Security specialists urge warning as spring break journey season begins

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Spring has arrived, and Airlines for America tasks this yr will probably be a file yr for air journey.

About 173 million Americans are anticipated to take to the skies between March and April.

“I think it’s extremely important to understand that these are not normal times for travel, it’s good to be prepared, it’s good to be safe whenever we travel, but especially when there’s an elevated threat level because of global conflict,” mentioned Cliff Lent, a safety advisor for Global Threat Solutions.

Conflicts like these within the Middle East have raised considerations. However, even when touring to a special area, vacationers ought to verify what the political local weather could be.

“Is there unrest? Are there protests? What is their feelings toward the U.S. during this time of global conflict? Where is the closest embassy is they’re traveling to medium to high threat area?” Lent mentioned.

Even in a usually secure space, Lent mentioned vacationers ought to attempt to mix in with the locals.

“Whether it’s through clothing, or behavior, don’t be loud and draw attention to yourself. You don’t want to stand out in a crowd,” he mentioned.

On Thursday, the physique of missing University of Alabama student James Gracey was found. The 20-year-old was visiting buddies in Spain. While it’s not clear what led to his loss of life, his household mentioned he received separated from buddies whereas at a nightclub.

“Try to utilize the buddy system, whether it’s your girlfriends or your boyfriends, try to stick together because you’re a lot more vulnerable when you’re on your own,” Lent mentioned.

If a toddler goes overseas, Lent mentioned mother and father ought to speak to them about sharing their location and the journey itinerary.

“It’s hard to take protective measures from a continent away across the ocean, but at least we have that basic information as a starting point,” he mentioned.

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