U.S. Threat Level Increase Means Longer Security Waits

December 22, 2003

U.S. Threat Level Increase Means Longer Security Waits
December 22, 2003 – An increase in the national threat level to code orange, or "high risk" will mean that many U.S. travelers will be subjected to increased security at airports, borders and ports.

The level was elevated Sunday because of new intelligence suggesting that al Qaeda is planning multiple catastrophic terrorist attacks in the United States.

According to the Los Angeles Times, officials at the Los Angeles International Airport are recommending passengers arrive 2 ½ hours early for domestic flights and 3 ½ hours early for foreign flights to allow time to get through security check-in lines.

The Washington Post reports that at some airports across the nation, parking was restricted at some garages closest to terminals.

In New York City, Gov. George Pataki ordered the use of National Guard troops and state police officers to protect airports, bridges, tunnels, train and bus terminals and other "critical infrastructure," according to The New York Times.

To read the latest, go to http://www.cnn.com/.