The travel industry is reeling from recent terrorist attacks, as many are apparently re-evaluating their travel plans during the holidays. Airline companies and travel agencies are said to be experiencing booking cancellations as security becomes a big concern, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Over 47 million Americans are expected to travel during Thanksgiving this year, and while many of these will be road trips, a significant percentage will be boarding airplanes. Airline ticket prices are 10 percent lower than last year, and about 25.3 million are expected to fly from Nov. 20 through Dec. 1, USA Today noted.
Travel experts and authorities are assuring the public not to let fear overcome them during the holidays, as the threats have only bolstered security measures. "As we prepare for a busy holiday season, we urge LAX travelers to take steps to ensure that their travel experience goes as smoothly as possible, and know that during the holidays, as we do every single day, the airport, Airport Police and Los Angeles Police Department - working in collaboration with our partner agencies at the federal level - are taking every step to keep Angelenos and visitors from around the world safe," said Los Angeles city councilman Bob Blumenfield, according to The SGV Tribune.
"There is a high level of security as with other airports, but for obvious reasons we cannot specify what they are," said Maria Tesoro of the LA/Ontario International airport. "Passengers can expect a higher visibility of law enforcement."
However, for your piece of mind, you can also refer to the travel safety tips provided by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the travel guide from the Department of Homeland Security, especially if you're flying abroad.
Travel experts also suggest vigilance during trips by making the necessary preparations such as programming emergency numbers on your cellphone or avoiding large crowds, according to Fox 6 Now. "If I feel that it's not safe to go somewhere, I'll be the first one to say it. I don't want anyone to go to a country that is not safe," travel agent Ben-Yitzhak said in the report.
