DALLAS, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In the Spirit of making air transportation this Holiday Season as easy as possible, Southwest Airlines has prepared some Holiday Travel Tips for the many travelers who will take to the skies. Check out these helpful tips and much more on our media web site, http://www.swamedia.com/ , where we have also outlined the 'Top Ten Reasons To Fly This Holiday Season.'

* Give yourself plenty of time to get to and through the airport. Just like your favorite shopping center, the lines at designated airport parking areas, ticket counters, and security checkpoints get longer, especially on peak travel days. Though all airport personnel will be diligently working to help you have a pleasant airport experience, we expect Thursday, December 21, 2006 through Wednesday, January 3, 2007 to be busier than usual. We recommend arriving at the ticket counter 60 to 120 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure. Click suggested Airport Arrival Times to review each airport we serve. * Tools to help you breeze through the airport: Getting to the airport is one thing; moving through it is another. That's why we recommend that you check in online to help you get from the main entrance to the designated departure gate more quickly. (Even if you plan to check luggage, you can still retrieve your Boarding Pass via southwest.com.) We encourage our Ticketless Travel Customers to visit the Travel Center to cancel, change, and/or rebook their flight reservations. All ticketed Customers may contact Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance. Please visit Flight Status Online for the latest information regarding your flight. You may also sign up for our convenient Flight Status Messaging to receive the latest information about your flight via e-mail, cell phone, or pager. * Carryon and Checked Baggage: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently limiting liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in carryon baggage. Customers are presently allowed to bring with them one clear, transparent, resealable, 1 quart (1 liter) size, plastic bag containing liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of 3 oz. (90ml) capacity or less per container. (Most "travel size" items found in grocery and convenience stores are 3 oz. or less.) The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably within and be completely closed/sealed. These items will be subjected to x-ray inspection separate from the Customer's carryon bag. Click to review our Carryon Baggage Travel Tips. All luggage is subject to inspection, and regardless of the way it is packed or sealed, it may have to be opened.

In addition to our normal baggage policies and procedures, please ensure that your name and contact information are displayed on your checked luggage (both inside and outside of the item). We recommend that you place a nametag (that includes a convenient phone number) on your carryon items. That way, we can attempt to return them should any get left behind. And, if possible, we encourage you to pack clothing for each person in each bag so that everyone has a change of clothes if a bag is misplaced. We also ask that you carry your keys and medicines on you (or in your carryon items) and not place them in your checked luggage.

* When In Doubt, Leave It Out. If you're not sure whether an item will be accepted past the security checkpoint, it's probably best to either travel without it or pack it in your checked luggage. For a list of items that can and cannot be carried onboard the aircraft, we encourage you to visit the TSA's web site to help reduce the amount of time spent at the security checkpoint. * What to do if you misplace a copy of your Itinerary. If you like doing things yourself and have a Ticketless Travel Itinerary, then you can utilize any of our RAPID CHECK-IN Kiosks to receive your Boarding Pass. Any of our Customer Service Agents will be able to assist in printing the appropriate reservation documents and help you check in. * Proper Identification: The Transportation Security Administration now requires that all ticketed and traveling Customers (who appear to be 18 years and older) carry a government-issued photo ID. Customers will be asked to show identification at the security checkpoint. In addition to your photo ID, all Customers will be required to present a Security Document or Boarding Pass at the security checkpoint in order to proceed to the gate. * Traveling with children: To ensure a pleasant travel experience for parents traveling with small children, as well as for Unaccompanied Minors, we ask you to take a few minutes and visit our Taking the Kids(TM) travel link. * Meeting loved ones: If you are meeting an Unaccompanied Minor or Customers with disabilities, you must obtain a Gate Pass from the ticket counter to get through the security checkpoint. In order to get a Gate Pass, you need to have a copy of your child's reservation and your government-issued photo ID. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the gate early. Those who are near and dear to you, but are not Unaccompanied Minors, can be met only outside of the security checkpoint. We suggest that you discuss (before the trip) a designated meeting point in the terminal building-such as the baggage claim area. * Make a list, and check it twice. It's a good idea to prepare a list of all the things you plan to take with you. This will reduce the time it takes to pack and help you keep track of the items you take on your trip. Have a spare set of car and house keys made and leave them with a trusted friend or neighbor. Use a timer in your home so designated lights and electronics will turn on and off while you're away. And before you leave the house, be sure you take the following items with you: -- Credit cards, ATM card, and cash, including one-dollar bills for tips. -- Drivers license and/or passport. -- Ticketless confirmation number and/or Southwest Ticket. -- Glasses, contacts, and sunglasses. -- Temporary supply of needed medication. http://www.southwest.com/

CONTACT: Public Relations of Southwest Airlines, +1-214-792-4847

Web site: http://www.southwest.com/
http://www.swamedia.com/

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