McCarran airport security remains normal

Friday, July 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Security at McCarran International Airport remains unchanged following the deadly explosion of a TWA jumbo jet in the waters off Long Island, N.Y.

Airport spokeswoman Nora Cooper said until the cause of the fiery crash, which killed 230 people, is determined, the airport will maintain "level three security."

That level requires passengers to show photo identification at check-in and answer questions about their luggage.

If investigators find the Wednesday night crash into the Atlantic Ocean was caused by a bomb, however, the FAA is expected to order an increase in security.

"Should the FAA ask us to increase our security, at a moment's notice we would change measures," Cooper said. "We would search all cars going into the garage. Only ticketed people would get to go in and park there."

If there is a change in security status, the airport, which is one of the busiest in the country, will announce it immediately so travelers can make arrangements to allow extra time, Cooper said.

No cancellations or delays were reported Thursday in Las Vegas as a result of the explosion of the 747, which was on its way to Paris.

Las Vegas TWA employees declined to comment on the explosion, but the few passengers standing in the airline's line Thursday afternoon were chatting about their nervousness.

"I'll start praying today," said Las Vegan Gwen Pearre, who was picking up tickets for a September vacation. "I'll ask God and the good angels to watch over the wings, the wheels, the pilot and the air."

"Don't you pray?" the hair stylist asked the man behind her.

"You always pray just in case," tourist Tony Mendez replied.

"You'd be stupid if you don't," Pearre said.

McCarran regularly broadcasts warnings about not leaving luggage unattended and not watching luggage for strangers.

Level four, which was observed nationwide last fall, also involves restricted curb access for vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers and luggage.

The tight security controls were the result of increased terrorist activities following the conviction of 10 Muslim radicals in New York City in the World Trade Center bombing.