Tips for Holiday Travel at BGM

BINGHAMTON, NY - The holidays are upon us resulting in some of the highest passenger activity at BGM this year. The staff at the Greater Binghamton Airport is committed to making your holiday travel experience as pleasant as possible; some planning on your part will help achieve a wonderful excursion. Some tips to keep in mind for this busy time are:

Arrive early: Airline ticket agents and TSA screening staff can usually check in passengers and process them through the security checkpoint quickly and smoothly. Typically arriving one hour before scheduled departure is sufficient, HOWEVER, increased passengers traffic during this busy time necessitates additional time. It is recommended that passengers check in at the ticket counter at least 1 ½ hours prior to departure. Remember, departure time is the time the aircraft leaves the ground, not the time you board.

Follow procedures for carry-on bags: One of the biggest delays for security screening results from passengers attempting to pass through the screening process with prohibited items such as liquid and gel products. The Transportation Security Administration provides valuable tips for packing for holiday travel on their website at www.tsa.gov. One of the most common problems encountered are liquids and gels in carry on bags.

“Remember the 3-1-1 guidelines for carry-ons when it comes to liquids” said Carl R, Beardsley, Jr., Commissioner of Aviation, “specifically, liquids and gels must be in a 3 ounce bottle or less; placed in 1 clear, plastic, quart-sized, zip-top bag with 1 bag per passenger.” Beardsley added. “This includes beverages such as bottled water as well.”

Do not wrap gifts you're taking on the plane: Security officers may have to open wrapped gifts should there be a need to identify the contents. It is best to ship wrapped gifts to your destination or wrap them when you arrive.

Go to the Greater Binghamton Airport website at www.binghamtonairport.com for current flight data and other important travel information, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your travel plans through BGM they can be reached at 607.763.4471 or by e-mail at aviation@co.broome.ny.us.

All of the staff at the Greater Binghamton Airport hope your travel experience at BGM is a pleasant one.

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Published Date: 12-17-2007