Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 19, 1994 TAG: 9411210032
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Conner staffed the information booth in the lobby of the airport terminal as workers there braced for the airline industry's busiest time of the year. He provided directions to travelers unacquainted with the airport - how to find the restrooms, how to get downtown. Along with the advice, he handed out city and state road maps.
The airport was bustling in the afternoon. The terminal was filled with the clickety-click of wheeled suitcases pulled over the tile floor, and people scurried in an out of the revolving doors.
Most of the 2,000-plus daily outbound seats offered by airlines serving Roanoke were booked to capacity, airport spokesman Mark Courtney said. He described it as a yearly ritual.
Many of the passengers were students at area colleges and universities headed home for a fall break. Others will head out Wednesday and Thursday. But airlines' traditional annual peak volume is on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as all the travelers return after the holiday. The airport expects to handle 4,000 passengers on that day alone, Courtney said.
The airport has been providing the volunteer-staffed information booth during times of heavy travel for the past three years.
\ TIPS FOR AVOIDING AIRPORT PROBLEMS
If driving to the airport, allow extra time for parking. Better yet, arrange to be dropped off at the terminal.
Anticipate longer lines and more terminal congestion than usual.
Plan to arrive at least an hour before your flight's scheduled departure, especially if weather is bad.
Purchase tickets in advance to save time during check-in.
Call the airline or travel agency before leaving for the airport to make sure your flight is running on schedule.
by CNB