Airport Tips (NAPSA)—Getting through crowded airports during busyholiday travel has never been easier, thanks to enhanced technology. Manycarriers offer convenient alternatives for passengers to check in for flights and avoid ticket counter lines. You may be able to save time on your next flight when you use oneof these easy check-in options: Online Check-In. Several airlines allow passengers to check in and print boarding passes from the convenience of their home, office or anywhere with Internet access and a printer. American Airlines has extended its online Flight Check-In window to 30 hours prior to departure, giving customers one less thing to worry about on the day of their trip. Travelers can select seats and request certain upgrades online, allowing them to bypass airport check-in altogether. Passengers needing to check luggage can use Curbside Check-In. Self-Service Check-In. American Airlines customers can take advantage of more than 700 automated Self-Service Check-In machines found in more than 85 airports nationwide. The machines, located near ticket counters and identifiable by yellow arrows, allow travelers to select seats, request certain upgrades, check bags and print boarding passes—all in a matter of minutes. Curbside Check-In.If you have several bags or are ina hurry this holiday season, Curbside Check-In is a convenient alternative. You can check luggage andreceive a boarding pass before you even entertheairport. The American Airlines Web site, AA.com, offers the following tips for holiday travel planning: * Book Online. Travelers can save time and money by making air, car and hotel reservations online. AAdvantage members can receive up to 1,000 bonus miles and pay no booking fees this way. Flight Status Notification. Manytravelers use the flight status notification function offered on several airline Web sites, which alerts you to gate, flight time and baggage claim updates on any enabled phone, pager or PDA. Flight status notification is a great way for you—orthe individual picking you up—to stay informed abouta flight. Arrive Early. Anticipate pos- sible slowdowns caused by heavy traffic, weather and busy airport parkinglots. Travelers must check in at least thirty minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and one hour prior for international flights, so any additional obstacles will require extra time. This holiday season, you can simplify your travel experience with a one-stop resource to find low fares, book air travel, cars and hotels, check gates and flight times, and check in for flights. For more about online travel planning or to book a trip, log on to www.aa.com.
