Security, delays up at airport

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT — Travelers here were greeted with one- to two-hour delays and new security measures Thursday, after British officials said they blocked a terrorist plot to use liquid explosives to blow up planes.

Local airport officials are warning travelers not to bring any liquid products such as toothpaste and shampoo in carry-on bags. Long lines are expected this morning but should improve as more people learn of the restrictions, airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has raised the alert level for all airports, John Wayne included, from yellow to orange, meaning the risk of a terrorist attack is “high.”

“Passengers will be seeing probably a larger presence of law enforcement officers,” federal Transportation Security Administration spokesman Nico Melendez said. “They’re probably going to hear more announcements over the loudspeakers asking passengers to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity.”

As a precaution, officials are banning passengers from carrying any liquids — even a cup of coffee — through security checkpoints or onto planes, Wedge said.

Passengers can place liquid products such as hair gel, lip gloss, cologne and shampoo into their checked baggage. If a traveler is not checking any bags and has liquids in carry-on luggage, Wedge said the products must be thrown out or the bag needs to be checked.

The changes have made some extra work for travelers, but some said that’s not a problem.

“We had to repack this morning, but it did not take too long,” said Elaine Williams of Corona del Mar. She and husband Rick were on their way to Seattle Thursday.

“We’re not nervous because we arrived early,” she said.

Others were thankful for the security measures taken at the airport despite delays.

“They’re doing their job, so it’s a cool deal — just a little hassle,” said San Clemente resident Robert Strand, who was en route to Tucson.

The extra security meant delays and cancellations, so Wedge advised passengers to arrive two and a half to three hours early for their flights. She expected the heightened safety measures to last for several days.

Airport officials posted signs in the parking garages and around the terminal to let travelers know about the restrictions.

Melendez suggested visiting the transportation administration website, www.tsa.gov, for information on what can be taken on planes under the new rules. The restrictions will not interfere with beverage service on airlines, he said.