Albany, NY (February 15, 2006) - - - Presidents’ Week 2006 is shaping up to be a busy travel period at Albany International Airport. The Airport’s airlines are reporting that they will be operating at or near capacity beginning February 16th. Passenger traffic will continue to be heavy throughout the coming weekend.

Passengers traveling on flights from Albany International Airport during Presidents’ Week should arrive at the Airport no less than 90 minutes before their planned departure. During peak travel periods, 5 a.m. - 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., passengers should consider arriving up to two hours early to meet their scheduled flights.

"We are working closely with our airlines and the Transportation Security Administration to accommodate the increased volume of passenger traffic," said John O’Donnell, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. "It is essential that travelers arrive within the prescribed time periods or they may risk missing their flights."

The Transportation Security Administration has been working with the Airport’s airlines to ensure that checkpoint staffing matches travel demand. TSA Screeners have been rescheduled to accommodate the increase in checkpoint traffic and additional screeners have been assigned during peak periods. In addition, airline personnel and Airport Ambassadors will also be stationed at the checkpoint to assist in pre-screening passengers.

To ensure the smooth operation of the security checkpoint, the TSA offers the following suggestions to travelers:

• Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:


• Mobile phones
• Keys
• Loose change
• Money clips
• PDA's (personal data assistants)
• Large amounts of jewelry
• Metal hair decorations
• Large belt buckles


• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.


• Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.

Travelers are also reminded that only two carryon items are permitted beyond the security checkpoint. Passengers with additional items will be required to check them at the ticket counters.

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