THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 3, 1995 TAG: 9510030260
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Victor Lewis said his faithful flying companion, a bottle of Old Granddad, had never come under close scrutiny. But Monday at Norfolk International Airport it was examined, opened and sniffed by security personnel.
Airport security was tighter. ``They seem to be more on the ball,'' Lewis said. ``And they should be.''
The Canon City, Colo., resident said he had nothing to hide when his bag was searched, but security personnel wanted to be sure. In addition to attention paid the half-empty bourbon bottle, they asked Lewis whether any strangers had approached him about carrying any items on board for them.
That, too, was a first for Lewis, who was returning home.
Norfolk International, like airports across the nation, was alerted to increase security late Sunday, after the trial of Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman and nine other defendants in New York City. They were found guilty of plotting a series of terrorist bombings and assassinations.
Federico Pena, the secretary of transportation, sent out a highsecurity alert. In a statement, he said:
``The decision to increase security is based upon an assessment provided by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, combined with an analysis of the current state of affairs. There has been no specific threat to aviation or any other form of transportation, but we are dealing with a general threat against all U.S. interests at home and abroad.''
Kenneth Scott, executive director of the Norfolk Airport Authority, said passengers at Norfolk International should expect two significant security changes as a result of the move to Level 3 security. Level 4 is the highest.
``We are not going to be able to tolerate any unattended vehicles within 75 feet of the terminal,'' Scott said. He said they will be towed immediately.
The airport also will discontinue metered parking close to the terminal, Scott said.
Other changes in security may pass unnoticed to a frequent flier, Scott said, but someone who has not flown in a while should be prepared.
Airlines will be asking passengers for photo identification to verify tickets, Scott said. And fliers must be prepared to answer questions about their luggage.
All bags should be clearly labeled and should not be left unattended. Passengers should report any suspicious, unattended bags or parcels.
Passengers also should allow for additional time for screening by security personnel.
No extra officers have been hired, Scott said, but some plainclothes officers will be watching the crowds.
Paul Boyenga of Virginia Beach kept setting off the metal detector as he began a trip to London. The problem: the metal buttons on his blazer.
``I guess it's necessary,'' Boyenga said of the security measures. ``It's not pleasant, but it's necessary.''
Boyenga, who was traveling abroad with computer equipment, was double-checked with a hand-held metal detector while his baggage was examined through the scanners and by hand.
Janice Bogues, on her way back to her home in Queens, N.Y., said she was not asked any questions; nor was her bag searched.
But Bogues said security would probably be much tighter at the other end of her flight. ``I don't know what to expect when I get back to New York,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Norfolk International Airport has moved to Level 3 security. Level 4
is the highest. Changes will affect travlers:
Allow extra time
Don't leave vehicles unattended within 75 feet of terminals.
Have a photo ID ready to verify you're a ticket holder.
Be prepared to answer questions about your luggage.
Label bags clearly and don't leave them unattended.
by CNB