Air travel restrictions for passengers

VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN) - Security was the main focus at airports, throughout the country, with restrictions getting tighter.

The Dayton International Airport was at a threat level of orange, on Monday evening. Airline officials were asking passengers to show up earlier than they normally would, because beefed up security was leading to longer lines.

Many passengers flying out of Dayton said, they were not taking any chances.

"We came earlier, yes," said Brenda McKaughey, who was on her way to Baltimore.

TSA officials were conducting more pat down searches and closely checking all carry on luggage. Some airlines were not allowing passengers to open carry-ons during the flight. They also restricted passengers from holding on to blankets and pillows on board the plane, and did not allow them to go to the bathroom for an hour before the plane landed.

Some passengers thought the new restrictions were excessive.

"I think it'll be difficult for some passengers not to be able to go to the bathroom for the last hour," said McKaughey.

"That's way too much. They should have enough security before, when you're checking in, not when you're on the plane," said Matthew Wooley, who was on his way to California.

Some airline officials eased up on restrictions, on Monday, saying they would let the captain of the plane decide what to enforce on the flight. International travellers who were flying into the U.S. would definitely see big changes.

American Airlines advised passengers to check in three hours early. British Airways would only allow one item of hand luggage for passengers flying into the U.S. They also required all holiday presents to be unwrapped, but only for fllights heading into America. Cathay Pacific officials said they would be hand inspecting all personal property before allowing people to board their flights.

Many air travellers said it was better to be safe than sorry.

"I did notice when we came here from Baltimore that I thought we got on awfully easy compared to other flights we had taken over the year," said McKaughey.

Homeland Security officials said, more U.S Marshalls would also be boarding flights, that would be selected at random.