Delayed at MDT? Suggestions for Passing the Time...

Are you currently delayed at Harrisburg International Airport waiting for some hopeful news about your flight? While you wait, why not pass the time with these practical or silly suggestions?

Practical Pastimes:

• Plane or Snow Equipment Spotting: On the third floor of the terminal is an observation deck with a great view of the runway. Try to spot our various pieces of snow removal equipment as the crews busily work to keep the runway, taxiway and apron clear of snow. If you're lucky you might just spot an occasional plane today too!
• Enjoy a Hot Beverage: In the food court pre-security is a McCafe and a Hudson News Euro Cafe, both offer a great selection of hot drinks. On the B-concourse (post-security, boarding pass holders only) is a Starbucks, also featuring a wide variety of hot drinks to choose from!
• Surf the Web: Enjoy our free WiFi through out the terminal. A great way to keep up-to-date on the status of your flight and the weather forecast. Who knew we'd be getting this much snow?!
• Relax with a Massage: Massage chairs are located on the secured side of the airport, enjoy a 1, 5 or 30-minute massage. Almost as good as the real thing.
• Take some Time to Eat: We have a great selection of concessionaires to choose from: McDonald's, Varsity Grill and Hudson News Euro Cafe (all located pre-security), along with Capital Cafe and Starbucks(B-concourse (post-security, boarding pass holders only)).

Silly Pastimes:
Our suggestions for how to keep the kiddies entertained! Or the young-at-heart too!

• 1 Tile, 2 Tiles, Red Tiles, Blue Tiles: Why not try to count how many tiles are in the Star Mosaic located on the 2nd floor of the terminal, pre-security. If that idea doesn't strike your fancy, perhaps try to guess what each of the scenes represented in the Mosaic actually are. (Hint, hint: each scene represents a part of the region that MDT serves!)
  If you really want to know, email us at Info@SARAA.org and we'll send you the answers!
  
• Rockaway Baby: If there are several people in your party, see who can rock the rocking chair the longest before they lose count of how many times they've actually rocked!
  
• O, Tannenbaum: Did you take notice of the 14' Holiday tree located pre-security? It has a lot of red, blue and gold balls on it. Bet you can't count how many are on it!
• Harrisburg Where Art Thou?: The words "Harrisburg International Airport" appear multiple times through out the terminal. How many occurrences can you find?

We admit, these are some corny ideas, but it sure will help pass the time! Have we missed any pastimes that you think should be added to the list?

Travel Tips, Revisited

For those of you traveling to visit family between now and the end year, we have a few more helpful travel tips to fly your way!

Regarding holiday gifts and food:

• Gifts packed in your carry-on and checked luggage should be unwrapped.
• Don't pack snow globes in your carry on luggage, please pack them in your checked luggage.
• Please be sure to review how to travel with holiday foods.

For a full run down on HIA's holiday travel tips visit our web site.

What do you still have questions about that we've not covered? We hope our tips contribute to making your trip to Tulsa to visit Aunt Bea and her world famous fruit cake as stress-free as possible! Although, we you'll have to buy your own roll of Tums to help digest that fruit cake!

Making Holiday Travel Bearable

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. -Susan Heller

Travel tips to help you breath a bit easier during your holiday travel experience.

The key for a successful and less stressful trip is to be prepared. By following these five simple suggestions, traveling into or out of HIA, or any airport for that matter, will be easy and convenient:

1) Know the security rules before you pack. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 campaign to educate travelers on the carry-on baggage restrictions. For specific details, visit www.tsa.dhs.gov before you pack your bags.

2) Call your airline’s toll-free flight tracking phone number for an update on your flight before coming to the airport. Flight status information is also available on each airline’s website.

3) Arrive at an HIA parking lot about 90-minutes before your schedule departure.

4) Follow the signs and park in the Long Term/Economy lot ($7.00 per day). Shuttle uses run every 8-10 minutes from the numbered shelters in the lot and bring you directly to the terminal building.

