By Tory Betts
The Salt Lake International Airport increased security before the holidays as a result of an elevated terror alert, but the change did not seriously inconvenience travelers.
According to Alvin Stuart, airport operations superintendent, the public has reacted positively to the security changes.
“Most of them understand the seriousness of the situation and are willing to conform to regulations,” he said.
Screening at the airport hasn”t taken any longer than before, and new security procedures have gone according to plan with no problems, he said.
“I went to the airport expecting to wait in a long line,” said Taryn Stimpson, 20, from Tupelo, Miss. “But I was surprised at the short time it took to get through. It really didn”t take too long, only about seven minutes.”
Changes in security included random inspections of vehicles entering the airport. An area at the south end of the airport is used to conduct these inspections.
Airport officials won”t tell specifics, but behind-the-scenes precautions have also been increased.
These procedures include a greater police presence and patrol by canine explosive detection teams throughout the airport.
In addition to using the airport”s annual “Holiday Travel Tips” guide to help reduce the problems associated with holiday flying, airport users were asked to report unattended baggage or suspicious behavior to airport police, airline representatives or security screening personnel.
The regulations come down from the Department of Homeland Security, which increased the terror threat level from “elevated” to “high” in late December.
As the terror alert rises and falls in severity, so does the amount of airport security. Airport officials said they do not know when the security restrictions will decrease.
“It”s all up to the federal government,” Stuart said.
Fortunately for Utah travelers, security inconveniences have been kept to a minimum.
“I had to take off my shoes for scanning, but other than that there weren”t any problems and most people didn”t seem to be annoyed,” Stimpson said. “Most of us understand why they do it.”
At a press conference last week, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge praised the recent actions of airport officials in preventing possible terrorist attacks on flights bound for the United States.
“This is an excellent example of the unprecedented partnership and cooperation that is now underway both here at home – across all segments of government and law enforcement – including with our international allies,” Ridge said.
Ridge also announced a plan to “enhance security relating to both passenger and cargo aircraft flying to, from and over the United States.”
The plan would place trained, armed, government law enforcement officers on some flights as an added protective measure.
