LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS RESPOND TO U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT’S UPGRADING OF NATIONAL THREAT CONDITION LEVEL TO ORANGE

(Los Angeles, California – August 10, 2003) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced it has heightened alertness and increased security at its airports in response to the U.S. Homeland Security Department raising the national threat level for the aviation sector to High or Orange:

• Los Angeles Airport Police are working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other federal and local law enforcement agencies, and airlines to implement a range of security measures appropriate to the heightened security.

 

• Law enforcement presence at LAX includes hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers from Airport Police, Los Angeles Police Department and numerous federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Air Marshals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as K-9 patrols and special operations units.

 

 

• Five airlines operate 20 daily, non-stop flights between London-Heathrow International Airport and LAX: Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Passengers bound for London-Heathrow and people meeting arriving passengers from London are advised to check with their airlines before coming to the airport to verify flight times.

 

 

• Due to new measures instituted this morning by TSA, ALL passengers are being advised to NOT pack any liquids in carry-on bags, including beverages, hair gels, lotions, etc., as well as electronic key fobs. Passengers are advised to check the TSA's Internet website at www.tsa.gov for a complete listing of what passengers may pack in checked luggage and carry-on bags.

 

 

• Based on TSA's recommendation that passengers come to the airport one hour earlier than normal, airport officials recommend passengers on domestic flights arrive two to three hours before their departure time and three to four hours before an international departure. Due to the intensified security screening, security screening process is expected to take considerably longer than normal. Airport officials recommend passengers on domestic flights arrive in their airline terminal two to three hours before their departure time and three to four hours before an international departure. This guidance is in effect until the threat level is reduced from Orange to Yellow.

 

 

• Airport officials note that while the public will notice some increased security related to operational alertness, other security measures are confidential and may go largely unnoticed by most people.

 

 

• Officials added that they have no information indicating that any LAWA facilities or flights are the target of any specific threats or plots.

 

 

• Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates LAX, ONT and two other airports in the Southland, remains committed to providing the necessary resources to maintain a high level of safety and security for the traveling public and airport workers.