5) When picking up or dropping off a passenger, park on the second or third floor of the garage. The garage rate is just $1.10 for the first hour (additional rate information). Federal security mandates prohibit parking along the terminal curbside. Only the active loading and unloading of a vehicle is permitted in front of the terminal building.

Finally, we ask that you remember to bring a smile and be patient. Generally the weather looks good nationwide for the upcoming holiday travel week, however delays can happen at any time. The airlines want to get you to your destination safely and on time, while the TSA has a responsibility to make sure that everyone getting on an aircraft is doing so without any prohibited items.

Have we missed any tips that you think would be helpful to other travelers? We'll include your feedback and suggestions on our travel tips section of our web site as well.

Stories for the Road...

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. – St. Augustine

Having just finished listening to Exploded by Tom Bodett (long-time Motel Six spokesmen) while on the road, I am inspired to find out what keeps you fueled while you're racking up mileage.

I found myself transported to Homer, Alaska to Tom's living room as he -surprisingly the consummate storyteller- wove an auditory journey overflowing with humor and local metaphors. Listening to his audio book made my typically mind-numbing highway travels quickly slip by as his stories engaged my brain with verbal play.

Either by train, plane, automobile or any other form of transportation; what pod casts and audio books are on your play list or in your changer? Or do you prefer a good old paper back read?

Wherever your travels take you, hopefully you find that where you end up has left the light on for you.

Corporate Intrusion or Customer Service Department Extender?

A number of you are active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking sites. Much of online social networking revolves not only around our personal contacts, but also our favorite local and national brands and businesses as well. However, some folks find the business use of online social media to be a 'corporate intrusion,' as one woman deemed it.

Do you find business use of online social media to be offensive, an intrusion into your social networking zen? Or, do you find it an easily accessible extension of a business or brand's customer service?

What brands and businesses, based on your experience, are dominating the social media waves with great customer service and relationship building? And, which do you feel are merely barraging you with self-promotion messages, videos, podcasts and tweets?

Please share your thoughts and feedback to our facebook profile or as a comment on this post.

Who's on first?

Since we are in the midst of a baseball fever, why not enjoy a short Abbott and Costello clip from 1945 that comedically depicts America's favorite past time?

Where the Wild Things Are, Aviation Edition

Max was swept up and lifted high in the air...

In the spirit of the new movie, Where the Wild Things Are, opening in theaters tomorrow, we went on a hunt for the wild things that have occurred in aviation and been caught on film! These amazing and at times, crazy, feats are nail-biting, white-knuckled, heart-stopping and above all else, wild!

This pilot accomplishes a touch and go maneuver while his plane is nearly side-ways from an overbearing crosswind:


These wild stunt pilot, decides to fly under a bridge, upside down!


How about skydiving from one plane into another? Yes, a plane-to-plane stunt, midair!


Planes aren't the only aircraft prone to wild stunts! This helicopter's antics are jaw dropping. (Note: Be prepared for stereotypcial cheesy background music!)


The F-15 in this airshow video leaves the crowd with their mouth agape!


And one last video, a view of an aircraft carrier landing as seen from inside of the cockpit! (Note: Not for those prone to motion sickness)


Do you have any great aviation "wild rumpus" footage that you've caught on "tape"? We'd love to see them, feel free to embed them in your comments on this post, or email them to info@saraa.org.

Traveling with Junior

For today's blogging purposes, this is Junior.

"In America, there are two classes of travel:
First class, and with children." -Robert Benchley

Okay, parents, let's face it, traveling with your children is at times an exercise in humility. You have high hopes and expectations for how your trip will go, but Junior has other ideas. Whether he's in diapers relying on your for every need or moodily listening to his iPod barely acknowledging your existence; kids alter the way you travel.

