Thursday, 4:30 PM
National Guard bolsters security at Logan
About 100 Massachusetts National Guard soldiers and airmen were stationed throughout Logan International Airport today, screening carry-on baggage and walking patrols throughout the air hub as part of a wave of enhanced security.
Guard officials declined to give the specific number of troops for security reasons, saying all of the troops were armed and either assisting with baggage screening at gate areas, patrolling secure areas or manning entrances.
Passengers said that with traffic to the airport flowing and security lines decreasing in length, the uniformed troops were the first visible sign of the bolstered security after British authorities thwarted an alleged terrorist attempt to blow up multiple airliners over the Atlantic Ocean.
Mid-day flights were seeing some long lines, through the impact was not as panicked or chaotic as yesterday when new restrictions on liquids or gels in carry-on luggage took effect. Authorities were also confiscating yogurts and hand creams.
Passengers waiting in lines that stretched 70-people long were brought to the front of the screening area if their flight was nearing departure. Other passengers debated with each other if baby food counted as a liquid or a solid.
