Air travelers worried more about snowstorm than war

Thursday, March 20, 2003 | 9:48 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Snow in Colorado and Wyoming concerned travelers at McCarran International Airport this morning more than the start of a war half of a world away.

"Our only concern is getting home," Matthew Cooper, 23, Lexington, Kentucky. "Everything is more messed up because of the weather."

Colorado's worst blizzard in nearly a century dumped up to 7 feet of snow there and in Wyoming.

About 3,700 passengers waited for Denver International Airport to reopen as the snow tapered off. Airport officials said they expected to open one runway by 10 a.m. local time.

The storm had paralyzed a region that is home to more than 3.5 million people, dropping 29 1/2 inches of snow on Denver.

But the beginning of President Bush's move to disarm Iraq did was felt at the airport. Cars, including limousines and taxis were being searched, airport spokeswoman Hilarie Grey said.

Metro Police and airport security are stepping up patrols at the airport to provide higher law enforcement visibility.

Otherwise it's been a normal day at the airport, Grey said, a sentiment echoed by travelers.

Jennifer Smith, 21 and Ashley Cain, 22, from Texas were both ready to go home from their trip to Las Vegas.

"I have faith in our president," Smith said. "I'm not scared."

"There's enough security to where I don't see a problem," Cain said. "I feel safe."

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