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CNN Live Today

Summer Travel Safety and Security Changes

Aired May 27, 2002 - 13:25   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, but this year is unlike any other with sweeping changes in airport security and a seemingly constant series of terror alerts.

CNN's Patty Davis joins us from Washington with more on that.

How are travelers getting around today, Patty?

PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well they seem to be doing pretty well here at Reagan National Airport. But the summer season for air travel overall usually means delays at most airports, and you should be prepared this year, it may be no different.

Now there are supposed to be longer lines expected at airports. You're dealing with new federal security screeners. They are coming on the job in the thousands. They have to learn the ropes. It may take a little while longer to get through security until these people get up to speed.

Then you've got the possibility of delays in the sky. Now while the number of passengers is still below pre-9/11 levels, the number of flights is at or near that level -- the pre-9/11 levels. At some airports, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, the levels of flights are in some cases above pre-9/11 levels. So that could spell real trouble for the FAA and air traffic control and passengers, it may mean delays.

The FAA, meanwhile, is working very hard to mitigate some of that to keep that traffic moving. They are using new routes they borrowed from Canada, also from the U.S. military, trying to move planes during busy times. They're also getting more frequent weather forecasts over the summer hoping to move planes around thunderstorms, get them where they need to go before the thunderstorms hit. Also they're collaborating further with the airlines. But the FAA admits that that weather is a wildcard. And one air travel group is telling passengers be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best -- Carol.

LIN: All right, let's hope that they keep traffic moving. We all know what a pain it is to fly these days.

Patty Davis reporting live from Washington, D.C.

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