Traveling with your mini me doesn't have to be burdensome, in fact, it can be quite fun, if you're in the know! You need to know what to do when different situations present themselves. For starters, how about making reservations for your child(ren) to fly? If your tot is under the age of two, you don't need a seat for him, you can hold your infant/toddler while you fly. However, once he reaches the age of two, Junior will need his own seat reservation. And, your young'n needs to be in a booster seat just as he would when in your personal vehicle.

Okay, so you've reserved your seats on the plane for you and Junior. Now what? Well, how about packing for baby? What you take along for your and your little one will be scanned at the security checkpoint if you're carrying on an appropriately sized bag or two, and all other luggage you take will be scanned once checked with your airline. The Transportation Security Administration has a great section on their web site to help make your packing and subsequent checkpoint experiences as hassle-free as possible. A few key points about taking your kiddos through the security checkpoint:

• The TSA employees are not here to harass your kids, they have every intent on working with you as much as possible to keep Junior happy while going through the checkpoint process.

• If you don't suspect your stroller, diaper bag, etc will fit through the bag scanner, you need to let a TSA employee know in advance. Hand scanning is available for over sized items.
  

• Your child needs snacks and drinks while on the plane? You may take breast milk, juice, or formula in your carry-on in reasonable amounts greater than the mandated 3 ounces.
  
  
• It is your responsibility to review what you can and cannot take on the plane for Junior. Please don't get upset with the checkpoint personnel if they tell you cannot take prohibited items on the plane.
  

Okay, so you've made it through the checkpoint successfully and you're now waiting in the gate area for your flight to arrive. Junior is happily camped out in his stroller while you're between reading the paper and attending to him. Before you know it, the airline gate agent announces via the intercom that XYZ airline is to begin boarding for your flight from HIA to your vacation destination. Let's run through the easy way to get on the plane with a little one. Make sure all of his items are packed away, that his stroller, if you're traveling with it, is collapsed for easy transport and stowing on the plane, and that you got him with you. If Junior is over two, and mobile [requiring his own seat on the plane], we'd recommend that mom or dad hold onto his boarding pass at all times during travel. This lessens the likelihood that it gets lost and enables all of you to get through your travels more quickly. So the gate agent's called for your seat assignments to board, and you make your way to on to the plane.

You make your way onto the aircraft and find your seats. Let's assume for our blogging purposes that Junior is a lap-sitter, and you're sharing a seat. You have his drinks, snacks and entertainment stowed at your feet under the seat in front of you for ease of access. As your row mates are filing onto the plane, you discover the fine seat occupant to your left has an apparent disdain for your infant. What do you do? How do you handle a fellow traveler who seems, for whatever reason as your flying, annoyed with your child?

The plane's been boarded, door closed, and the aircraft is being pushed back from the gate. You begin taxiing and your flight is taking it's spot in line for take-off. In an ideal situation you discover that Junior has fallen asleep, or is happily busying himself with one of his toys. However, you discover that your little one is not real happy with the prospect of being confined to your lap, or worse yet, has taken ill with what seems to be motion sickness. What do you do when your young, primarily non-verbal child(ren) are ill or unhappy while in-flight?

Let's assume that today's flight is headed for a warm-weather vacation in Orlando. Your flight is about to land at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and AirTran Airways has been your airline today. You've had a safe, uneventful, and successful flight. You land, deplane and enter the terminal in search of your Mickey Mouse car service. With Junior, the rest of the family, and all of your gear in tow, you head out to the curb, find your awaiting Magic Kingdom chauffeur and are well on your way to your family vacation!

What have you found to be successful tips for making family vacations successful? Where are some of your favorite family-friendly destinations to visit?

Are you an "ugly" traveler?

“One’s destination is never a place,
but a new way of seeing things." -Henry Miller

Let's face it folks, some of us, when traveling forget that our social norms and habits aren't normal or well-perceived when traveling abroad. We may talk too loudly; hold too aggressive body language, offer the wrong hand for a handshake, or any combination of what we consider typical responses or actions when in our native culture.

