By Sarah Borchersen-Keto, CCH Washington Staff Writer

Business travel, which has been severely disrupted by the events of September 11, is likely to make a recovery in the next three to six months, according to a majority of corporations surveyed by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA). Meanwhile, when travelers return, they will see much different security measures in place as the air travel industry enters a new era.

In a survey of over 200 corporations conducted last week, 70 percent of corporate travel managers saw a recovery in three to six months, with 12 percent expecting the recovery to take about nine months, and 18 percent assuming a recovery will take 10 months or longer.

"Ensuring passenger safety is the number one priority for getting corporations back on the road," said Marianne McInerney, executive director of NBTA. Of those surveyed, 71 percent rated the government's management of security procedures as extremely important.

"Our members are very much in favor of having the government take over security procedures in our nation's aviation system," McInerney said. She added, however, that price also will be a major factor in driving business travel. "If travelers can fly safely and with good fares, they will return to air travel...offering discounts and reducing restrictions are strong steps," she said.

The survey also showed that smaller businesses are increasingly turning to the Internet as a means of keeping in touch with their travelers, especially in the event that they have to be re-routed.

New Safety Procedures

Meanwhile, as the White House and Congress continue to work out the details of an aviation security package, the Federal Aviation Administration, airports and airlines have already instituted new safety procedures.

Under the new system, airlines are advising passengers to check on the status of their flight before leaving for the airport. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure, while international travelers should arrive three hours early.

Passengers should also carry a government-issued I.D. at all times. They will need the I.D. and proof of travel to pass through all security checkpoints. Proof of travel includes a boarding pass or paper ticket, a printed confirmation of an e-ticket, or an airline or travel agency-generated itinerary confirming an e-ticket.

If a passenger does not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained prior to clearing security. Passengers who do not need to check baggage and already have an approved document can proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate.

No knives of any size, or any cutting tools, will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Passengers carrying a medical needle or syringe also will be subject to extra security, and they will need to bring along the medication, including a label identifying the medical office, pharmacy or manufacturer of the medication.

The airlines are also informing passengers that aircraft passenger and cargo compartments will be searched prior to each flight, while airports will increase the number of on-site uniformed law enforcement and military personnel.

Meanwhile, in order to minimize inconvenience for passengers under the new security system, Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) has compiled a list of "awareness tips." ACI-NA is recommending that:

• Passengers take public transportation to the airport whenever practical, as parking and curbside access are likely to be controlled and limited.
• Passengers reduce the number and types of packages and equipment in their car, as vehicles may be searched prior to parking.
• Passengers should check with their airline to see if curbside check-in has been reinstated.
• Passengers limit the number and size of carry-on and checked baggage.
• If a ticketed passenger needs to be accompanied by a non-ticketed passenger beyond the security checkpoint, the airline should be contacted to determine what procedures should be followed.
• Passengers should limit the number and type of electronic equipment they carry onto the plane.
• Passengers should avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening checkpoint, as this will delay the procedure.

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