Holiday Travel Season Takes Off
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Many airlines have instituted a checked baggage fee.Bryce Piper and his family, of Houston, are heading to visit relatives in Dallas."(We're visiting) my dad, my mom and my two sisters," he said.That meant five bags. At that rate, it could add up to $75 in new checked baggage fees on most airlines. But his family chose Southwest Airlines, where the first two checked bags are free for each passenger.His dad, Greg Piper, said, "It's just convenient. We've been in Texas a long time and we always use Southwest to do these little flights."Houston airports are hoping new express lanes at security checkpoints will make the trip through security a bit easier.There are lanes designated for family, casual and expert travelers. Officials hope they get you to your flight faster."Take your shoes off. Have all your laptop computers, any electronic items as far as laptop computers, PlayStation, Game Boys, things like that, remove them out of your bag. Have them placed aside in a separate bin," TSA spokesman Leonard Compton said.For those who will drive, lower gas prices may make the ride a little more enjoyable. Gas is averaging $1 less per gallon than it was a year ago.AAA Texas said the average in Houston currently is $1.81. But you can find it for less."The economy has impacted households and they're being much more conscientious about how they are spending their available dollars," said Sarah Schimmer with AAA Texas.If you want to know what all the extras for your flight will cost, check out www.farecompare.com. It shows everything from the cost of a snack to your checked bag.Airline and Airport Links:
- Check For Flight Delays Houston Airport System: Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports AirTran Airways American Airlines ATA Airlines Continental Airlines Delta Airlines Frontier Airlines JetBlue Northwest Airlines Southwest Airlines United Airlines U.S. Airways FAA Links For Passenger Information
- Houston TranStar Real-Time Traffic Map
- Traffic Pulse Real-Time Traffic Map
- Traffic Section
- Houston Transtar
- Texas Dept. of Transportation Web site or call 800-452-9292
- Harris County Office of Emergency Management Web site
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