Truth is though, to be a savvy visitor to a foreign country, you must first be a student of that culture. Learn about the traditions and communication nuances of where you're traveling. Don't expect the way you'd conduct yourself at home as typical or acceptable abroad. For example, do you realize that shaking your head yes or no is not universal? In parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East those head movements actually mean just the opposite. Or, how about this one? Americans hold direct eye contact in esteem, viewing it as an indicator of honesty. In a number of Asian cultures, looking someone directly in the eyes is considered an aggressive act.

Earlier today, MSN Travel Columnist, Christopher Elliot wrote on the 6 things you should never do when you're away. Quite honestly the content of Elliot's column is just good common traveling sense. In a nut shell, he advises against: threatening violence, yelling, having one too many, being inconsiderate of others, leaving your manners at home, and acting like a jerk. If these actions aren't copacetic on your home turf, they're certainly not cool on someone else's. Even more uncool is acting this way while in flight. Have you experienced flight with an angry or uncooperative flyer?

When we become the traveler who thinks it's our way or the highway when on foreign land, we become the ethnocentric individual referred to as the "ugly American." This term, according to Wikipedia, originated as the title of a book in 1958. An ugly American is defined as traveler or tourist who is loud, arrogant, demeaning, and thoughtless. Have you ever been or witnessed someone being an "ugly American"? If you were the offender, how did you remedy the situation?

Travelers and tourists can ensure they don't act like an "ugly American" by walking a mile in the shoes of their host country's residents. Imagine yourself as houseguest when traveling. How would you want a guest to behave when visiting your home? Would you prefer the guest who blantantly abuses your hospitality or the guest who is mindful of the culture of your home? That's not a trick question! We all prefer the guest who leaves their bad manners at home and chooses to be a delightful visitor. Generally speaking, practice the Golden Rule.

When traveling abroad, remember to take into consideration that everything from word choice to body language can have an impact on how you are perceived. But with a little pre-education and thoughtfulness you can avoid being the person that James Michener disdained, "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.”

Traveling with the Flu...

...While this isn't necessarily a good idea, if you absolutely have to travel while ill, please make use of these CDC tips to facilitate keeping your germs your's and not your traveling neighbor's!

First, if you have to sneeze of cough, cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or use the crook of your elbow in order to contain the cough or sneeze. Second, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.

If you don't have a tissue handy or forget to cover your mouth or you've touched your eyes, nose or mouth; be sure to wash your hands, as soon as your able, with soap and water. Don't forget to wash the backs of your hands as well! Hand sanitizer while great for killing germs doesn't remove residue or dirt from your hands.

If you can avoid traveling while sick, it might be a better idea to stay home, rest up and recuperate!

Double Check your Flight Number

As the Delta and Northwest merger of business operations goes on, travelers flying one of the airlines will continue to experience changes. The latest is the announcement that Delta is going to begin changing every Northwest flight number.

Beginning November 1, 2009 fliers departing on Northwest domestically will see their flights change and on October 24, 2009 international travelers on Northwest flights should make note of changed flight numbers.

Northwest’s international flights will be in the range of 250 and 349. Domestic flights will be set-up in two ranges: all DC-9 operated flights will fall in the 7000-7999 range, while all other domestic flights will be between 2000 - 2999.

For more information on these upcoming changes to flight numbers, visit here, or contact Delta. Delta has posted FAQ on how the merger will continue to affect customers.

9/11 Remembered...

Today is one of those days of memoriam where you stop and remember lives that were needlessly lost to a series of unfathomable events. But, none the less, these lives are remembered for their sacrifice and simply because they were loved and cherished. Our continued condolences to those family members, friends and others who were intimately affected by 9/11.

September 11, 2001 radically changed the landscape of industry and thinking in this country. Aspects of our lives we'd normally take for granted - hopping on a plane, going to work, kissing a spouse goodbye in the morning - would forever be changed in a matter of seconds for thousands of people. Eight years ago today will be forever etched in the minds of the American population. Many of us old enough to remember, can recollect the horrific scenes which were broadcast on every network for the hours, weeks and days following.

