Experts say cure for airport security breaches lies in better procedures, not harder penalties

Tough penalties weighed for air security scofflaws

NEWARK, N.J. — Violating security at American airports can cause major delays, cost millions and inconvenience thousands of travelers.

But current penalties are often no worse than what someone would get for tossing a hamburger wrapper on the ground.

After a man walked through a checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport last week, some are calling for harsher penalties for those who disregard security rules.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (LOUT’-ehn-burg) of New Jersey wants to make the penalties federal. Some experts say violators should be temporarily banned from flying or face six-figure fines.

Some security experts and passenger advocates, though, doubt whether harsher punishments would keep distracted travelers from breaking the rules.