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Worldwide Alert Could Have Huge Impact On Holiday Travel

By Justin Finch, Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert urging Americans to exercise vigilance amid rising terror threats.

The warning comes in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season. The Transportation Safety Administration is expecting a huge jump in passengers, 40 percent more than they see on a regular basis.

There are no credible threats to the United States, but the new global travel alert warns people to exercise caution in large crowds and public places, particularly during the holidays and at holiday events. It's a warning that travelers at Philadelphia International Airport are heeding.

"As long as we're safe," said one woman. "That's the purpose."

"I don't really have any concerns," said one man. "I feel pretty safe and secure."

I love flying," said another woman. "So I'm ready to go."

The State Department says terror groups, like ISIS, Al Qaeda and others, are planning attacks using both conventional and non-conventional weapons.

With the heightened security, holiday travelers can expect to see longer lines than usual at the airport.

"Please come early," said TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy. "This will be one of the busiest travel seasons on record so please come early and come prepared. That's the best thing you can do. It's really a shared responsibility here."

With 47 million people set to travel this holiday season, McCarthy emphasized the importance of everyone doing their part to stay safe.

"We ask for your help," McCarthy said. "If you're out and if you see something you're questioning please report it to TSA, law enforcement or an airport official."

He said it's important to make sure you don't have any of the prohibited items. Even TSA pre-check passengers may be asked to take their shoes off.

The travel alert isn't expected to expire until late February, taking travelers well past the Christmas holiday, as well.

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