Life back to normal at JWA -- sort of

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- Travelers began buzzing around inside the

terminal here Friday, bringing new life to an airport previously stopped

dead by terrorism.

The airport’s 10 airlines mounted a limited schedule of flights as

they slowly rebuilt their elaborate travel schedules.

Since Tuesday, the airlines have been reeling from the terrorist

attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Fully loaded planes

were crashed into those buildings in one of the bloodiest single days in

the country’s history.

But the bustle of travelers brought enthusiasm to airlines and John

Wayne managers, airport spokeswoman Yolanda Perez said.

“It’s great to see some activity here,” Perez said. “The airlines are

very happy to get back into the air.”

Cargo and commuter flights also began with some regularity on Friday,

Perez said.

A partial listing of commercial flights leaving the airport was posted

on the airport’s Web site, allowing passengers to check the status of

their flights.

Southwest, with 15 flights, and American, with 11, led the charge

Friday. Continental canceled all but four flights. Many of the other

carriers had only a handful of planes leaving the airport.

Alaska and Aloha had two departures each. United, US Airways and

Northwest had only one flight each, with the latter leaving the airport

nearly empty.

In the afternoon, Delta flew five flights, America West flew four.

Information about the morning departures was not available.

Passengers were still getting used to the Federal Aviation

Administration’s new safety rules, which include no curbside check-in

services, a ban on all knives and more inspections of planes and luggage.

Long lines formed at ticketing counters and rental-car return areas,

Perez said. Sky caps were helping customers with their bags, but refusing

to check the bags as a shortcut to ticket-counter check-in.

Hopeful travelers were also arriving at the airport without confirming

their flight, only to find it had been canceled. Perez discouraged that

practice.

“People are showing up, and they can’t get through,” Perez said.

“Don’t come to the airport unless you’ve confirmed your flight.”