While its coming up on a decade since those tragic events in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, for some the memory is as fresh as today. I, the author of this post, remember sitting in a college classroom when I and my classmates received word. Our professor turned on the television and we all sat dumbstruck, many in tears, as we watched the news reports and the incident unfold.

Where were you when you first heard the news?

What did you do this summer?

Remember when you had to write your obligatory essay on your summer vacation upon returning to school for the first week of classes? Well, we are not about to ask you to submit a 2-page, front and back, on college-ruled paper essay, but we would love to hear about your summer travels!

Whether you're a leisure or business traveler, there's something bittersweet about the end of the summer travel season being on the not-t0-distant horizon. You realize that now that the kids are back in school, the weather's cooling down, and we're starting the countdown to how many shopping days we have until Christmas; that the carefree days at in the surf at the beach or on that steep hiking trail in the Appalachians are drawing to a close for this year. Did you find a new place to travel to this year that has a special place in your heart? If so, where was it and what was it about that particular destination that has your mind lingering there?

With summer travel comes congestion; on the roadways, at airports, even at your favorite tourist attractions. Did you discover or create helpful hints to avoid traffic jams, make the delays fly by, or dodge the sweaty crowds at the amusement parks and concerts?

Or, maybe you didn't travel far this year. Perhaps you stayed home and enjoyed local amusements and venues. We're sure many of you have found what you consider to be the best-kept secret of your community! What was it? How and where do others in your locale find it?

All-in-all, while summer has a little less than two weeks before we bid her adieu, we can certainly take pause and remember fondly the fun, new travel memories we collected this summer!

Be prepared! Fun is upon you!

Shhh! Can you keep a secret? We're going to let you in on a tidbit of information. HIA has some upcoming fun and exciting news regarding Fort Lauderdale, AirTran and freebies! That's right, we're partnering with low-fare airline, AirTran Airways and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring you some fun and exciting prizes and giveaways over the next eight weeks.

Be prepared for fun-in-the-sun antics at the upcoming Harrisburg Kipona Festival. It involves scuba gear and "beachy" tourists! Followed, shortly there after by an announcement in the coming days of a very exciting beach-themed giveaway! Do you want to be amongst the first to receive the giveaway info? Then sign-up today for the fly HIA e-news!

Stay tuned to www.flyHIA.com/FLL for more information!

Summer Traveling!

We're in the midst of the busy travel season, the time right before Labor Day unofficially closes out summer and the kids head back to school.

Looking for some last minute ideas on where to travel to? The 6 airlines serving HIA have daily nonstops to: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago - O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington - Dulles. Not seeing the ideal vacation destination in that list, why not connect? There are 100s of connections available over any of those 13 cities on the airlines serving HIA.

Everyone knows that HIA is convenient. But thanks to offerings like AirTran Airways’ daily low fares and nonstop flights to Orlando and Atlanta, fares to most destinations are as affordable as ever. In fact, the average airfare across most destinations from MDT in 2009 is down by nearly 15%!

Fort Lauderdale Fun

Dear wearied traveler, you look like you need a vacation. Have you considered the sun and fun of Fort Lauderdale, Florida? Beginning November 5, AirTran Airways will serve Fort Lauderdale nonstop from Harrisburg International Airport (HIA)!

You can fancy yourself a boater, beach comber, sailor, golfer, shopper, swimmer, and more while on vacation in Fort Lauderdale (FLL). This dynamic city offers beaches, hotels, restaurants, attractions, events, and much more. Sign-up to receive a free visitor's guide.

To put you in the beach-trip planning mode, why not add some of the following "summery" tunes to your MP3 playlist? Recommendations, courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors' Bureau.

