red alert issued

from wusa9: Passengers at the region's major international airports suddenly faced long lines and major flight delays Thursday as U.S. authorities declared the highest-ever security alert for commercial planes after the discovery of a terrorist plot aimed at airlines from Britain to the United States.

Early arrivals to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Dulles International Airport outside Washington found the airports at full alert.

At Pier D at BWI, a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer was telling those waiting that all flights were delayed because of "security issues."

from voice of america: The terrorist plot to blow up aircraft flying between Britain and the United States is having repercussions in many airports around the world. Investigators have indicated the plot centered on a plan to use liquid explosives, and many airports are now prohibiting passengers from carrying any liquids on board with them. VOA's David Byrd went out Washington's Dulles International Airport to speak with passengers and has this report.

The security line stretched the length of Dulles airport and check-in lines were crowded as well. Police with bomb-sniffing dogs were patrolling the airport and Transportation Security Administration officials asked passengers to put all liquids, including their morning coffee or any other drinks, in large plastic bins.

Keith West and Marylin Brophy were on their way home to Wyoming from Johannesburg, South Africa, and were surprised by the restrictions.

"If it's for security, I'll do it, but most of it is just standing in lines," West said.