Please read--for those who have folks stranded and cant fly

[disneykelly]

The FAA has various levels of stops to all air traffic, and i will let you know exactly what is going on.

International flights-US flagged carriers have permission to fly, though many of them choose not to.
Foreign flag carriers, aside from previously diverted ones, are not permitted to enter US airspace yet.

What this mean-If you have someone overseas, and they have not been protected on alternate flights, will not get a flight until AT LEAST wednesday.

Domestic flights-Only airports who have been certified safe by the FAA are allowed to accept and send traffic. Again, it is up to the individual carriers how many flights they want to send, if any at all.
All NYC area airports(LGA, JFK, EWR), Chicago's O'Hare, Washington National Regan, and an assortment of other airports are NOT FAA CERTIFIED YET.

Midway airlines, Ansett Australian airlines have thrown in the towel in light of recent events, and have ceased all operations.

What this means-most carriers and cities have approval to fly starting at least by noon friday, though many are electing to wait. Most airlines ARE operating limited amounts of flights starting friday.
Because of the backlog of people stranded as of tuesday, flights have filled to capacity in MOST markets, at least through Sunday.
What you can do-Chances are, if you are waiting for a flight, you will not get home at least till sunday or later.

All carriers are reaccomodating on SAME carrier only. Noone is honoring other airline tickets.
If you have travel ticketed, and no longer want to fly, ALL airlines are required to honor Rule 260, which allows refunds due to involuntary circumstances.
Amtrak is honoring all airline tickets until further notice, though all trains to the NYC and Washington D.C. area are sold out for some time to come.
Alamo car rental is allowing drop off at any location without penalty or rate change to anyone renting before 9am on sep 11th.

Airports-
If you are not ticketed, you will not gain access past security, and many locations are not allowing you in the terminal period.
Check in 2.5 hours prior to your flight, AT THE TICKET COUNTER.
No curb side check in at any locations.
LAX is no longer allowing private vehicles on airport property, you must take a cab or shuttle.
Limit your carry on items, as the security is going through everything.


Everyone who is stuck, have patience.
Everyone needing to begin new travel, please put it off.

The airline industry is in chaos right now, and needs everyone's support in order to normalize again.

God bless those lost in the attacks, God bless their families.
God bless America

 

[Terry S]

disneykelly, Hey we are neighbors, I am assuming you are some how affiliated with the airlines since you have so much information, I thought you might know this answer. We are planning on flying out of Detroit Metro to WDW on 9/23 in your opinion, do you think that flights will be somewhat normal by then? I would want anyone who is stranded away from their home to get home first before we think of vacation.

 

[disneykelly]

Terry,
Yes, i am a travel agent with a 24 hour operation, and things are still a bit mixed up with travel.
I cannot tell for sure if things will be totally back to normal by then, but judging by the effort being made by everyone involved, i would think it safe to say you shouldn't have any problems.
Just remember to go very early to the airport, get your tickets printed out in advance, and limit carry on bags.

 

[TZMOM]

my son & I aren't going until May; HOWEVER my son may be travelling to see his father in Cleveland, OH sometime in the next few months (probably around Christmas.) He has flown as a UIM for the past 2 years - he's 11 now - I understand the reason for not wanting the usual "tons" of people going to the gates to meet their family/friends, but I would not feel comfortable if I could not accompany him to the gate, etc. & wait as the plane took off like I have in flights past. Do you think I would be allowed to go w/him to the gate as usual since he is a UIM? If not, big daddy is going to have to think up another travel time until things get back to somewhat normal - can't wait for that conversation!?!?!?! Any tips you may have are most appreciated.

 

[disneykelly]

Noone has mentioned the status of unaccompanied minors travelling, but it is very possible that it might either be dismantled or it will have to be totally revamped in light of the recent events.
Definately worth a call to the airline you use, though they may not have the answer yet.

 

[seashoreCM]

There is talk of unaccompanied minors being restricted to nonstop flights.

An 11 year old is usually able to find his way around. The primary problems with unaccompanied minors of that age are, in order,

1. Perverted adults nearby,
2. Child himself is a prankster,
3. Too much or too heavy things to carry,
4. Getting stranded due to airline problems.

I rode the subway alone when I was 9, a few years later bringing home a life size Mattel six shooter I bought.

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

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'80s Disneyland once or twice
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