"Air Travelers Could Be Affected By War: TSA Mulling Options"

Monday, March 17, 2003

Air Travelers Could Be Affected By War
TSA Mulling Options
WCMH NBC-TV Channel 4, Columbus (OH)


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The 2001 terrorist attacks caused big changes in air
travel, but what else can travelers expect if war breaks out?

The Transportation Security Administration is working on answers,
NewsChannel 4's Holly Hollingsworth reported.

The TSA said travelers looking for reassurance in the face of possible war
will have to stay tuned.

Changes in air travel and airport procedures are possible, but at this point
the terrorism alert level remains at yellow (Ed. Note: Elevated to Orange
Monday evening), which is in the middle of the scale.

"In spite of everything that's going on, I think I would fly," traveler
Tarrett Ricks said at Port Columbus International Airport. "It's still a
great source of transportation in this country."

Some travelers are uncertain as they look ahead, fearing major travel
interruptions could be in store.

"There will be a time period where they'll shut the airlines down, or there
will be stricter security or less flights, just so they can be more secure
and keep us safe," passenger Mike Cooper said.

The TSA won't confirm any specific plans yet, saying there are still too
many unknowns. But the TSA said it is exploring a whole range of response
options, and added that travelers must keep in touch with their airlines and
pay attention to news reports in case travel plans have to be modified.

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