The small, friendly atmosphere of Rockford's airport has taken away many seniors' fear of flying. They say it's much easier to travel out of Rockford than O'Hare because they don't have to rush.

The 55 and older crowd is a growing customer base at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. So in turn, airport leaders are targeting the age group for a marketing campaign. The airport will host a tour event for seniors next Tuesday.

One of the seniors planning on attending says she will never fly out of O'Hare again.

"It was very stressful. By the time I boarded the plane I was ready to lie down and sleep. I was exhausted. Here I felt like, wow, I'm going to have a good time. The people made it that way," Alice Alfredson said.

A customer service coordinator personally books flights for seniors at the airport. Alice said the woman who helped her showed up at 5:30 a.m. to make sure she got on the plane okay.

To sign up for the senior airport tour next Tuesday, call Carol at 969-4466. The tour runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday and includes free food and giveaways.