American Airlines Offers Family-Friendly Tips for Independence Day Travel

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 30, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- AMR | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Millions of families will take to the sky in search of great firework displays on this holiday weekend. Whether you're hitting the beach, going to the city or heading for the mountains, American Airlines, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, wants to help make this July Fourth holiday memorable by offering some tips with the family in mind.

Before Traveling...

    --  When traveling on an international itinerary with a lap child (infants
        under the age of two), contact American Airlines Reservations prior to
        departure at 1-800-433-7300 (en Espanol 1-800-633-3711) for information
        on the proper documentation required for security clearance and
        boarding.  Infant ticket and fare rules for international destinations,
        including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, vary by country, so call
        ahead to avoid surprises at the airport.  Although there is no charge
        for traveling with lap children within the U.S., allow for extra time at
        the airport to provide proper documentation to a ticket agent.
    --  Consider purchasing a lightweight child-restraint system rather than
        lugging a bulky car seat through security.  The system is easily
        transportable, and fits almost all American and American Eagle seats.
        See www.aa.com/children for more information.

    --  Some countries require a child traveling with only one parent to carry
        written, notarized consent from the absent parent. Contact the embassy
        or consulate of your destination country for information.

As You Pack...

    --  Domestic Economy Class customers can check one bag for $15; a second
        checked bag is $25.  If you've achieved AAdvantage Gold, Platinum,
        or Executive Platinum status, the first two checked bags are free. See
        www.aa.com/baggageinfo for information, as other exceptions apply.
    --  Include your name, flight number, itinerary and phone contact inside
        each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit.
    --  When traveling with an infant, be sure to bring enough food and supplies
        with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles or other related
        items. However, baby bottles can be heated on all flights operated by
        American Airlines.  American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights are
        not equipped to heat baby bottles.
    --  Fill a backpack for young children with crayons, coloring books,
        inexpensive toys and snacks.  Consider holding a new or special item
        aside until you are airborne.

    --  Place all prescription medicine, jewelry, documents, car keys and other
        valuables in a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat in front of
        you.  That way, if overhead bin space happens to be full, you won't
        have to check your bag with valuables at the gate.

Before Leaving for the Airport...

    --  Dress yourself and your children in comfortable clothes, and wear shoes
        that are easy to slip on and off at the security checkpoint.
    --  Reduce time and stress at the airport by checking in online. Visit
        www.aa.com/checkin up to 24 hours prior to flight to select or change
        seats, and print your boarding pass.

    --  If you're over the age of 18, federal law requires you to show a
        government issued photo ID at Transportation Security Administration
        (TSA) checkpoints.  See
        www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm for examples
        of TSA acceptable IDs.  If you're traveling internationally,
        don't forget your passport, as well as other important documents
        for all customers, including lap children.  Make copies to carry with
        you (or scan and e-mail a copy to yourself) and to leave with others at
        home.

At the Airport...

    --  TSA limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on
        board; however, medication, baby formula and food, breast milk, and
        juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and
        are not required to be in a zip-top bag. Families should declare these
        items for inspection at the checkpoint. For more information, including
        limitations on international travel, visit www.aa.com/liquids.
        TSA's Web site, www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.
    --  Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or
        under the seat, plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or
        laptop. A diaper bag and umbrella stroller (as long as they fit in the
        overhead bin) for a lap or ticketed child are permitted onboard in
        addition to the standard carry on allowance.  Additionally, an approved
        safety seat and collapsible stroller may be checked at no charge.
        Don't forget to label seats and strollers with your name and
        contact phone number.
    --  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 arrival times because of lengthy TSA security
        checkpoint lines.  See www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where
        earlier arrival is recommended.
    --  Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down
        on a scrap of paper, take a picture of your location sign with a camera
        phone or digital camera.
    --  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.

    --  Curbside Check-in is another great time saver.  You can check your bag
        with a skycap at the curb, and then it's a straight shot to the
        security line and your gate.

While You're Waiting...

    --  Visit an Admirals Club(R) lounge.  Select locations in Chicago,
        Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York offer
        children's rooms equipped with computers that have
        "kid-friendly" games and programs, as well as a TV featuring
        age-appropriate programming.  One-Day passes are available for $50, and
        can be purchased in person, online, or at Self-Service Check-in
        machines.

    --  American and American Eagle typically begin 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...

    --  A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the
        time fly, especially for young travelers. However, audio and video
        equipment may only be used with headsets.
    --  Changes in air pressure during descent may cause discomfort in small
        children.  Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier or chewing gum with
        you.  Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the
        ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.

    --  American and American Eagle offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
        onboard, and juice and milk are available for children.  In addition,
        American offers a choice of fresh light meals and snacks through
        food-for-sale program. Options vary based on flight time and length.

For more valuable travel information, visit www.aa.com/traveltips. And remember, fireworks are prohibited, so leave them at home.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com(R), provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

AmericanAirlines(R) We know why you fly(R)

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com/

SOURCE American Airlines

http://www.aa.com

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