As we've just seen, international airports have stepped up their security in response to Abdulmutallab's failed attack.

 

Authorities in Britain, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands increased passenger checks during the busy Christmas holiday and ahead of New Year travel period.

At Roissy Airport in Paris, passengers said security staff were carrying out thorough inspections.

Matt Mills, Passenger Roissy Airport, said, "They are checking every person. They make you take everything out, everything out of every bag that you have."

At London's busy Heathrow Airport, passengers were warned that delays were inevitable because of the extra security checks.

Graham Simpson, Operations Director HEATKROW Airport, London, said, "We would be very grateful if passengers could check with their airline websites before leaving home, if they could arrive to the airport in plenty of time and thirdly, if they could just minimize their hand luggage to one bag."

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam was used by the attacker as a transit point from Nigeria. The Dutch national counter-terrorism agency said procedures at the airport had been heightened.

Several passengers travelling through the airport said they would be unfazed if full-body scanners were introduced at airports, even if the images taken made them look naked.

Passenger, Schiphol Airport, said, "I think it is necessary, absolutely, because it is for my safety and for everybody's safety that is on the plane."

German police have also strengthened security at airports throughout the country.

Travellers to the US have been told to prepare for stronger check-in-controls and longer waiting time.

Passenger, Frankfurt Airport, said, "We are flying to the US. We did schedule three hours earlier anyway but probably even that will not be enough today."

At Manchester Airport in northern England, there were mixed reactions to the new security provisions. Some welcomed them as necessary, while others thought they were excessive.

Passenger, Manchester Airport, said, "I think it's a good idea, the trouble is though, why is it so lax? Why have they allowed it to become so lax."

Passenger, Manchester Airport, said, "It's just an extra hassle that's all, better if it wasn't there, but you know, we're a paranoid nation."

The effects of the alleged attack have been felt by passengers on many international flights departing from airports around the world.

Passengers getting off flights reported they had been told not to get out of their seat for the last hour of their flight.