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Terror Alerts: What They Mean and How They Affect Your Travels

As the security alert goes up to a new level, so go the unknowns and insecurity for travelers. Here's what you need to know before you go.

May 30, 2003 -- Last week the federal government raised the color-coded terror alert status from yellow to orange, creating confusion once again for most Americans.

The orange alert won't increase delays within airports, say spokespersons for airports and the Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.dot.gov). But it'll probably cause some headaches for drivers coming to airports, especially if you're coming to pick someone up.

"Orange Alert" means more vehicle searches, more contraband-sniffing dogs, and more gun-toting security forces, including local police and the National Guard. Under an orange alert, you're not allowed to park or idle your car directly in front of an airport terminal, and some airport roadways may be closed off or slowed down. For drivers who used to pick travelers up at curbside, "that may make the garage an attractive option," as the Seattle airport authority tactfully says on their Web site. (Curbside check-in is still allowed, though.)

Even small airports, such as Tucson, are telling people to park in nearby lots rather than to drive up to the terminal. At Chicago's two airports, spokeswoman Monique Bond says there aren't traffic jams leading up to the terminals, but "people can't idle in front of the terminal waiting, so we encourage them to park."

As your vehicle (or the one in front of you) may be pulled aside for a search, allow extra time if you're driving to the airport -- or take public transportation in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia where that's a viable option.

At least once you get into the airport, things will be normal -- or at least the "new" normal -- with no increased scrutiny at ticket counters or security checkpoints.

"Our screeners are at their highest state of alert all the time. There's the same [baggage] searching under code yellow as there is under code orange," TSA spokeswoman Heather Rosenker says.

Most airports have now ratcheted up their recommended arrival times to 90 minutes for domestic flights, two hours for international flights. Which raises the question: how early are people going to have to arrive at the airport if the terror alert color turns red?

"There's a plan for red, but we don't discuss it," Rosenker says.

Do Not Pass the Checkpoint, Do Not Collect $200

Entirely independent of the orange alert, though, the TSA has announced one major change that will affect millions of fliers. More than 250 airports now require that you have your boarding pass to get through security -- which means that if you have an e-ticket and hand luggage, you can no longer get your boarding pass at the gate.

You're not stuck waiting on the interminable ticket line, though. Most airlines now offer either electronic kiosks at the airport (the lines in front of those move pretty quickly) or online check-in, which lets you print out your boarding pass at home before you leave for the airport. Many airlines even offer frequent-flier mile bonuses for people using these electronic check-in methods.

For a full list of the 257 airports now requiring boarding passes at security, see www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=519. TSA spokeswoman Rosenker says they'll soon require boarding passes at all US airports, though she declined to say exactly when.

How To Avoid Becoming "Da Bomb"

Aspiring Tiger Woodses and Annika Sorenstams should watch out for another potential summer travel delay, Rosenker says. Fertilizer from golf courses can cling to golf clubs, setting off airport bomb-detection machines. So wash your clubs before traveling.

Summer frolickers should also remember that scuba tanks, gas containers and fireworks are prohibited on planes. Bring food products in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, as dense foods (such as cheese) might trigger explosive-detection machines. And skydivers should pay particular attention to this terrifying tip from the TSA:

"Believe it or not, parachutes are another item that can be damaged as part of the security screening process. Consider other means of shipping or at the very least, please check parachutes closely before using."

Please, please, check your parachutes, and have a safe summer flight. For more details on airport safety, head to www.tsatraveltips.us.


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