Airport lines called terror target
In the wake last month's terror attacks in Brussels that targeted an airport ticketing line, security was visibly enhanced at U.S. airports. But this was just a temporary solution, and in the days since there have been calls to extend the security perimeter to the airport's door.
Brian Michael Jenkins, a former Green Beret and anti-terror expert, says that solution would do little to make airports less vulnerable to attack.
"That in turn creates a crowd, a backup of individuals, waiting to go through security and they themselves become another vulnerable target," Jenkins said. "So simply pushing back the security perimeter doesn't buy us a great deal."
Anthony C. Roman, a former corporate pilot who works on counter-terror strategy for his firm Roman & Associates, has a solution that would have a larger impact on the way travelers get to and from the airport. He advocates vehicle screenings before anyone even gets onto airport property, so that explosives or weapons can be detected before they are even near the large amounts of people who cluster at the ticketing counters and security lines.
"We need the highest level of security, and that security begins at the airport's perimeter, as the vehicles are approaching the outside ring of the airport, not at the point they reach the terminal," Roman said.
Roman took Alex to JFK , where he pointed out potential vulnerabilities and ways to improve the terminal's security. And he has simple advice to anyone who may be caught in the unthinkable alone or with their family.
"Run," he said. "If you can help anyone along the way, move and move quickly."