Osama Bin Laden's death was on the minds of air passengers across the country as they boarded their flights Monday.
The Homeland Security Secretary has no plans to raise the terror alert level. The U. S. State Department did not issue any new travel warnings but stressed American travelers should use caution worldwide.
Passengers we talked with had a mixed reaction. Some hadn't thought of safety issues until we brought it up, others say it was on their minds on the way to the airport, but everyone we spoke to told us they're thankful for the heightened security and don't expect it to change.
Waiting for Albany's second flight of the day to depart, passengers say they were no more nervous flying today than they've been since September 11th, 2001.
"There's always some nerves with flying, I'm ready to get home to my animals and my husband so, I try to think about that," said airline passenger Danielle Rogers.
"If anyone is going to try anything now, it's seem like a silly time," said Sandy Desautels.
Airport security walked the passenger area as usual as TSA agents worked through the tightened security procedures. On the incoming flight, passengers like Carolyn Keshinro say they didn't notice anything unusual in Atlanta. "There's always a lot of security at the Atlanta airport."
But September 11th and Bin Laden was on their minds, just the same. "I was thinking that you may have more retaliation, you know now since he's expired and everything, you know that crossed my mind," said Keshinro.
Especially passengers who came in from Quantico, Virginia. "Security presence is pretty high as it is so, no I don't think it's going to change," Michael Dingle said.
It's that same thought that gives other passenger, peace of mind, knowing security right now more than ever may be keeping a close eye on passengers, even if they can't see it.
"There's that in the back of your head, the what if, but I try not to think about it," Danielle Rogers said.
Trusting that the TSA is doing all they can to keep air travel safe within the United States.
Security has certainly changed in Albany and nationwide. Smaller airports like Albany are under a more heightened alert than Atlanta.
In April the FAA Safety Team launched a safety stand-down which is an outreach effort to general aviation pilots and mechanics focusing on educating them on specific safety issues.
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