Holiday Travel Begins Amid High Security

Jul 3, 2007 12:41 PM

If you're trying to make your Fourth of July last three days or more, you're not alone.

More than 41 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes some time this week -- a new record for Independence Day travel -- despite heightened security because of failed car bombings in Britain.

Most travelers, 34.7 million in all, are expected to load up their cars and hit the road for extended getaways. And about 4.7 million will traipse through airports, according to the Associated Press.

"We're seeing many, many people take the week off and go for a long week (vacation)," says Beth Mosher, a spokeswoman for AAA Chicago.

Elsewhere in the country, passengers who filled airports said they wouldn't let fears of terrorist attacks ruin their long-awaited holiday.

On the heels of last week's attacks in the United Kingdom, American travelers will continue to see additional security at airports and railways.

"We clearly have ratcheted up a little bit, focusing on those places where we think there might be a heightened risk. But nobody's really sure," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the Associated Press. "My advice to everybody is to enjoy the weekend."

Amtrak officials said they were ramping up security, and the Transportation Security Administration deployed federal air marshals and security inspectors -- both undercover and in uniform -- to Amtrak rail stations in the Northeast.

At the nation's airports, officials randomly searched vehicles while increasing the number of police dogs and transportation security agents.

"Our advice for all passengers -- mass transit or aviation -- is to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to TSA, law enforcement or other officials," says TSA spokesman Christopher White.

Airport officials said they expect a higher-than-usual number of travelers this week but anticipate less congestion than normal as travelers split their trips between two weekends.

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