Local News

Thinking of Traveling For the Holidays?

November 29, 2007

By Ashleigh Stricker

Fall semester is wrapping up, and students are excited to finish their classes to spend the Christmas holiday with their families. Many students are flying home and have to face the holiday crowds at the airports.

St. Louis is home of Lambert International Airport. Since 9/11, airports are required to have tight security. When going through security checkpoint, flyers must remove their shoes, coat and any metals like belts or jewelry. All electronics must be taken out of bags and placed in secure tubs to go through x-ray machines. In addition, liquids cannot be stashed in carry-on bags, including items such as lotions and lip gloss. If travelers have these items, they can only weigh a couple of ounces and must be placed into a separate, clear zip-lock bag.

With these regulations, flyers need to arrive at the airport at least two hours early. The security lines can slow down the process, especially during the holidays. “The airport security accommodated everyone very well, and as long as you cooperated, you were able to go through quickly,” said Justin Charboneau, a Missouri native visiting family from South Carolina over Thanksgiving.

The airport recently added new accommodations for its flyers. Free parking is available now to those picking up and dropping off passengers. “Free parking should be available to avoid having to drive around the airport several times so you don’t have to pay for parking. That’s not necessary,” said Charboneau.

A music room was also added at Lambert International for those waiting for their flights. Charboneau said he never saw this new addition and did not have time to see the room for himself before his plane took off.

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