Attacks cut US holiday travel

Holiday travellers faced new security measures

By BBC Washington correspondent Rob Watson

Americans are preparing to celebrate the country's most popular and widely celebrated holiday - Thanksgiving.

It is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year for Americans, with many taking to the road, the rails and the air to go home to be with family.

Travellers at Washington's Ronald Reagan Airport said that the events of 11 September have affected this traditional time of travel and family reunion.

Air travel down

Despite all the new security measures, Reagan Airport is not as packed as Thanksgivings past.

President Bush celebrated Thanksgiving with troops

This year the authorities expect 35 million Americans to travel - down from 37 million last year - with many opting to go by car not plane.

A record 87% of travellers were expected to drive, largely due to a decrease in air travel.

The major national bus carrier in the US, Greyhound, reported a 20% surge in advance bookings during the Thanksgiving period and also said it saw an increase in trips longer than 1,000 miles.

Chicago's O'Hare Airport expected to see 198,000 people Wednesday, and some 1.2 million people were expected to fly through Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports Sunday evening.

Both numbers were 20% lower than last year.

A changed country

And those who are travelling say Thanksgiving will feel different in other ways this year.

"Well I think what happened has touched us all, directly or indirectly," said one traveller.

Another said, "I noticed that Americans have been less aggressive since 11 September, and I think that whatever tensions may exist in any particular family ... may not be as evident as in previous years."

A woman waiting for a flight said: "I think that once the families get together, it will be Thanksgiving. Life goes on."

Certainly traditions are being maintained.

The famous Macy's parade will go ahead in New York this year with special tributes to city's fire fighters, police and other emergency workers.

President Bush will spend thanksgiving at Camp David, as he and virtually the entire country take a rare day off from work, leaving the streets and offices empty.