Holiday travel not slowed by greater threat of attack

A shrug, not a panic.

After being advised to "go about your business" by the U.S. government, holiday travelers across the country have reacted to the nation's elevated terror alert largely with indifference instead of fear.

"It just doesn't bother me. I'm not going to let it interrupt my life," said Cape Girardeau resident Dave Dormeyer, who plans to fly to Europe with a friend on Christmas Day. "I think that's what they want and I don't intend to do that."

By "they," Dormeyer is referring to terrorists. The national terror alert level remained at the second-highest level of orange Monday, a day after Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge addressed the country saying threat indicators are "perhaps greater now than at any point" since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Security measures are being stepped up at airports across the nation, and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport manager Bruce Loy said they are taking precautions, too.

The amount of policing, including patrols, has increased, he said. Announcements are made to passengers and the eight security screeners have special protocol they follow, Loy said.

"We do a number of things and some things we can't put out to the public," Loy said. "Mostly, it's just a matter of being more cautious. People have to be more aware of any suspicious activity."

Despite the extra security, Ridge said Sunday that people should not change their holiday travel plans, and it seems they haven't, according to several area travel agencies.

"People have gotten pretty passive since 9-11," said Mark Hill, owner of Destinations Unlimited in Cape Girardeau. "We've had a high alert before and they've called it off before. Right now, I think people could care less."

The threat hasn't caused AAA to lower its predictions for holiday travel, either. The auto club says 8.3 million people are taking to the skies for holiday travel, a 2 percent increase over last year. Based on a travel survey, the auto club expects nearly six times as many -- 48.5 million -- to hit the highways for holiday trips of 50 miles or more. And 2.8 million more are expected to travel by train, bus, or other means of transportation.

"Even with the terror alert, I don't think it will change that much at all," said Mike Right with AAA in St. Louis. "Many people have made their plans already and I think some are already at their destination. ... People are getting complacent with some of these reports."

Carolyn Kempf of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau said people haven't been calling and canceling their plans. She said she doesn't plan to change her plans either.

"I have to trust the system," she said. "You can either trust the system and go on with your life or you can live at home in fear. We still have clients who will never get on a plane again after Sept. 11. But they're missing out. I refuse to live that way."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

AAA's Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips

Carry your valuables (jewelry, medications), do not check these items.

Confirm all reservations before you leave home.

Auto travelers should pack an emergency driving kit.

Know your airline's baggage etiquette -- weight limits, number limits, etc.

Secure your home -- make your house appear lived-in.

Get a ride -- airports, bus terminals and train depots will be crowded -- saves time and money.

At the airport, have photo identification and your boarding passes in hand.

Prepare your car for winter driving conditions.

Know what to do if your vehicle breaks down or you're in a fender bender.

Expect lines and prepare for delays -- pack your patience.