• The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
• Sheryl Crow - Soak Up the Sun
• Katrina & The Waves - Walking on Sunshine
• Stevie Wonder - You are the Sunshine of My life
• The Eagles - Tequila Sunrise
• The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon
• Smashmouth - Walking on the Sun
• Beach Boys - Keepin' the Summer Alive
• Celine Dion - Sunshine in the Heart
• George Michael - Ray of Sunshine
• Don Henley - Boys of Summer
• ZZ Top - Cheap Sunglasses

E-mail us for a free parking offer from HIA, good for the FLL flights on AirTran departing during the month of November 2009! So, why wait? Book your trip today and escape the cold weather months with a warm weather trip to the beaches of Fort Lauderdale!

What is MDT?

When you book a flight to or from HIA, you will notice that our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) booking code is MDT. That stands for Middletown, PA – where HIA is physically located. But that’s not the whole story: MDT also stands for the Money, Distance, and Time you could save by flying out of HIA.

Everyone knows that HIA is convenient. But thanks to offerings like AirTran Airways’ daily low fares and nonstop flights to Orlando and Atlanta, fares to most destinations are as affordable as ever. In fact, the average airfare from MDT in 2009 is down by 15%!

Learn more about how you can save Money, Distance & Time. And enter to win the MDT Giveaway! If you win the giveaway, what destination will you fly to? Do you have an MDT savings experience to share?

Internetiquette for Inflight WiFi Users

Now that AirTran Airways is the first major airline to have WiFi available on their entired aircraft fleet, they have authored an Internetiquette manual for inflight wireless network usage. Tips range from discouraging the use of the lavatory as your personal conference room (tip #134) to encouraging you to meet your row mates (tip #127) for the purpose of being friendly, not so that you can search for them online!

What tips are missing? Do you have any thoughtful suggestions?

AirTran Airways serves Orlando (MCO) and Atlanta (ATL) from MDT with daily, nonstop service on 717 aircraft equipped with free WiFi!

Security Checkpoint 101

Departing travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requests that you use the following tips for making your security checkpoint process as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Pack Smart

• Pack your carry-on in organized layers


• If you can put your oversized electronics in your checked baggage, please do so


• Perpare you ONE quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport


• Coats and jackets are recommended to be packed in checked baggage


• Do not wrap gifts


• Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag, so that 800-speed or higher can be declared to a TSA officer for hand inspection


• When it doubt, leave it out. Check it or leave it at home.

Dress the Part
The following items may set off the metal detector alarm.

• Keys


• Loose change


• Mobile phones and pagers


• Personal Data Assistants (PDAs)


• Heavy jewelry


• Clothing containing metal buttons, snaps or studs


• Metal hair barrettes or other hair adornments


• Belt buckles


• Under-wire bra


• Body piercings (which may cause you to require additional screening)
  *you may ask to privately remove the piercing to avoid a pat-down search

Head coverings and religious garmets may be worn during screening. If your head covering or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting/large enough to conceal prohibited items you may be directed to additional screening.

Shoes, need to be removed before you enter the walk-through metal detector.

Have the Following Ready

• Boarding Pass


• Acceptable for of ID
  *Click here to see the full list of acceptable forms of identification.

Hassle-Free Security Tips

• Arrive on time


• Wear slip-on shoes


• Remove pets from their carrying cases
  *Hold them as you pass through the metal detector


• Take children/infants out of their baby carriers/strollers
  *Take them through the metal detector with you


• Think before you speak

The full reporting of this information is available on the TSA's web site. HIA recommends reading through the For Travelers content on the site before departing for the airport. Knowledge is power, so "know before you go"!

High-flying tweets!

That's right your regional airport is on Twitter, and we're tweeting away! @HIAairport will provide updates on weather, conditions, delays, and just "plane" fun conversations!

We would love to hear what's going on with you when you fly, so be sure to tweet your #MDT experiences and we'll make note of them. If you tweet @HIAairport with a couple days notice of a departure from HIA, you'll get a fun surprise from us!

So, if you're on Twitter and want a mutual follow, let us know. Leave a comment with your @account name or send us a reply on Twitter. Happy tweeting, tweeps!

