Extra Security: Expect Delays At Airports Reporting

Airport security is tighter this weekend following Friday’s thwarted terror attack.  Some of the changes that passengers will see are a ban on getting up during the last hour of a flight and extra pat-downs before boarding.

Passengers flying on both domestic and international flights in the US will see extra screening measures in place because of the terror scare on the Detroit-bound flight.

While officials won’t say what those measures are, travelers at LaGuardia Airport say they feel safe with the security they’ve seen.

“We travel quite a bit and aren’t concerned about safety,” Alexandra Clavaleau said. “At New York Airports, security, that’s up to par.”

“I think other countries should have the same standards we have, so we can feel comfortable,” Guy Clavaleau said.

The Department of Homeland Security is now working with other countries to address that concern, saying passengers flying from international locations to the US may notice more intense scrutiny.

Passengers who spoke to CBS 2 say it’s about time.

“I have to travel a lot, and security at those airports is less stringent than it is in the US,” Bethel, Connecticut resident Jane Hoffman said.

On domestic flights at all area airports, including Newark Liberty, travelers can expect screeners to be even stricter about those carry-on rules.

If you’re traveling, you need to put liquids and gels in three-ounce containers and in clear bags. If you have holiday gifts, make sure they’re not wrapped.

Security expert Bob Strang says to give yourself plenty of time to check in.

“You’re going to see additional security at all airports – canine units, more police officers, double-searches,” Strang says.

Rules during your flights may be changing too, according to people who were traveling this weekend.

Air Canada confirmed it’s in line with new US rules, including the following: passengers can’t leave their seats an hour before landing; carry-on bag access will also be restricting during the last hour of the flight; and passengers cannot keep items on their lap.

Those rules should remain in effect worldwide indefinitely.

As always, passengers are being advised to stay alert and report anything that may appear suspicious.

Authorities say the measures in place at airports across the world are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers shouldn’t expect to see the same thing everywhere.

{WCBS-TV/Noam Amdurski-Matzav.com Newscenter}