No apparent air travel problems in Las Vegas
Holiday travelers went about their business Monday at McCarran International Airport with little concern or awareness of heightened security measures in light of Christmas Day’s airline incident in Detroit.
Passengers moved quickly through lines at C- and D-gate security checkpoints, most of them enduring less than a 10-minute wait.
The Transportation Security Administration has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities to step up security following the incident in which a Northwest Airlines passenger tried to set off an explosive device and was subdued by other passengers and crew members.
TSA officials would not comment on specific security measures nor give further details of the incident. Spokeswoman Suzanne Trevino directed all media inquiries to TSA’s Web site.
Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased screening at gates, pat-downs and bag searches.
During the flight, passengers may be asked to stow personal items, turn off electronic equipment and remain seated during certain times. They may also have limited access to overhead storage bins.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano conceded that the airport security system failed to detect the threat.
The U.S. Travel Association issued a statement Monday calling for whole-body imaging and increased use of canine security.
“We must find new screening techniques that strengthen security, protect privacy and reduce wait times and other hassles for travelers,” association president Roger Dow said in the statement.
“Whole-body imaging may or may not be a panacea for security and travelers, but one thing that is clear is that this technology has not received the necessary analysis to determine if it can significantly strengthen security and improve travel facilitation,” he said. “Nearly all of the WBI (whole-body imaging) focus to date has been on privacy. It is past time for a more detailed analysis.”
