December 21, 1999
Web posted at: 5:22 p.m. EST (2222 GMT)

From Reporter Kathleen Koch

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is asking airports to step up security after a man was charged with trying to smuggle explosives into the United States.

FAA spokeswoman Rebecca Trexler said the request went out to airlines on Monday.

Trexler said while airports are already at a high level of security during the holidays, the FAA is asking the airline industry to do even more to beef up safety measures.

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While the FAA generally does not publicize changes in security measures, a written statement said it wanted to prepare passengers for what they may see at airports.

The increased security measures include:

• More bomb-sniffing dogs and uniformed police patrolling both inside and outside airports
• Stricter enforcement of local parking rules
• A greater use of explosive detection units at security checkpoints, including guards who will wipe carry-on baggage with a small swab and then drop it into a machine that can detect the most minute traces of bomb-making materials

More than 640 of the explosive detection units are in use in 40 large airports across the country. The FAA is seeking funding to install them at 400 more airports.

Passengers also are expected to be security conscious.

"All passengers are encouraged to be alert for any suspicious, unattended bags, parcels or other items, and report them immediately to airport personnel," the statement said.

The agency encourages holiday travelers not to wrap Christmas gifts, which may need to be unwrapped for inspection.

The FAA says it doesn't expect the increased security to cause delays.

However, the Air Transport Association is advising the flying public to arrive an hour and half early (rather than just an hour) before domestic flights to avoid any problems.

The measures follow last week's arrest of Ahmed Ressam, an Algerian national who allegedly attempted to smuggle nitroglycerin, other explosives and four timing devices from Canada into the United States.

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