Travelers welcome increased security

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Nearly a week after terrorist attacks temporarily shut down airports across the country, travelers passing through Kansas City International Airport Monday said they have no complaints about tightened security measures.

The extensive security was evident to airport visitors as they entered each terminal. A traffic control officer stood at the entrance of each parking garage, checking photo identification of drivers who entered.

The airport also was strictly enforcing its ban on all curbside parking outside terminals. Vehicles left unattended were quickly being towed, said Kansas City Aviation Department spokesman Joe McBride.

"Law enforcement at airports across the country are taking increased security precautions," McBride said. "Some are more overt than others, and we're asking that people have patience with these measures because they will invariably affect them directly."

KCI also has stiffened security inside the airport at terminal gates, where only ticketed passengers are allowed into boarding areas.

The security restriction forced Beth Blunk of Kansas City to say goodbye to her 16-year-old daughter, Sarah, before she entered the terminal security gate, where she was departing for a flight to Indianapolis.

"I'd like to be there (with her), but I recognize that ultimately they're looking out for the safety of all the passengers," Blunk said.

Blunk couldn't help but think of last week's attacks as she saw her daughter off.

"I reminded myself a couple times today that her safety is really in God's hands," Blunk said. But "it's comforting for a mother to know they're watching out for things."

Sharp objects banned

KCI's enhanced security measures also include eliminating curbside check in and prohibiting sharp objects aboard planes. Some airlines like Vanguard and Southwest have randomly searched bags.

One gate attendant for Southwest, who asked that his name not be used, said he felt no extra pressure to ensure he made no mistakes carrying out the security procedures.

"We just do what we're told by the FAA and our supervisors here at Southwest," he said. "We just make sure everything is more secure than it ever has been."

The attendant said he hasn't heard complaints from passengers who have been inconvenienced by bag searches and the confiscation of items like fingernail files.

Anni Clark, who was flying from New Hampshire to Salt Lake City, Utah, said the heightened security is a necessary hassle.

"It's a pain in the butt," she said. "But I think we need to get serious about what's going on."

Owen Jackson, who was flying to Nashville, Tenn., also welcomed the increased security, which is the best he's seen in 46 years of flying, he said.

"I think it's probably safer now than it ever was before," Jackson said. "I don't think you can make any place 100 percent totally secure. But you can make it tough enough where people feel confident to get back into the skies."