Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Works Department - (573) 875-7250

Holiday travel tips from Columbia Regional Airport

COLUMBIA, MO (October 13, 2010) - With the busy holiday travel season upon us, it’s not too early to start planning your trip. Columbia Regional (COU) would like to remind travelers who are flying home for the holidays to plan ahead and allow extra time to ensure a more enjoyable travel experience.

If your schedule is flexible, it’s best to avoid peak travel days. For Thanksgiving, the preceding Wednesday is definitely a day to avoid traveling. In December, the two days preceding Christmas and the day or two after are typically busy. Book your flights two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. The earlier or later you can travel, or traveling on the holiday itself, will usually result in better prices, less wait time and better seat options. If you're not locked into vacation days mandated by school or work, being flexible with your travel dates can be a great cost-saving strategy.

When flying COU, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. After that time you can no longer obtain a boarding pass or check in luggage.
Although this information is printed on the boarding pass, as well as on the airline and airport websites, travelers frequently miss their scheduled flight because of late arrival to the airport. Columbia Regional Airport may be small, but is still required to meet all security measures set by the airlines and Transportation Security Administration. This policy helps ensure all flights stay on schedule, passengers are appropriately screened and all cargo is loaded prior to departure. Delta Air Lines recommend passengers arrive at the airport 75 minutes prior to departure. Travelers can check in online and acquire a boarding pass at delta.com before heading to the airport. Checking baggage online ahead of time will also save you money.

For more information about traveling out of Columbia Regional, visit www.FlyMidMo.com. Book your tickets directly at www.delta.com or call Delta at 800-221-1212.

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