ATLANTA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Atlanta is the grand belle of the south with world-class restaurants, a festive nightlife, and an abundance of cultural attractions. For complete information, maps, restaurants, and attractions, visit the Atlanta visitors site, designed especially for the AVMA Convention at http://www.atlanta.net/avma.

The 2010 AVMA Annual Convention will be held in the heart of downtown Atlanta at the
Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW.

DISCOUNTED AIR TRAVEL

Book your travel now for AVMA convention discounts
Travel Matters Inc. is the official travel agency used by AVMA, and United is the official airline for the 2010 Annual Convention. When you purchase airline tickets through Travel Matters, you will receive a discount off the ticket cost, based on class of service and time purchase is made.  Call 1.800.733.4180 or 1.847.397.4488 and remember to tell the agent you are attending the AVMA convention. You can also email Travel Matters at travel@travelmatters.net with your travel questions, reservations, or car rentals in Atlanta.

United Airlines is also offering a discount to AVMA convention travelers. If you book directly with United at 800-521-4041 or online at www.united.com  be sure to enter promo code 551SC for the AVMA discount.

New TSA Secure Flight Requirements
Beginning March 2010 passengers traveling by air will be required to provide the following Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) to their airline when making a reservation:

• Name as it appears on government-issued I.D. when traveling
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Redress Number (if available) The redress number is an optional field and is not relevant for most travelers.

Your airline will transmit this information to Secure Flight, who uses it to perform watch list matching. For more information on TSA  Secure Flight Requirements and carry-on restrictions information, visit  the Transportation Security Administration Web site.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta and offers a variety of ground transportation options.  

Airport Shuttle Service

The AtlantaLink Shuttle offers convenient, inexpensive transportation between the airport and the front door of your downtown hotel. Shuttles run continually from the airport to the hotels from 6am – Midnight, with a 15 minute wait or less. 

Save Time and Money Book Online: Visit the AtlantaLink - AVMA shuttle reservation Web page for an additional discount to AVMA travelers who pre-book online. Discounted prices are $15.50 one way or $27.00  for a round trip ticket.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Atlanta Link customer service counter in the Ground Transportation Information Center located at the top of the escalators in the arrivals lobby.  Be sure to mention AVMA if purchasing at the airport for a $1.00 or $2.00 discount off the regular ticket price.

  
For more information visit their main Web site at: http://www.theatlantalink.com/. If you are having problems booking online give us a call at 404-524-3400 Option 1 or 2 for assistance with your booking and mention your code: AVMA.  For group bookings of 10 or more contact group sales: 404-524-3400 Option 2 for assistance.

Taxicab Service
Taxis between the airport and the downtown business/convention district is regulated by set taxi fares.  A special per-person rate applies for two or more passengers of $ 30.00 + $2.00 charge for each additional person. Taxicab service is located in the Red Bus aisle.

Metro Bus Service

MARTA's (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) airport station is right off baggage claim. If you’re traveling light, MARTA is the most economical way to get downtown.  One way fares are only $2.00 and within 20 minutes, you can be downtown. Arriving air travelers should follow the Ground Transportation signs to MARTA. ATLANTA INFORMATION. For complete information, routes and schedules, check the MARTA Web site.

The Georgia World Congress Center operates five surface lots and two parking decks on campus managed by AAA Parking. Parking rates are $10 or less for all-day parking. During Atlanta Falcons games parking costs $15. Lots are gated with an attendant on duty during all show/event hours. AVMA convention will be in Building B we recommend parking in the Red/International Deck featuring 2,000 space covered parking. For more information, maps, directions and online permit purchase visit the GWCC site.

Hotel parking varies. Please check with your individual hotel for pricing and information.