USA: Streamlined security measures to be announced in coming days, says Homeland Security chief

United States Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said on Friday (August 11, 2006) that the travelling public should expect an announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the coming days about new security procedures. Speaking to reporters at Regan National Airport in Virginia, Chertoff said; "I can tell you we are working and yesterday we started working on refinements we could make in order to somewhat reduce any additional inconvenience and I think in due course TSA is going to announce some changes -- I don't want to suggest they will be earth shattering -- but we're going to move to make this as simple and as easy as possible." Chertoff also said that compared to Thursday (August 10), congestion at airports had generally eased. But, travellers still faced major delays and cancellations, one day after a plot to bomb up to 10 flights between Britain and the United States was revealed. Although the plot may have been foiled by authorities, it has managed to cause disruptions to hundreds of thousands of people, at a cost in time and money likely to be significant. At Chicago's O'Hare airport, passengers encountered long lines and enhanced security. Many came earlier than they usually would for the day's air commute, only to find themselves waiting. Some passengers gave in to the fatigue and lied down on the floor. One man said, he'd had to arrive at the airport much earlier than usual. "Usually we get here an hour and a half before hand and we get through security pretty easy and we're here two and a half hours early today." But Friday's passengers were more prepared than those the day before who encountered the longest delays when rules suddenly changed and they had to dispose of items they had brought in their carry-on luggage. Authorities banned all liquids and gels from hand baggage, including everything from bottled drinks to mascara after British police said the plan was to blow up planes with chemical bombs smuggled on board disguised as drinks. The ban on liquids means a choice between carrying no toiletries or checking something. One woman passenger was prepared for the delays and had packed her luggage according to the new security regulations she had seen reported on the news. She said, "We have a flight to catch and you do what you have to do but it's worth it to be safe." At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, passengers saw security signs everywhere including a bold one from the Transportation Security Administration stating that the threat level for flights had been raised to orange or "high" - one step below the highest level.

ITN Source | August 13, 2006

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