Air travelers in Chattanooga discuss the current travel alert

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – Now that the State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert because of concerns about a potential terrorist attack, most people traveling through Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport say they are not too worried.

While millions of people will hit the roadway to spend time with family this Thanksgiving holiday, millions more are flying. News 12 spoke to several people taking flights out of Chattanooga.

"If something is going to happen, it’s going to happen. But I believe that our government is doing the best it can to protect us," said Paul Hogan who was waiting for his flight.

"It pays to be alert. But from all the traveling I’ve done, I’ve not seen anything that made me need to be alert," said Jim Gallagher who was also waiting for his flight.

"I try to be vigilant and pay attention to what’s going on but I’m not concerned," said Paul Depalma who had just arrived at the airport.

But some travelers like Talia Campease were concerned about the alert.

"It makes me a little bit nervous. I’m definitely more aware of my surroundings," Campease said.

Travelers who have to go through busier airports told News 12 the alert does impact security screenings.

"Maybe slower getting through security but it’s in our best interest to do that," said Rick Oseroff who was taking a flight to New York.

Chattanooga Airport President and CEO Terry Hart said there are some things travelers can do alleviate the wait.

"Plan accordingly. Get to the airport just a little bit earlier than normal so that you can check in and get your luggage checked in and go through the checkpoint. There have been no other changes occurred. We’re still following the TSA regulations and requirements," Hart said.

As of now, there has been a total of six worldwide travel alerts within the last four and a half years.