Translation: Inconveniencing passengers is preferable/easier than solving fundamental problems. ----------- Airport Official Orders Closure of Tunnels Connecting Southside Passenger Terminals at Los Angeles Airport LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2002--Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard today directed the closure of two connecting tunnels between southside passenger terminals at Los Angeles World Airports. This action is being taken based upon the preliminary review of today's multiple-terminal evacuation and is in the best interest of the traveling public by precluding future evacuations should a security breach occur at one of these terminals. This action is pending a meeting with local, federal and airline officials to discuss a long-term plan that balances the need for improved airport security with passenger convenience. ``We are supportive of the action taken by federal officials to evacuate Terminals 4 through 8 to re-screen all passengers,'' said Kennard. ``However, as the airport operator, we want to take whatever action we can to minimize any future inconveniences to the traveling public related to security issues as the Transportation Security Administration completes its takeover of the passenger screening function.'' The evacuation of Terminals 4 (American Airlines), 5 (Delta), 6 (United/International and Continental), 7 and 8 (United) on the Central Terminal Area southside resulted from the discovery of a non-operating metal detector at Terminal 4 passenger screening area, which is under the jurisdiction of the federal Transportation Security Administration. Approximately 400 flights were affected, primarily domestic arriving and departing flights. Connecting tunnels on the Lower/Arrival Level between Terminals 4 and 5, and 5 and 6 will be closed. The Upper/Departure Level walkways between Terminals 6, 7 and 8 will remain open as they accommodate United Airlines passengers. The connecting tunnels were part of the original 1950s design of the airport and are viewed as a passenger convenience because travelers using these tunnels did not have to leave the secured area of one terminal to be re-screened at another terminal to catch a connecting flight. -- David Mueller / SAN kawika42@mac.com http://www.quanterium.com