March 10, 1999
Web posted at: 2:59 p.m. EDT (1459 GMT)

From Carl Rochelle
CNN Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Undercover federal agents found serious security breaches at several major U.S. airports, sources have told CNN.

The Inspector General's office found that agents were able to get through security doors and into secure areas -- even boarding empty airplanes at will -- according to sources who have seen a report to be delivered Wednesday behind closed doors to a Congressional subcommittee.

The sources said it was alarming how easily the agents could get into critical areas of the airports.

Other areas tested included the effectiveness of advanced security technology, including sophisticated machines that inspect luggage.

While investigators found the technology was generally reliable, they found shortcomings in the people who operate it, including personnel who, on some occasions, did not understand or ignored what appeared to be a potential threat.

The report also looked into the implementation of new security requirements for checked baggage. Tests of automated passenger profiling worked as intended, the report said, correctly identifying potential threats.

However, test results of other checked baggage security procedures, including use of explosive detection equipment already deployed for screening checked baggage, identified weaknesses in the oversight and implementation of the new security requirements.

Sources familiar with the report told the Dallas Morning News Wednesday that none of the nation's five largest airports -- in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and New York -- was involved.

Reuters Limited contributed to this report