Travelers: It’s too early to fear reprisals

Less than 24 hours after the White House announced Osama bin Laden had been killed by U.S. troops, travelers packed O’Hare International Airport hoping their flights would leave as planned. Though many mentioned concerns about retaliation, passengers said it is still too early to fear an attack.

Marilyn Fischman of Buffalo Grove arrived at the airport about two hours early for a flight to Las Vegas with her sister. Fischman said she heard about the news of bin Laden’s death Sunday but didn’t consider changing her flight plans.

“At this point in time, it’s too soon for them to retaliate anyway,” Fischman said Monday. “But we are very glad that he’s dead.”

Officials advised passengers traveling through O’Hare and Midway international airports to allow plenty of time to get through security.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said fliers can expect bag checks, random screenings at gates, canine teams and other safety measures.

Dean Jaramillo of Lake Zurich arrived with time to spare for his flight.

“I think they’ve beefed up the security,” Jaramillo said. “It might take a little longer to get through the checkpoints.”

Jaramillo, like his fellow travelers, guessed Monday was too soon for an al-Qaida response. He said it will probably take time for the group to plan any next moves.

Unlike the attacks 10 years ago that brought airports across the country to a standstill, O’Hare on Monday operated normally, hiding any behind-the-scenes tension that may have been present.

Checkpoints were open and functioning, funneling passengers through one of the busiest U.S. airports.

Franklin Lee of Arlington Heights was unaware of the previous night’s announcement. He said he was shocked to learn bin Laden had been killed.

In terms of his early afternoon flight to Nashville, Lee was unconcerned about his safety, saying a repeat of the Sept. 11 attacks would be unlikely.

“With everyone knowing, everybody is going to take precautions,” Lee said. “I don’t think we’re ever going to let that happen again.”

Homeland Security officials did not issue a domestic terrorism alert following Bin Laden’s death Sunday, although the U.S. State Department put out an international travel alert for people traveling and living abroad to be aware of the potential for anti-American violence.

“The Transportation Security Administration continually evaluates the latest threats and screening measures, which are implemented based on the latest intelligence,” a TSA official said.

The Chicago Department of Aviation said passengers should, as always, arrive two hours in advance of flights.

Authorities at Metra said the agency had been in contact with the Department of Homeland Security several times Monday regarding security issues.

“We definitely are beefing up security,” Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said. “Commuters will notice an increase in uniformed police patroling on platforms and in our stations.”

Travelers are also asked to be watchful of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities.

“Our passengers are our eyes and ears,” Pardonnet said.