travelnews: Airport Security

[Carolyn Wooley <cwooley@oregon.uoregon.edu>]

The following message has been forwarded to us by one of our contract
travel agencies.  Please make sure this information gets forwarded to any
of your travelers that it would effect.


VEHICLE SECURITY INSPECTIONS RETURN TO PDX 

In accordance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security
mandates, Portland International Airport (PDX) has reinstating random
security inspections of vehicles traveling to the terminal building area.
In addition, PDX is increasing its law enforcement presence and asking
passengers to be aware of their surroundings and immediately report any
unattended bag.

The inspections are part of similar nationwide efforts, and there is no
known specific threat related to PDX at this time. The inspections follow
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's increase of the national threat
level to "orange" on Monday.

Motorists should allow a few extra minutes to reach the airport to allow
for vehicle inspections. With spring break travel underway, travelers
should arrive at the airport two hours before their flights during the
busy morning travel period. If flying at other times of the day, travelers
should consult with their airlines for advice on when to arrive at the
airport. While it is difficult to predict travel volumes for spring break
this year, as many as 45,000 travelers per day could travel through the
airport during the next three weeks.

Random Vehicles Inspections on Airport Way
Law enforcement officers will use a traffic signal to stop vehicles on
Airport Way as motorists approach the airport. Then, permission will be
asked of motorists for a visual inspection of randomly selected vehicles.
Motorists who refuse the inspection will be asked to turn around and exit
the airport, or turn around and park their cars in long-term or economy
parking facilities. Once parked, travelers can use a shuttle bus to reach
the terminal building from either lot, or walk from long-term parking.
Motorists who refuse the inspection will not be allowed access to the
parking garage or roadway in front of the terminal. While exact inspection
procedures are confidential for security reasons, security staff will
visually inspect vehicles, looking into vehicles, trunks, etc. Most
inspections will take less than two minutes per vehicle.



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