Security upped in country's airports

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Department of Homeland Security has elevated the alert level to 'High' after Friday's failed attack aboard a U.S. plane that landed in Detroit.

Now all airports are ordered to increase security, including the Albuquerque International Sunport.

The man named in the alleged terrorist attack is said to be in a U.S. database of people with suspect connections. It's something we've heard and seen before.

Now, concerned passengers are being told to allow additional time to get through security.

Mixed in with the hustle and bustle of holiday travel is concern over Friday's incident.

"They had CNN on in the airport before we got on, they were talking about the terrorist thing, that was a little disconcerting," traveler Taylor Klinkman said.

From newspapers to a heightened alert level posted at 'Orange' for all airports, there was no avoiding news of the foiled terrorist attack on the U.S. plane that landed in Detroit on Christmas Day.

"Its scary, I travel a lot with my work, so I appreciate the security checkpoints that we go through and it's unfortunate that people get through it," traveler Phil Sykes said.

While Albuquerque sits hundreds of miles away, those leaving the Sunport were still preparing for the worst.

TSA officials mandated increased security.

The Department of Homeland Security stated they "immediately put additional screening measures into place for all domestic and international flights."

Officials said the measures "are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere."

The TSA will not elaborate on the specifics of the increased security.

The Sunport is one of a few airports equipped with a full body scanning system. A TSA spokesperson told News 13 it's been in use since it was installed.

Passengers said they are planning on increased security.

"I am anticipating extra security and that is why we're here early," Sykes said.

Sunport officials are expecting a big holiday rush on Sunday.