Roanoke Regional Airport not planning to increase security despite travel alert

Airport shuttle ends at Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Transportation Security Administration is asking holiday travelers to be cautious this holiday season. The state department issued a worldwide travel alert Monday citing possible risks due to the deadly attacks in Paris and other terrorist threats. We found out what security measures the Roanoke Regional Airport is taking.

There's a worldwide travel alert right now, but managers at the Roanoke Regional Airport said they are confident in the security procedures they have in place.

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The Glasgow's pray for their son's safety as he jets offs to spend Thanksgiving with friends in New York.

"We debated, I waited to the last minute to get his ticket," said Kathy Glasgow. "And, I was back and forth should we have him go into White Plains or should we have him go into New York, LaGuardia...or should he drive."

This time in sending their son off, saying goodbye is bitter-sweet, because they're worried with a nationwide travel alert.

An alert means a heightened risk of a terrorist threat.

Airing on the side of caution, they purchased off-day flights. And with a layover in Atlanta, their son is expected to check in every few hours.

"We'll be calling plenty of times to check in and watching the news to make sure everything is going well....and with technology today you can track flights," said Kevin Glasgow.

"He supposed to stay away from crowds when he's in New York," said Kathy.

Brad Boettcher, the Roanoke Regional Airport marketing director, recommends others do the same. But, as far as the airport security it's not being increased. A police chief, two sergeants and seven patrol officers are already in place and are confident in the security measures is sufficient.

"Where that plays in domestically is people just being a little bit more aware of their surroundings and circumstances," said Boettcher. "TSA says their tagline is ‘see something, say something'. So, if people see something while they're traveling, definitely go ahead and speak up."

Beottcher said it's a post 9-11 world, people realize it's best to pay attention. Despite the alert, staff are going about daily operations as normal. Even travelers like the Glasgow's son will continue, but with more caution.

"I hate to see him go," said Kevin. "But, life is life so, he'll have a good time where he's going. And, we'll just keep him in our thoughts and prayers."

Airport management said it maintains the same staffing year round.

It's important to note -- TSA is a separate entity and could ramp up its own security measures.