for every aspect of air travel in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Most of these measures cannot be made public for security reasons, but they include continuous use of FAA-certified systems for screening checked bags, dramatically increased numbers of Federal Air Marshals on flights around the world, the prohibition of all cutting instruments, and additional scrutiny of all bags and passengers. Passengers may also notice increased patrols of police and FAA canine teams, as well as larger numbers of the National Guard throughout the airport.

The brochure advises passengers to arrive early, keeping in mind that parking and curbside access may be limited and that heightened security will take additional time. Carry-on bags are strictly limited to one bag and one personal item, and dangerous items of all sorts—including knives and cutting instruments of any kind—are strictly prohibited unless packed in a checked bag. Passengers should leave gifts unwrapped since it is possible they may have to be unwrapped by security personnel. Checked bags are likely to be screened by an explosives detection system that may cause damage to film, so passengers should pack film in their carry-on bags.

FAA security agents will be working to ensure that airports and airlines carry out all required security measures correctly and consistently at every airport, for every flight. As always, passengers can do their part by remembering to pack with security in mind and by reporting any suspicious activity or unattended bag to the nearest airport or airline representative.

The FAA is working with the American Society of Travel Agents to distribute the brochure to travel professionals around the country while ALPA pilots hand them out directly to passengers.

ALPA, the world’s oldest and largest professional organization of airline pilots represents 67,000 airline pilots at 47 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. For a copy of the brochure, check the FAA web site at www.faa.gov or the ALPA website at cf.alpa.org

###

ALPA CONTACTS: John Mazor, Ron Lovas (703) 481-4440