New security checks on flights to the U.S.

The Obama administration has signed off on a revamped security system that will screen U.S.-bound air passengers. The Los Angeles Times reports that "fliers from abroad will be evaluated based on personal traits rather than nationality."

The change will be announced Friday by the Department of Homeland Security. Under the new system, officials say, passengers on flights from all countries could be subject to special screening before boarding if they have personal characteristics that match the intelligence information about potential attackers.

The new protocols will replace extra scrutiny measures that had been imposed recently on all passengers from 14 countries, most of which are Muslim. President Obama ordered increased security after the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit. The revamped system will be put in place this month and will apply only to travelers flying into the United States.