The War Triggers a Tightening of Security at Lindbergh Field

The outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf has triggered new airport security procedures that will likely mean additional delays for people using Lindbergh Field and other U.S. airports, authorities say.

The so-called Level IV “threat level”--imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration after U.S. bombing strikes in Iraq and Kuwait early today--will affect all facets of airport operation nationwide, including parking, check-in and the screening of passengers, officials said.

Among other things, curbside check-in has been discontinued, additional security officers have been deployed and only ticketed passengers are now permitted to enter secured passenger boarding areas--those next to the gates, beyond the metal detectors and luggage X-ray devices. Families and friends dropping off or meeting travelers will not be permitted in the secured zones.

In addition, officials said, vehicles left unattended along the curbside of the terminal buildings will be immediately ticketed, towed and impounded. However, expeditious curbside loading and unloading of passengers is still permitted.

Vehicles are also prohibited from parking within 100 feet of airport terminal buildings, a requirement that will eliminate about 60 spaces in Lot 3 of the West Terminal of Lindbergh Field.

Travelers can expect the new security procedures to continue until they are advised otherwise, authorities said.

As for baggage handling, authorities said, all passengers must now check luggage at ticket counters inside terminals. Skycaps working the curbside may still be used to assist.

Carry-on bags will still be permitted.

Airport officials warned travelers not to accept and carry packages from anyone other than immediate family members or persons whom they know.

In addition, the new guidelines require that airports discontinue the use of coin-operated lockers. (There are no such facilities at Lindbergh Field.)

The stepped-up security measures also mandate that airlines conduct more vigorous checks of cargo, a process that will likely heighten delays, said Maurice (Bud) McDonald, airport manager at Lindbergh Field, which normally handles about 35,000 passengers a day, on a total of 500 arriving and departing flights.

Although the new security tactics are being implemented at airports nationwide, McDonald said that San Diego’s geography and its heavy military population dictate a particularly cautious approach.

“We’re a border community, and we’re a very heavy military community,” McDonald noted. “I suspect that we’re at a higher risk than my colleagues running the airport in Lincoln, Neb.”

However, the Lindbergh Field official voiced the hope that all would run smoothly, despite the delays and understandable fears.

“The important word is patience,” McDonald said. “We’re asking people to be patient.”