SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 2002--Air travel during the holidays doesn't have to be a hassle, according to Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) and Horizon Air.

While both carriers expect heavy passenger volumes over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, travelers can take control of their check-in experience by following these timely tips:

• Know when to go. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. Otherwise, you risk having your reservation canceled if you're not checked in and at the gate at least 20 minutes before domestic departures (30 minutes before international departures). To confirm your flight time, check your flight status online at alaskaair.com or horizonair.com.

• Check in online. Check in as early as 30 hours prior to departure from the comfort of your desk with 24-hour Web Check-In at alaskaair.com or horizonair.com. Just enter the electronic ticket number or confirmation code and print your boarding pass. If you only have carry-on bags, head directly to the gate. Otherwise, give yourself plenty of time to check your bags. (Alaska customers traveling from Seattle can use the special "Web Bag Drop" at the ticket counter.) Plus, members of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan earn 500 miles each time they use Web Check-In.

• Check in at an Instant Travel Machine (ITM). You can also check in and print your boarding pass at one of the 379 self-service check-in kiosks located in airports and off-site locations throughout the Alaska and Horizon system. Depending on the airport, you may also be able to check bags at an ITM located at the ticket counter. (Check alaskaair.com or horizonair.com for ITM locations.) First time to use an ITM? Earn 1,000 Mileage Plan miles.

• Take the express line. Special express lines are available at security checkpoints in Seattle, Spokane, Anchorage, and Portland for MVP Gold Mileage Plan members, as well as Alaska and Horizon customers with no carry-on items. The lines are also available for Horizon Shuttle passengers traveling between Seattle and Portland, and Seattle and Spokane.

• Don't get carried away with carry ons. Federal rules allow each customer to carry one standard-size carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer.

• ID your luggage. Be sure to clearly identify all luggage with bag tags. A tag or a business card should also be placed inside each piece of luggage in case the exterior tag is accidentally removed. Include your name, address and phone number, as well as a phone number where you can be reached at your destination.

• No prohibited items. Remember that it's illegal to carry any item prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration through a security checkpoint -- even if you do so accidentally. Prohibited items include sharp objects such as knives and scissors, as well as blunt objects such as golf clubs, ski poles and pool cues. And while some prohibited items are allowed in checked luggage, others are not. For a complete list of permitted and prohibited items, visit www.tsatraveltips.us.

• Limit electronic devices: Since security screeners may ask you to turn on each electronic device you carry on, the fewer cell phones, pagers, CD players and other items you bring, the quicker you'll get to the gate. Also, remember that all laptop computers must be removed from carrying cases prior to putting them through checkpoint scanners.

• Remove metal objects. Take off watches, metal jewelry, belts with large buckles, shoes with steel toes and any other metal objects and send them through the scanner in your carry-on bag. Do the same with coins, keys, and other metal items in your pockets.

• Leave gifts unwrapped. Wrapped packages are subject to inspection regardless of whether you carry them through security or in your checked luggage.

• Medications and documents. Carry prescription medicine, passports, cash, jewelry, business papers and other valuables in your carry-on luggage, not your checked luggage.

• Extra! Extra! If you have excess luggage, pets or oversized items such as bicycles, skis or even a Christmas tree, check ahead to verify any fees and to make sure the items conform to airline requirements. Information on excess baggage is available at alaskaair.com and horizonair.com.

• Catch a ride. Airport parking garages are extremely congested during holidays, especially at airports under construction. If possible, take a shuttle to the airport or park at satellite lots nearby.

Above all, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air encourage customers to pack plenty of patience this holiday season. Remember, enhanced security takes extra time. And all customers should be prepared to be randomly selected for more thorough security screening before they board their flights.

--30--RYG/se*