FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 8 -- The busy holiday
travel season is almost here. At American Airlines, our nearly 80,000
employees stand ready to fly you to that long-awaited vacation, that
much-anticipated trip to Grandma's, or even that last-minute business
meeting. Wherever you go this year, consider these helpful items and tips
from American to make your holiday travels go as smoothly as possible:
    As You Pack ...
    -- Each ticketed customer is allowed two pieces of checked baggage free of
       charge.  Each checked item may weigh no more than 50 pounds each, and
       must measure no more than 62 inches (measured length + width + height).
    -- Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or
       under the seat, plus one personal item.  Personal items include things
       such as purses, briefcases or laptops.  Note:  Carry on restrictions
       for flights departing the United Kingdom are different.  See
       http://www.aa.com/baggageinfo for baggage-related information.
    -- Remember "3-1-1."  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
       limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board.
       Each customer traveling domestically is limited to items that are each
       three ounces or less, all of which must fit into one, quart-size, clear
       zip-top bag.  For more information, including limitations on
       international travel, visit http://www.aa.com/liquids The TSA's Web
       site, http://www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.
    -- Hold on to your valuables.  Be sure to put all cameras, jewelry,
       documents, prescription medicine, car keys and other valuables in your
       carry-on luggage and keep it with you at all times.
    -- Place your name and flight number inside your luggage, too.  Include
       your name, flight number and itinerary inside each checked bag in case
       the bag tag becomes detached in transit.  It will help in returning the
       bag to you more quickly.
    -- Leave gifts unwrapped -- even in checked luggage.  Consider bringing
       gift bags and tissue paper with you instead.  TSA personnel may unwrap
       gifts to check a package's contents.
    -- Think of kids' needs.  If you're traveling with small children, prepare
       their own small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books,
       inexpensive toys and snacks.


    Before Leaving for the Airport ...
    -- Bring proper documentation.  Traveling domestically?  You'll need a
       government-issued photo ID.  If you're traveling internationally, don't
       forget your passport, as well as other important documents such as
       visas, tourist cards and the like.  Make copies and carry an extra set
       with you (or electronically scan them and e-mail a copy to yourself);
       let others back home have a copy, too.
    -- Consider trip insurance.  American offers travel insurance at a
       reasonable cost through AA.com.  You'll receive a refund for the
       prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your travel costs if your trip gets
       cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason.  See
       http://www.aa.com/tripinsurance for details, or call (800) 628-5404.
    -- Check in beforehand at AA.com.  At http://www.aa.com/checkin you can
       check in up to 24 hours prior to flight, select or change seats, and
       print out your boarding pass -- all of which can reduce time and stress
       at the airport.  Checking a bag?  When you arrive at the airport,
       simply scan the bar code on your boarding pass at a self-service
       machine to check your luggage.
    -- Sign up for Flight Status Notification.  By signing up at
       http://www.aa.com/notify, you'll receive flight arrival/departure
       times, as well as gate and baggage information -- all via e-mail,
       phone, pager or PDA.  Or, alternatively, get gate and flight
       information ahead of time at http://www.aa.com/gates.


    At the Airport ...
    -- In the event of inclement weather and flight disruptions, your
       itinerary will be automatically rescheduled.  Passengers should log on
       to AA.com, check with agents at the gate or ticket counter, or call
       American Reservations to obtain flight reaccommodation information or
       for additional help in arranging a flight.  At some larger airports, a
       special reaccommodation desk may be activated for additional
       assistance.
    -- Note your parking spot.  Eliminate walking in circles upon your return.
       Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down
       on a scrap of paper which can get misplaced, take a picture of your
       location sign with a camera phone or digital camera.
    -- Beat the crowds and arrive early.  Allow extra time for traffic,
       parking and transportation to the terminal.  Travelers should plan to
       arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic
       flights and two to three hours prior to departure for international
       flights.  Some cities have even earlier suggested check-in times
       because of lengthy TSA security checkpoint lines.  See
       http://www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier check-in
       is recommended.
    -- Use Self-Service Check-in machines.  If you haven't already checked in
       beforehand at AA.com, try one of American's quick and easy Self-Service
       Check-in machines.  They're a great time-saver and can be used for both
       domestic and international flights.  You can print a boarding pass,
       check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes and
       purchase upgrades or One-Day passes to the Admirals Club(R) lounge.
    -- Try Curbside Check-in.  Another great time saver.  Check your bag with
       a skycap at the curb (the fee is just $2 per bag at most airports), and
       then it's a straight shot to the Security line and your gate.
    -- Move through Security quickly by being prepared.  Have your boarding
       pass and valid government-issued ID or passport available for Security,
       and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.  Take your laptop,
       portable DVD player or large electronic items out of their cases, and
       put cell phones and pagers in purses or other carry-on bags before
       getting in the Security line.
    -- Buy beverages after clearing Security.  TSA guidelines prevent bringing
       standard-size beverage bottles through Security, so buy your beverages
       in the terminal once you clear the checkpoint.  Or, American offers
       complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard its aircraft, and juice
       and milk are available for children.
    -- Keep children safe and protected.  Give your child a passcode that only
       you and he/she know so your child can't be tricked by another adult in
       case you get separated or lost.  Make sure your children know the full
       names of their parents and how to contact them.  Keep items with
       children's names on them out of sight.
    -- Be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.  American
       typically begins boarding aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time
       for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to
       help ensure an on-time departure.


    Onboard the Plane ...
    -- Bring along some entertainment.  A portable video player, audio player,
       or reading material can make the time fly while you fly.  And don't
       forget your headphones.  As a courtesy to fellow travelers, it's always
       a good idea to use them if you have electronic equipment.
    -- Stay hydrated.  Experts recommend drinking plenty of water during your
       flight.
    -- Prevent ear discomfort in small children.  Air pressure changes in the
       cabin during descent may cause discomfort in small children.  Be
       prepared by having a bottle, pacifier, chewing gum or hard candy with
       you.  Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the
       ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
    -- Let your flight attendant help.  American has more than 16,000 highly
       trained, professional flight attendants.  If you have a question or
       special need, be sure to alert them; they're travel experts and are
       there to help make your travel experience on American an enjoyable one.
    For still more valuable travel information, visit
http://www.aa.com/traveltips. American Airlines is a founding member of the
global oneworld(R) Alliance.