Thursday, President Bush announced the new security measures for the 420 commercial passenger airports nationwide.
“We will not surrender our freedom to travel,” Bush told airport officials and employees at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport during a speech explaining the Federal Aviation Administration’s new regulations toward improving aircraft and airport security.
The new security measures will be enforced by federal and non-federal personnel.
A fund of $500 million will be established to finance aircraft modifications to delay or deny access to the cockpit, and there will be a restriction on opening the cockpit door during the flight. Modifications will include cameras in the cockpit and the cabin. Armed Federal Air Marshals will fly on certain flights for added protection.
Also, the FAA will perform intensive background checks, train and test security personnel and purchase and maintain new equipment for monitoring.
The FAA will also work with law enforcement authorities at the federal, state and local levels to ensure homeland security. Bush asked all 50 governors to call up the National Guard, at the federal government’s expense, to increase security staff at every commercial airport.
In compliance with the new regulations, Memphis International Airport has increased the number of workers at checkpoints.
Increased security is visible at every terminal, and luggage is checked for a second time at the ticket counter. Only ticket holders with photo identification get past the checkpoints.
Julius Bradley, a bag checker, said the airport has already added the new measures to the existing precautions.
“We are in the process of adding the new rules to our airplanes, and we have integrated the rules to the airport’s operations,” said Bradley. “These rules have definitely made the airport safer.”
Bradley said the new procedures shouldn’t upset travelers.
“People are always in a hurry, but the rules won’t stop the flow of airport traffic,” said Bradley.
Some passengers at Memphis International Airport said the new safety precautions are good news to air travelers.
“I’m very happy with the changes in security at the airport,” said Helen Overstreet, an accountant from Oxford, Miss.
Carolyn Clancy, a professor at Phillips Community College in Helena, Ark., said she is beginning to see the regulations in action.
“The way the airport officials are running the checkpoints will prevent any potential terrorist from getting through,” said Clancy.
