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More flyers could help Mobile Airport rates Recently I traveled by airplane to Detroit, Mich. It had been awhile since I had flown and quite a bit had changed. I encountered some unexpected problems while trying to clear airport security. However, upon speaking with frequent flyers I found that they too encountered some unexpected problems. This motivated me to do research to find out if these little set backs were common, a southern thing, an airport thing, a security formality, or just coincidence. Believe me, it's definitely not uncommon to be pulled aside while trying to clear security. I hope that these series of articles will be informative and helpful to frequent flyers and those planning to fly in the near future. So far my airport visits have given me a new respect for the industry. I plan to visit airports that we may choose to depart from, and those where we may make connecting flights. Mobile airport details A few weeks ago I managed to get a tour of the Mobile Regional Airport with their Marketing Department Manager, Julie Adam Bordes. We started the morning by going over some Mobile Airport (MOB) statistics. MOB is not a large airport and is competitive to the market by offering quality customer service and various amenities. Car rentals, a bar and grill, a newsstand and a gift shop are just a few of the amenities offered. A fully staffed customer service desk is available for travelers. MOB is also the only area airport with an Executive Club for frequent flyers. This is simply a suite where a traveler can sit comfortably, use the telephone and/or internet, and have a simple snack without the hustle and bustle usually found in an airport terminal. Membership is available online. MOB also offers shuttle service to the local hotels and the cruise terminal. The airport does offer Wi-FiInternet for a fee. Thomas Hughes, Mobile Airport Authority, Director of Aviation told us a little about Mobile Regional, "MOB is medium sized airport serving approximately 600,000 passengers per year and competes by offering quality customer service, a comfortable and efficient terminal and various airport amenities." There are over 600,000 travelers that pass through MOB annually. There are 26 daily flights on five major airlines; Delta, Continental, U.S. Airways, American Eagle, and Northwest. There are seven direct flights daily to major airline hubs; Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Chicago, Houston, Cincinnati and Dallas/Ft.Worth. Major hubs are where airlines have connecting flights to other destinations. The earliest flight departs at 6 a.m., and the latest arrives at 11:02 p.m. Why tickets cost more out of Mobile As I contemplated asking questions like "Why does an airline ticket cost more departing from Mobile than say Pensacola. Mrs. Bordes said "There are airline issues, and there are airport issues. I can only try to answer questions about airport issues." She did refer me to the MOB website which thoroughly covers that question, and many more. Julie is a great escort when going through the many airport areas. One of the grills in the concourse area serves fried green beans, which seems to be a favorite among travelers. Back to the question. Competition or the lack thereof, is the reason tickets cost more departing from Mobile. Airlines compete for passengers with air fares. Customers usually pick the lowest fare. Airports have no influence over air fares. Pensacola and Biloxi have more low cost airlines than Mobile. Supporting competition by choosing to fly on all airlines departing Mobile will increase competition and eventually lower airfares. Over 20% of local travelers drive to airports other than MOB for lower fares and convenient flight schedules. Approximately 10% of MOB passengers drive into Mobile for better fares and service. I have heard travelers question why Brookley Field was not chosen for Mobile's air service. That was simply a decision of future growth and expansion. MOB now is closer to current and future population centers, and has the land available for future expansion projects. The cost to improve facilities at Brookley would significantly increase airport and airline fees. Many thought provoking questions about MOB can be found at their website along with the answers. Preparing for security checks As far as passing through security goes, there are many factors to be considered. All of them can be found on the Transportation Security Administration website (TSA.gov). There you will find a list of all items allowed and banned in carry on and checked baggage. What I did not find, but is essential, is to know how to dress. On my trip I thought that a studded denim pantsuit would be cute. It was cute but not appropriate. I had a real hard time passing through the xray machine without having to totally undress. Ornamental hair clamps can cause problems as well as magnetic jewelry. Be sure that your identification is current, and that your name is spelled correctly. Some TSA workers or airline workers can be sticklers for details. And it just keeps you from being singled out and waved over and over again with the wand while being asked questions. Some cosmetics and medications are allowed but have to be secured in a zip lock bag. Mobile Regional Airport is a family friendly airport to use. The staff that I met and observed seemed dedicated in assisting travelers with whatever their need may be. Hopefully as Mobile grows and airline travels increase MOB will continue to meet the demand. My next visit will be to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta (ATL).
Gail Marshall writes the Chance and Scyrene personal column but wanted to share some of her experiences of flying and of U.S. airports with Democrat readers.
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