"Some oppose stopping random gate checks"

Tuesday, September 24, 2002

More Airport Security Changes in Discussion 
WTOC TV - Savannah (GA)


Security could change once again at airports all across the country.
James Loy, chief of the Transportation Security Administration, says
next year he wants to phase out random security checks at the gate. He
says it's because the extra security isn't necessary, since better
trained workers will be in place. 

You might expect people to be happy, but for some, the thought of no
random checks is alarming, and some say it's even absurd. Traveler Mario
Perkins, headed to Akron, Ohio, didn't get randomly checked today, but
says he usually does. 

"I think the random checks add value to the whole process of mass
transportation," he told us. "I think it's just something people have to
adjust to be aware of traveling these days." 

We talked to five different travelers at Savannah-Hilton Head
International airport today, and they all said the random checks should
stay. Denise Curtis from Rincon was shocked to hear someone from the TSA
called the random checks "burdensome."

"It's a lot more burdensome to think someone sitting next to me might
have a weapon," she said.

Keep in mind, doing away with random security checks is not set in
stone. At this point, it's just a discussion and the Transportation
Security Administration says if it does happen, it won't be until some
time next year.


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