ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 27, 1996 TAG: 9607290027
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
NEW MEASURES at Roanoke's airport are in concert with steps being taken throughout the United States since President Clinton called for tougher rules.
Roanoke Regional Airport, along with other U.S. terminals, has been ordered to put new security measures in place atop rules added last fall, airport spokesman Mark Courtney said Friday.
The nature of the additional measures depends on the size of the airport, though international airports are getting special emphasis, he said.
Courtney said he would characterize Roanoke's security as "very tight," compared with other airports the same size.
And while he declined to talk specifically about the new measures, he said those implemented in recent months that are visible to travelers include:
* A strict requirement that passengers carry identification that can be used at check-in to verify that a person using a ticket is the same person whose name is on the ticket issued by an airline.
* Requirements that baggage be clearly identified, and generally tighter scrutiny of both check-in and carry-on baggage.
* More airport security officers and police patrols at the airport.
Also, airlines have their own security regulations and are responsible for passenger screening and security of their aircraft, Courtney said.
"We want to assure the traveling public that we are complying with FAA requirements," Courtney said. "But at the same time, because of the size of our airport, we're not seeing any unusually long lines or waits as a result of this."
Passengers should arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight departs, Courtney said. They should expect some delays, expect questions from security guards, and expect that their luggage may be searched, he said.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB