United to Initiate Non-stop Chicago Service

Huntsville International Airport recently announced United Airlines will offer two new daily roundtrip non-stop flights from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning Sept 2. The flights will be operated on 50-seat regional jets. View the entire article.

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TSA Begins Secure Flight Program, Implements Changes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun implementation of the Secure Flight Program, and passengers are encouraged to take note of several important changes. The program shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA and carries out a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. Under Secure Flight, airlines will gather a passenger's full name, date of birth, and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the No Fly or Selectee lists. Passengers are strongly encouraged to make certain they enter their full name – exactly as it appears on the government-issued identification they will be traveling with – when making airline reservations. View the full article.

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“Pet Park” Pet Relief Area Opens at HSV

Traveling with pets and service animals just became easier for passengers at Huntsville International Airport. The airport recently opened its first designated Pet Park, which provides a convenient place where passengers traveling with animals can give them a restroom break. The new Pet Park, a requirement by the Department of Transportation for accommodating service animals, is located outside just west of the terminal building and encompasses a fence-enclosed area with grass, bench, and a pet waste disposal system. View the entire article.

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Original Air Traffic Control Tower Demolished at HSV

The demolition of the Federal Aviation Authority’s (FAA) original 96-foot tall air traffic control tower at Huntsville International Airport was completed in July. The former tower opened in 1967 when the airport was first constructed. The Airport Authority conducted a benefit analysis of the former tower and explored many options for its continued use, but the results deemed the future use of the facility non-feasible, and the FAA proceeded with demolishing the former tower accordingly. Huntsville International Airport has a new Air Traffic Control Tower built by the FAA that is 248 feet tall – more than double the height of the former tower. The new tower is strategically located between the two parallel runways, which provides Air Traffic Controllers with an unobstructed view of the runways and airfield and will allow for future growth of the airport.

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Travel Tip of the Month – Traveling with Liquid Medications

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening. In addition, TSA is continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. View the entire article.

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