Skies quiet during forced grounding

MAT-SU -- Transportation is the one aspect of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the East Coast that has most affected Mat-Su residents and visitors.

For the first time in history, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all civilian air traffic. Although flights were rumored to be in the air as early as noon on Wednesday, planes didn't make it into the air until Thursday morning, on a limited basis.

The Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) canceled its morning passenger train to Denali Tuesday morning, busing passengers to the park instead.

The railroad crosses Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, areas which were on alert as a result of Tuesday's attacks.

Wednesday afternoon, according to ARRC public affairs officer Pat Flynn, the railroad was operating again, but with an agreement with base representatives.

"We're still coordinating with the military," Flynn said.

ARRC's reservation office may be contacted at 1-800-544-0552.

Airlines flying out of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage were, as of Wednesday, awaiting clearance to begin flight service again.

Some airlines have instituted new guidelines as a result of the attack.

Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air is allowing flight changes with no fee or penalty through Saturday. Those seeking refunds for travel through Saturday -- including on nonrefundable tickets -- according to information on their Web site, may do so with no fee or penalty. The two carriers are not accepting unaccompanied minors for travel until further notice.

All passengers are asked to refrain from going to the airport until further clarification as to when flights may begin. Airlines flying out of Anchorage may be contacted at the following reservation numbers:

Alaska Airlines -- 1-800-426-0333

American Airlines -- 1-800-433-7300

Asiana -- (907) 248-2207

China Airlines -- (907) 248-3603

Condor -- 1-800-524-6975

Continental Airlines -- 1-800-335-2247

Delta Airlines -- 1-800-221-1212

Eva Air -- (907) 245-1738

Korean Air 1-800-438-5000

Northwest Airlines -- 1-800-225-2525

TWA -- 1-800-221-2000

United Airlines -- 1-800-241-6522

Airline personnel are encouraging ticket holders to contact their airlines before traveling to the airport. Travelers should note that curbside baggage check-in will be eliminated and Web and wireless check-ins will be closed until further notice.

Because of heightened security measures, passengers should allow more than two hours for check-in time. Passengers may be subjected to more random checks and should be prepared to see more uniformed security personnel at airports across the country, according to reports from FAA personnel.