Delays Likely As Security At US Airports Tightened

Millions of Americans going home next week for the Thanksgiving holiday should expect airport delays from tighter security prompted by extremist attacks in Paris.

Tighter security could translate into longer lines for passengers over the Thanksgiving holiday, the busiest for US travel, as agents spend more time checking passengers and bags.

"The chances are good that you're going to see longer waits because of security," said Christopher Elliott, a travel writer and consumer advocate.

"If there is another terrorism event, all bets are off then," he said. Elliott said passengers should add 30 minutes to the time airports advised them to arrive to make flights.

Airport hassles could be worse, not just due to heightened security, but because a greater number of less-mobile older people and more families with small children will be on the move.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security, declined to comment about possible heightened measures.

The Department of Homeland Security, the TSA's parent, said on Friday that there was no credible threat to the United States like the attacks in Paris.

At Atlanta airport, there will be more dog patrols over the Thanksgiving period and greater visibility of police tactical units, an airport spokesman said.

Police have added personnel at Charlotte-Douglas airport for the holiday season, WSOC TV reported. The airport said in a statement that it was operating at heightened levels of vigilance.

Underscoring air travel jitters, two Air France planes on their way to Paris from the United States made emergency landings on Tuesday after bomb threats. No explosives were found.

US airports have hazards even without fears of extremism. TSA said on Wednesday that agents found 46 firearms in carry-on luggage last week, including 15 with a round in the chamber.