"Heightened security at Chicago airports could last at least a week"

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Heightened security at Chicago airports could last at least a week
The Associated Press


CHICAGO -- Heightened security at Chicago's two main airports could stay in
place through the week and cause headaches during the busy Independence Day
holiday, officials said Sunday. 

"Just to be on the safe side, it makes sense, particularly on this busy
Fourth of July holiday weekend, to plan ahead and allow extra time at the
airport," said Wendy Abrams, a spokeswoman for the city's department of
aviation. 

Amid terrorism fears in the United Kingdom, federal officials advised the
city's Department of Aviation to boost security at O'Hare International
Airport and Midway Airport until further notice. 

The extra measures include random inspections of vehicles as well as
increased canine units and uniformed and plain-clothed officers inside and
outside of terminals. 

"These will be visible security enhancements that travelers will likely
notice immediately upon arrival at the airports," Abrams said. 

On Sunday, the police and fire department temporarily cordoned off an area
behind O'Hare's Lufthansa terminal after airport staff discovered a
55-gallon drum in the area. Police removed the drum without incident and
found nothing harmful. 

Passengers should arrive at least two hours before their flights are
scheduled to depart, Abrams said. 

She said authorities are working to ensure the extra security don't slow
passengers at Midway and O'Hare, which could see record numbers of
passengers during the upcoming holiday. 

About 254,000 passengers are expected at O'Hare Thursday, the busiest day
this week. Midway's busiest day will likely be Friday when 77,000 passengers
are expected at the airport.

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