SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Airport Authority spent Monday looking at how money was being spent on travel by board members and determined that some changes were needed.

Created in 2003, the Airport Authority is headquartered on the top floor of the commuter terminal at San Diego's Lindbergh Field.

In May, the 10News I-Team looked at expenses incurred by Airport Authority President Thella Bowens, who spent $9,000 for air travel to Geneva, Switzerland, when traveling coach would have cost $900.

The Voice of San Diego looked at another trip to London by two other Airport Authority executives who flew at a cost of $11,000, when flying coach would have cost under $2,000.

"We have to realize that the watchdog service that the media provides is something we need to pay attention to," said Airport Authority Chairman Bob Watkins.

Watkins asked three different departments to take a look at the travel policy, administration, legal and auditing.

While he said they didn't find any blatant violations, they found that the policy needed adjusting.

"I don't believe the staff or the board in any way have violated any public trust by the way they travel. However, maybe we can do a better job of tightening up the rules so that when we do get scrutiny we can justify the expenses in the right way so that the public understands we are doing our job," said Watkins.

Among the recommendations:

prior approval for any travel

changing the expense form to allow for greater explanation

instead of a sporadic audit of travel expenses, make sure it's done every year

"I think we need to use it as a test ... are we following the right in terms of what we should be doing as a business?" said Watkins.

Under the policy, business class is allowed for airline trips over six hours. Other changes included who specifically could approve expenses, and travel or meals.

The full board will be presented with the changes at their October meeting.