Orbitz Care Center Experts Offer Advice And Tips For 2002 Holiday Travel

Market Wire, November, 2002

Flying this season makes it possible to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Unfortunately, holiday travel sometimes means weather delays, long lines and late arrivals. With evolving security procedures, regulation changes and schedule cutbacks, travelers have an increased need for timely information - especially during the holidays.

Orbitz' Customer Care Program delivers timely and relevant information to travelers to help relieve the stress of travel, most necessary during the holidays. The dozen experts who make up the Orbitz Care Team have a combined 67 years of industry experience in airport operations, passenger service, airline reservations and security, and can offer the best advice on how to travel smoothly this holiday season.

Schedule Changes, Airport Security: Orbitz' Care Center Director, Scott Ackerman, has more than 25 years experience in airline management. An expert on airport security, regulations and airline trends, Ackerman can offer a variety of tips and facts on holiday travel - from how to avoid security hassles to estimated numbers of travelers this year. Overseeing a team of talented Care Specialists, Ackerman can share how Orbitz travelers are assisted through stressful travel situations, including anecdotal examples. Care Specialists are responsible for sending Care Alerts to Orbitz travelers, which include current information on a person's flight status.

Flying Forecasts, Weather Delays: Brian Bicek, an 11-year veteran Air Traffic Control specialist, monitors information from the FAA, National Weather Service and other outlets to keep travelers informed of delays that may impact their itineraries. Care Alerts highlighting Brian's forecast of air traffic and weather delays are sent to consumers on the outlet of their choice - from cell phones and emails to blackberries and PDAs. Bicek can provide his flying forecasts for travel across the U.S. as well as offer useful tips for holiday and winter travel -- from how to avoid delays at the airport to the best time of day for on-time arrivals.

Breaking News, Airport Tips: As Orbitz' Travel Watch Editor, Mary Jo Lipman is responsible for keeping consumers aware of current events and breaking news affecting travel. From airport shutdowns to airline strikes, this seasoned travel journalist covers all news potentially impacting flight schedules - and oftentimes, she is reporting breaking news to Orbitz travelers before other news sources. Lipman is a knowledgeable source on the busiest U.S. airports and can provide tips on everything from checking in quickly to what consumers can do if they have a layover or get stranded at an airport.