Charles Feldman: 'Ghost town' at Los Angeles airport

CNN's Charles Feldman reports on Christmas Eve Day from United Airlines Terminal 8 at Los Angeles International Airport

Q : Describe the scene from your vantage point at LAX.

Feldman : Well, first, it's important to note that this is a very small slice of the travel pie in the United States. It's one airline at one terminal at one airport. The weather is balmy, about 70 degrees and hazy. In fact, the haze caused some delays earlier today.

As the day began, it was fairly crowded, at least we were told that by the airport people. People who were traveling were unable to get on flights yesterday. This morning, there was a crush. But as the day has progressed, crowds have become noticeably thinner.

Right now, it is virtually a ghost town; I see just a handful of stragglers. It appears to be down to the last very few people who are trying to get to their destinations.

Q : As you've talked with travelers, what sticks out to you during the day at the airport?

Feldman : I asked them (travelers) why would they travel at the last minute. The answers were sort of what I expected; many people said it was the only flight they could get. In some cases, some people said they actually paid less money than if they had traveled earlier in the weekend.

In some instances, these have been people who made up their mind at the last minute. The flights, at least at United, indicate that things are going very smoothly. I'm looking at a board of about 100 departures and arrivals and just about all look to be on time. I see only one that says "canceled."

Q : How are peoples' spirits?

Feldman : The people are more upbeat than what you would normally find. On a typical weekend, this terminal is a zoo. One of the reasons why ... is because many people expecting to see long lines are finding it easy going. The (airline) help is perhaps in better spirits, too, because they are dealing with lighter crowds. It's a good day to travel.

It's fair to extrapolate from United's experience that it's the same for other airlines.

Q : How does this compare to previous holidays?

Feldman : It's about on par with the typical case of Christmas Eve Day. Most people go the day before Christmas Eve. Friday was also a heavy travel day. Perhaps it's one of the best-kept secrets of holiday flight -- traveling on Christmas Eve Day. On the plus side, it's relatively smooth going. On the other hand, travelers have very little margin for error. If there is bad weather or any other reason for a flight delay, travelers run the risk of being late to where they are going.

Q : What advice would you give travelers to make flying easier?

Feldman : The less baggage you have, the easier it is. Do everything you can to minimize delays at the check-in counter. If you're able to carry on luggage, do so. You want to reduce things that are in your control that could delay travel.

Holiday travel smoother than anticipated
December 23, 2000

Los Angeles International Airport

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