Albany, NY (February 14, 2002) - - - Airlines serving Albany International Airport will be operating at or near capacity beginning today as travelers head out for President's Week vacations. The increase in passenger loads will continue until Sunday, February 17 and resume again toward the weekend of February 22-24 as vacationers begin to return.

"President's week is traditionally one of the busiest family travel periods of the year," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The Airport has taken a number of steps to help ensure travelers are not inconvenienced by new security regulations."

Travelers will note heightened security at the Airport including increased baggage checks and new procedures at the security checkpoint. The Airport has increased the number of personnel at the security checkpoint to accommodate the additional passenger volume.

While vacationers are headed to a number of locations both inside and outside of the United States, the Airport's most popular destination continues to be the Sunshine State. Three out of ten individuals that board planes at Albany International Airport each year end their flights in Florida.

Passengers are still being advised to arrive up to two hours prior to their scheduled flight times, especially for early morning flights (5:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.) and afternoon flights (3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.). Travelers should allow adequate time to park, check luggage and pass through the security checkpoint.

Travelers are advised that under new FAA regulations, passengers are allowed to carry only one piece of luggage and one personal item through the security checkpoint. A personal item may include a laptop computer, handbag, briefcase or backpack.

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