Subscribe to The Hays Daily News.

Plan ahead for added security measures

5-12-02

By PHYLLIS J. ZORN

Hays Daily News

Whether boarding a plane, a train or a cruise ship, travelers should expect more security checks than ever before.

Hays travel agents say they know enhanced security for public transportation, put in place after Sept. 11, requires more time and patience, but the additional security is for the good of everyone.

“Some people get upset with the thorough searches at the airports. But I don't think we ever should,” said Joanne Yost, tour director for Hays Travel and Tours.

Georgia Moore, owner of Mooretours International, mirrored Yost's sentiments.

“One of the things that really brings up flags is if people book late, or if they book one-way tickets. I did some traveling myself this spring, and all of my tickets were one-way. I was checked six times. They aren't doing any profiling t they are looking at the tickets,” Moore said.

“My standard advice is, make sure they don't take anything on that can be construed as a weapon. That can be anything, a knitting needle, a nail file, clippers, safety razors. Even a mirror can be broken and used as a weapon,” Moore said.

Travelers can avoid additional delays if they pay attention to what the airlines say to do and go prepared, Moore said.

“Be sure you are adhering to the luggage restrictions. The bags must be the right size. Have your picture identification, a government-issued ID, like a driver's license. If you are traveling to Mexico, a passport is not required, but it is being recommended they have a passport. It's really comparatively simple if you just pay attention,” Moore said.

Major airlines advise people to arrive at least 2 hours before their flights to clear security checks. At smaller airports, like Hays Regional Airport, an hour should be sufficient.

Luggage will be X-rayed. Anything that could potentially be used as a weapon is likely to be seized. Curbside check-ins no longer are allowed.

Passengers must pass through a metal detector. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through the security checkpoints.

Travelers with electronic tickets must carry documents that indicate a flight departure for the current date t a boarding pass or paper ticket, a receipt or an itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency.

More uniformed law enforcement officers and dogs are being used to patrol airports.

At railroad stations, security likewise has been increased. It's no longer possible to purchase a ticket or send a package by Amtrak without showing a photo ID, Amtrak spokesman Howard Reifs said.

“Amtrak's larger stations with ticket agents and checked baggage have more extensive security measures, including deployment of canine teams at major stations,” Reifs said in an e-mail. “Amtrak is continuing to conduct thorough inspections of our rights-of-way and infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges, stations and equipment. Actions include increased patrols in stations, on trains and other facilities, including train sweeps.”

A train sweep is a pass-through with bomb-sniffing dogs, Reifs explained.

Travelers planning cruises should be aware that port security is similar to airport security. Denise Seomin, public relations manager for Princess cruises, said cruise ship passengers will be screened with metal detectors, and luggage will be passed through X-ray machines. Passengers over age 16 should have a photo ID. U.S. citizens should bring a passport or a birth certificate. Non-citizens should have valid passports and visas unless they are resident aliens living in the United States, and they need have their green card IDs.

One parent traveling alone with a child must have documentation that the other parent knows the child is traveling, Seomin said.

Seomin said cruise passengers were required to have proper ID before Sept. 11, but the number of security screenings passengers face has increased.

Passengers and luggage are screened while boarding and leaving the ship. Every passenger must check in with a customs agent before leaving the ship.

“In the ports of call we visit, all bags will be checked before passengers can get back on from shore,” Seomin said.

All supplies and goods for the ship are screened before they are loaded, Seomin said.

“We do use dogs both for narcotics detection and explosives detection, so they may see the dogs,” she said.