Bomb Threats on Delta 1156 and Southwest 2492 in Atlanta

[dorough]

Coms between pilots, tower & FBI from final approach to evacuation - condensed for time.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/01/24/authorities-investigate-credible-bomb-threats-on-2-planes-at-ga-airport/?intcmp=latestnews

Two passenger jets were escorted by fighter jets to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and evacuated Saturday after what authorities called two “credible” bomb threats. However, FBI Atlanta later said that no devices were found on either plane.

The flights, Delta flight 1156 and Southwest flight 2492, were met in the air by fighter jets and escorted to the airport “as a precautionary measure’ according to a spokesman for NORAD. The flights landed safety and the fighter jets returned to their base.

The passengers were evacuated and a bomb squad checked both planes, MyFoxAtlanta reports.

"Due a security situation, the aircraft operating Flight 2492 was taken to a remote area of the airport where customers and the aircraft are being rescreened,” a spokesman for Southwest Airlines said. “Our number one priority is the safety of our customers and people. We cannot comment on the nature of the security situation."

The FBI in Atlanta later confirmed that no explosive devices were discovered.

[jbadger10]

What I find interesting is that the article and the media all report that the fighter jets escorted them to ATL. However, both pilots when they landed didn't know that there was anything going on. The Delta pilot had to call company and find out what the issue was.

So, do the fighter jets make themselves known when they provide the escort or are they trailing as to not incite panic? If they take up position off the wing, wouldn't the pilots have realized something was going on and asked while still in the air?