Terror arrest

DETROIT, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. air travelers face additional security checks in the wake of an alleged attempted terror attack on a jetliner headed to Detroit.

Security officials ordered tighter surveillance after a Nigerian man was detained when he allegedly tried to start a fire on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from the Netherlands Friday as the plane headed to Detroit.

The fire was apparently set in an attempt to ignite explosive chemicals smuggled onto the plane. The suspect suffered burns on his leg but has since been moved from a hospital to a prison.

As signs indicated al-Qaida may be related to the Flight 253 incident, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a check of security procedures and additional security screening, mainly on international flights headed to the United States, caused extensive delays.

The Transportation Security Administration, on its Web site, said travelers in the United States will see changes in standard security measures.

"TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport," TSA said.