Congressman Holden delivers $1.9 million to HIA

(Middletown, PA – June 15, 2009) Congressman Tim Holden, (PA-17) today presented the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) with a check in the amount of $1,946,585 from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program for Environmental Mitigation and Rehabilitation of the Runway Lighting System at Harrisburg International Airport.

“As part of the Federal Government's continuing investment into key aspects of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, today I’m pleased to deliver to SARAA slightly more than $1.9 million to be used on two important airport projects—one environmental related, the other safety related,” said Holden.

“On behalf of SARAA, I’d like to thank Congressman Holden, the FAA and our entire Congressional delegation for their continued support of aviation improvement projects at HIA,” said Tim Edwards, Executive Director. “Thanks to today’s announcement, we’ll be able to complete one major project and begin another important one here at HIA.”

The majority of the grant money delivered today is for the final construction of the airports new Waste Water Treatment Facility. The facility, scheduled to become operational in September, will be one of the first in the region to be compliant with the new discharge limitations established by the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Strategy.

The remainder of the grant money will be used for a project to update and replace wiring, cabling and lighting along runway 13/31 at HIA.

Cure for the Fear of Flying?

The answer -how about flying nonstop for 30 days straight? That's right! Aviatophobe, Mark Malkoff is kicking off a jet-setting excursion to cure himself of this fear. He'll be aboard an AirTran Airways plane nonstop until the end of June. Hear more about the impetus for his month-long journey here. Mark's journey will be documented on Twitter and Facebook. Feel free to keep in touch with him!

Are you brave enough to do the same? Or, prefer to steer clear of your fears?

Your new favorite hot spot is at 10,000 feet!

Ever have the urge to log onto your favorite airport's blog while you were cruising at 10,000 feet, but have the sudden realization that you couldn't? Well that landscape is changing as more and more airlines are adding inflight wireless internet services to their flights.

This morning, AirTran Airways announced that they will provide inflight WiFi on every flight by July 2009. AirTran is not the first to implement this amenity to its flights, click here for a list of WiFi-providing airlines.

Have you already surfed your favorite airport blog while inflight? If so, which airline were you flying at the time? Did you vote in the Every Flight effort AirTran spearheaded? We did! Our vote was for access to our blog for all AirTran passengers!

Web Site Development

The airport's web site will be seeing a few minor layout changes over the next week or two. While we're in the building mode, we're wondering what your thoughts are on web site usability and content. Do you have constructive suggestions regarding flyhia.com? If so, post 'em here!

Atlanta, Affordable.

Atlanta is now easier than ever, with daily nonstop service from HIA on AirTran Airways. Connect to more than 38 cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Denver and Las Vegas. And take advantage of a low-fare airline with full-sized airplanes, business class, free drinks and satellite radio. All at the airport that’s closer to home. Go. There’s nothing stopping you. Service starts June 11. Book today at http://www.airtran.com/.

Will your idea be the next in-flight service?

It could be! Do you have a product or service idea that you've always wanted to see included as an in-flight amenity? Well, AirTran Airways is providing an opportunity to the flying public to tell them what they want on their next flight!

Don't miss out! You can contribute your ideas or vote on other contributions at www.everyflight.com. AirTran Airways will announce the winning idea on May 12, 2009, and it could be your idea they announce!

AirTran Airways to Expand Service at HIA

AirTran Airways offers nonstop daily service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and will begin seasonal nonstop daily service to Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on June 11th through September 8th!

You don't have to stop at Atlanta, you can connect to more than 35 destinations like: Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and more. View the available connections on AirTran Airway's interactive route map.

For Orlando & Atlanta fares and reservations, visit www.airtran.com, don't forget to use FAA Code: MDT.

Will you fly Delta or AirTran Airways nonstop from MDT?

Orlando Service a Media Darling

The nonstop service from MDT to MCO (Orlando, FL) is preforming gangbusters and USA Today Travel is helping AirTran Airways and Harrisburg International Airport share this information with the online reading public! Read more >>>

Have you flown to MCO on AirTran Airways yet? If so, what do you enjoy most about the airline and/or the nonstop service?

