Passengers exit a US Airways regional jet at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.
Staff file photoChattanooga airport police were out in force at the terminal Monday as air travelers expressed confidence in security after the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden.
One traveler who flies to England frequently said he'll be cautious of his surroundings overseas.
"I make myself more aware of my surroundings," said Jim Jones, of Chattanooga, who was flying Monday to Pittsburgh.
Travelers from Chattanooga into the New York City area said they weren't concerned about flying.
Janice Henderson, of Chattanooga, said she felt safe even after bin Laden's slaying by U.S. special forces raised the specter of reprisals.
"I'm not worried," she said, adding she is "so glad they did" get bin Laden though sorry it took nine years after the destruction of the World Trade Center.
Joel Randolph, whose destination was Newark, N.J., said he didn't give a second thought about traveling, adding he's sure security officials are on alert.
"I'm grateful," he said about U.S. forces finding and killing bin Laden.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the federal government does not plan to raise the terror alert level as a result of bin Laden's death.
But law enforcement agencies around the U.S. added security measures Monday out of an abundance of caution.
New York sent extra police to its subways, airports, bridges and the World Trade Center site. In Los Angeles, police stepped up intelligence monitoring.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.