Airport, Rail Security Being Beefed Up For Thanksgiving Travel
Security Officials Are On Heightened Alert
— -- Brace yourself, holiday travelers. Airports and train stations across the U.S. are expected to implement additional layers of security for this year’s Thanksgiving travel.
With the highest number of passengers expected to hitch a ride on U.S. airlines on Thanksgiving since 2008, security officials are on heightened alert to protect our nation’s skies and railways.
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey tells ABC News it is on heightened alert in light of the deadly attacks in Paris. The Port Authority will be increasing patrols and inspections in New York City-area airports, bridges, tunnels, railways and the World Trade Center. Travelers, as usual, are being asked to report any suspicious activities to police.
Railway passengers nationwide will also see a significant increase in security.
Amtrak says it is working with local, state and federal law enforcement to gather intelligence and establish robust security measures not just at the stations, but on trains and along the tracks.
An Amtrak spokesperson tells ABC News additional K9, uniform personnel and long guns have been deployed at various points of Amtrak’s service and employees have been debriefed with guidance regarding active shooter incidents.
The Transportation Security Administration is not divulging specifics beyond the ordinary, but says it has measures in place, both seen and unseen, to protect the millions of Americans traveling nationwide.
Passengers at busy airports such as LaGuardia and JFK in New York can expect longer waits, even with additional staffing at checkpoints.
According to TSA officials, the security administration screens nearly 2 million passengers daily and on the days leading up to Thanksgiving that number is expected to increase nearly 40 percent nationwide. That influx would spell the busiest travel season in its history.
Significant additional layers of security are routine during the American holiday season, but the recent events in France are sure to contribute.
ABC News' Erin Dooley contributed to this report.