K-9 Rocket Staying at Home...

The airport's bomb-sniffing K-9 unit will be starting a new chapter in his life beginning in May 2009. Thank you for your dedicated service Rocket! For more information, click here...

HIA Facebook Gets Press

The HIA facebook profile got a favorable mention in USA Today's Travel Column today! Column author Ben Mutzabaugh, a native of Central PA, mentioned HIA's FB profile in today's post. If you've got a moment, give it a glance! While you're at it, feel free to friend HIA and Ben on FB! Or, you can join the HIA group if that's more your speed!

Final Destination::YouTube.com!

That's right, HIA is now live on Youtube.com, check us out at http://www.youtube.com/user/HIAairport!

Fortune Names Most Admired Airlines

Fortune recently released the annual most admired companies list. The airline industry's top contenders can be viewed here. Did your preferred airline make the cut?
How would you rank or reorder the list? What attributes about airlines make them favorable
to you?

Sweepstakes Update

The folks who entered to the win the Orlando Makes Me Smile Flyaway Giveaway who weren't awarded the grand prize are encouraged to visit www.flyhia.com/OrlandoParking for a special offer! The offer is only good through May 31, 2009! Don't be late!

Can you top this baggage tale?

Flyer Shannon Tadel was informed by United: 'Your luggage has been set on fire,' click the link to read the story in it's entirety. Have you had similar or worse happen to your luggage?

AirTran Airways = Orlando Smiles!

Congratulations to Gerry S of Carlisle, PA on his winning of the Orlando Makes Me Smile Flyaway Giveaway sweepstakes. Gerry and his three guests will be enjoying free roundtrip tickets and a vacation package courtesy of AirTran Airways, the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau and HIA.

Thank you to those of you that entered to win the trip for four to Orlando, but didn't win. Please keep an eye on your e-mail inbox or your mailbox over the next several days as we're putting something together for you too!

AirTran Airways has a seat to Orlando waiting for you! The convenience of Harrisburg International Airport and the smiles of Orlando are connected with affordable, daily nonstop service on AirTran Airways! Book a flight today at http://www.airtran.com/! go. there's nothing stopping you.

Got an Orlando travel story?

Have you been a princess for a day? Have you adventured with underwater creatures? Or, had your stomach feel like it was doing flips as you anticipated the next big drop on that roller coaster?

Tell us about it! You can also enter to win the opportunity to experience those happy memories again, and take three guests with you! Enter to win a trip to Orlando at www.flyhia.com/Orlando!

Win a Trip to ORLANDO from HIA!

Visit www.flyHIA.com/Orlando and enter now for your chance to win a trip for four to Orlando and say YES to your very own family vacation. From spine-tingling thrills in world famous theme parks to a magical encounter with a fairy tale princess, you'll find countless unforgettable adventures for you and your family to enjoy in Orlando.

If you're the lucky winner, you and three guests will fly roundtrip to Orlando courtesy of AirTran Airways, stay four nights and visit your favorite Orlando theme parks! A lifetime of memories is waiting for you and your family in Orlando. Start planning your very own family vacation at VisitOrlando.com.

GRAND PRIZE:

-Roundtrip airfare for four to Orlando courtesy of AirTran Airways
-Hotel Stay for four nights
-Car Rental for five days
-Two days to visit your choice of Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or Universal Orlando
-Free Parking at HIA

AirTran Airways has a seat to Orlando waiting for you! The convenience of Harrisburg International Airport and the smiles of Orlando are connected with affordable, daily nonstop service on AirTran Airways! Book a flight today at http://www.airtran.com/! go. there's nothing stopping you.

Contest brought to you by Harrisburg International Airport, AirTran Airways and Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Fun-Filled Announcement on the Horizon!

Stay-tuned for Monday's blog post for more information on what's happening at HIA....until then it's a surprise!