Wednesday, November 21, 2001

College Briefs
Holiday travelers to face increased security, hassles

This year, increased airport security could add to the already long list of holiday hassles.

Fewer travelers will be in the air this Thanksgiving — 27 percent less than last year, according to the American Automobile Association. Even so, added security implemented since September has prompted airport officials to prepare passengers for longer boarding times.

“We’re still telling our passengers to give themselves enough time — 90 minutes to an hour before check-in,” said Bruce Tarletsky, director of marketing at Lincoln Municipal Airport.”

Tarletsky said passengers should be prepared for restrictions on parking and carry-ons and to have identification ready for a faster security check.

No longer will friends and family be able to greet travelers as they exit the airplane walkway. Only ticket-holding passengers are allowed in the terminals to make boarding and unloading times faster.

Transporting wrapped presents this season will be more difficult. Security personnel may ask passengers to unwrap all packages before boarding.

To keep family members from finding out what they're getting for Christmas, travelers are encouraged to mail presents ahead of time.

Brianne Bassler, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshman theater major who is flying home for Thanksgiving, stands prepared for the extra security precautions.

“We’re getting (to the airport) at 3:45 and we take off at 5:45. And you can’t have pokey items in your carry-on that might be weapons, so I’m being careful about that.”

— Daily Nebraskan