"Airline Passengers' Feelings Mixed About War"

Thursday, March 20, 2003

Airline Passengers' Feelings Mixed About War
S.A. Int'l Airport Reports Smooth Operations
KSAT-TV San Antonio (TX)


SAN ANTONIO -- Hours after a U.S.-led coalition fired the first airstrike at
Iraq, airline passengers boarding flights at San Antonio International
Airport on Thursday had mixed feelings about airline security.

Airport officials reported operations are running smoothly and no flights
have been canceled or delayed Thursday.

 Even though the airport remains on heightened security, some passengers
felt some apprehension about flying.

"I still worry about it," said Larry Friday, who was flying on Southwest
Airlines.

But other passengers said they feel safe about flying.

"We're not the least bit scared of what they (terrorists) might do," said
Jentry Poss. "We feel safe. We think there's plenty of security and we feel
good about flying today."

Rachel Jones, who used to work for the airline industry, said, "Right now is
the best time to fly. Security is better than its ever been."

Other passengers said they decided to fly Thursday because it was their
patriotic duty.

Even though San Antonio International Airport is on heightened security, no
random searches of vehicles dropping off or picking up passengers is being
conducted.

But that could change if federal officials raise the terrorist level alert
to red, or severe status. Currently, the level is on high alert, or orange.