[Infowarrior] - US plans to expand airport security measures

[Richard Forno]

US plans to expand airport security measures
Thu Aug 10, 2006 7:51 PM ET
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=200
6-08-10T235039Z_01_N10185380_RTRUKOC_0_US-SECURITY-USA-AIRPORTS.xml&src=rss&
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The government plans to expand airport security
measures starting as soon as Friday, adding to those just put in place in
response to a foiled overseas plot to blow up U.S.-bound airliners, industry
and other officials said.

The changes triggered by the discovery of a British-based plot to carry
aboard bomb-making ingredients disguised as beverages and other common items
mark the most urgent aviation security steps since the September 11, 2001,
hijack attacks.

Beginning on Friday, security screening of carry-on items will expand
significantly from levels imposed at two dozen cities on Thursday, Jim May,
chief executive of the Air Transport Association, said at a news conference.

The trade group for the biggest airlines said the changes would involve
additional checks at boarding gates but offered no details. Transportation
security officials would not discuss new screening steps in advance.

Authorities have banned travelers from carrying liquids and other gel-based
products such as toothpaste and makeup onto planes. Those items are
permitted in checked luggage.

Additional security steps include:

-National Guard forces activated in Massachusetts and California will assist
airport screeners.

-Certain private air services from Britain must coordinate with U.S.
aviation and security authorities for permission to fly. The Federal
Aviation Administration order will likely affect business jets and other
private aircraft. Big commercial carriers already have security programs in
place.

-Airlines departing Britain must supply a passenger manifest to U.S.
authorities ahead of takeoff, May said. Currently, carriers can give that
information for checks against watch lists soon after the plane leaves.

Rep. John Mica, a Florida Republican and chairman of the House of
Representatives aviation subcommittee, credited security officials with
being prepared and for taking quick action on Thursday.

But he said the prospect of explosives in luggage remains a chief threat to
U.S. aviation even though security officials have focused more closely on it
this year.

"We still have a challenge," Mica said.

(Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Houston)