Breaking Flying News: U.S. Raises Flight Threat Levels to Highest Point

[KTSMOM]

You do not need her report.Please keep in mind that this can change.

This is why I would like her to let us know what her DH says..in case things are added to the list. Although I plan on being vigilant in checking, it never hurts to be over cautious. I don't want any new surprises on Sat am.

 

[safetymom]

CarolA, I so agree with you. We aren't any safer but boy oh boy are people going to be harassed at the airports now. I can imagine all those TSA agents that had their vacations cancelled are not going to be very happy.

I also will not be checking my digital camera and laptop. Those are my work tools. If they are lost or stolen I can't do my job!!! Thankfully I have my Clear card so that will help here in Orlando. I am not flying for a month so by then the confusion should have died down.

I can't wait to see how many people end up checking their luggage. That should be interesting.

 

[TheMummyQueen]

It makes me really worried as we are set to fly out 9/9 and this plot that was foiled was supposed to take place on 9/11 again they think. :

Chertoff specifically addressed this issue in his press conference.

This was not supposed to happen on 9/11 - it was imminent. He said that the reason that they made the arrests today was that they thought the suspects weren't going to wait till 9/11. These folks simply are not interested in anniversaries like some think they are. This was to go down in the very near future, which is why TSA only had a 4 hour notice to prepare for the heightened security measures .

Although, I do tend to agree that the 5th anniversary of 9/11 would seem significant and more precautions should be taken. Especially for some copycatters that would like to think they work for Osama.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

This is why I would like her to let us know what her DH says..in case things are added to the list. Although I plan on being vigilant in checking, it never hurts to be over cautious. I don't want any new surprises on Sat am.

Then keep checking the TSA website.

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

This is why I would like her to let us know what her DH says..in case things are added to the list. Although I plan on being vigilant in checking, it never hurts to be over cautious. I don't want any new surprises on Sat am.

Hopefully by Saturday things will be much more calm

 

[safetymom]

I don't think it is going to calm down for quite a while.

 

[pouncingpluto]

From the BBC's website

"Passengers are being asked to check in most items of baggage, apart from wallets and purses, identity and travel documents, prescription medicines, spectacles and sunglasses and keys. "

Perhaps they could put their supplies in the PURSE???

Not according to this, which says that handbags are not allowed and that items may only be brought aboard in a single (ideally transparent) plastic bag:

Hand luggage
All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

The only items that may be taken through airport security search points and in to the cabin, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, are the following:

pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards, etc - handbags are not allowed.

travel documents essential for the journey (eg, passports and travel tickets)

prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight

(eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic

spectacles and sunglasses, without cases

contact lens holders, without bottles of solution

for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items
sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags)

female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg, tampons, pads, towels and wipes)

tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs

keys (but not with electrical key fobs)

Nothing may be carried in pockets.

 

[CarolA]

Not according to this, which says that handbags are not allowed and that items may only be brought aboard in a single (ideally transparent) plastic bag:

Hand luggage
All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

The only items that may be taken through airport security search points and in to the cabin, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, are the following:

pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards, etc - handbags are not allowed.

travel documents essential for the journey (eg, passports and travel tickets)

prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight

(eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic

spectacles and sunglasses, without cases

contact lens holders, without bottles of solution

for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items
sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags)

female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg, tampons, pads, towels and wipes)

tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs

keys (but not with electrical key fobs)

Nothing may be carried in pockets.

This proves that the security in Britan is run by the same folks as the TSA

They don't think that as soon as you get past security you aren't putting your keys in your pockets? I can only assume they mean that you can't ever put anything in your pockets since you have NEVER been able to go thru secuirty with items in your pockets.

(Also they key word was PERFERABLY transparent There was no requirement for it to be a clear plastic bag. )

And exactly HOW am I suppose to seperate the "electric fob" from my key, it's a one piece unit on my car? And it's a European car so something tells me that lots of Brit's have the same key type.

And let's not mention the baby food requirements. Your safety is now dependent on the willingness of a terrorist to drink a little of the liquid.....

As to why I posted the way I did, I just think your OP on this was just not really required. Maybe I was reading it the wrong way, but you didn't seem to think it was "embarassing" to carry diapers, drugs etc. Why would tampons be "noteworth" and prozac not. Personally if I was on certain types of meds and traveling with my co-workers for example, the fact that you could read my prescriptions might be much more upsetting.

(I also like that the they tell you just to bring enough for the flight. Does the security agent get to determine that too???)

 

[NancyIL]

We leave Tuesday and my MIL will probably be a nervous wreck for us over this. Last year, we flew to Rome thru Heathrow just days after the first subway bombing and then returned (again thru Heathrow) the day of the second bombing.

I've got to say that I appreciate the vigilance of our allies across the pond. Like Laurafoster said, I'd rather that they erred on the side of caution rather than risk hundreds or thousands of lives by downplaying a serious threat.

This will inconvenience a lot of us but we all survived air travel before the invention of cell phones, laptops and portable DVD players. DS14 and DD16 will have to just read a book, play cards or take a nap instead of being entertained by iPods and PSPs. Certainly not their first choice but we'll do whatever we have to do.

Hugs and prayers for everyone traveling over the next few weeks. Stay calm, stay safe and stay informed.

We were also in London last year the week before the first bombings - on our way to a cruise out of Harwich. We rode the same bus route that was bombed, and we had been in 2 of the 3 subway/rail stations that were bombed - Kings Cross and Liverpool Street! We returned to London the week after the bombings and stayed 2 days...lots of disruption of the subway lines still.

My concern about checking toiletries and other essentials is...not getting the checked luggage when we arrive at our destination!! SO much faster to have a carryon bag, arrive at your destination, and go!

 

[Nebsky]

TSA = Thousands Standing Around

You are right. They are going to be horrible now.

Complete joke. Back after 9/11 they required the National Guard Members just inside the security checkpoints on the secured side to put thier M-16's through the xray machine.

Love the fact when you traveled previously, shoes were not required to come off. The ones at DFW were awfully pissy if you didn't listen to them and remove them at thier request. I told them I wasnt going to take them off and it really made them mad. I walked through and the bells/whistles didnt go off. I just kind of smiled. Agent directed me to secondary screening. I said, nah, thats not neccessary, and showed her my airline ID. I thought she was going to have a stroke.

Crew Members generally carry on all their luggage. Most of the time they will store it in the cabin. Sometimes when there is no room it goes below. It is very difficult for them to get it below.

What I think is incredibly stupid is the fact that you cannot take on board a drink that was purchased in the secured area of the airport. That makes no sense to me. All that stuff went through security to get into the secured side to begin with. Was it compromised? No.

Gotta just roll with the punches.

 

[Pugrpooh]

I also will not be checking my digital camera and laptop.

You don't have to unless you will be on a flight from the UK to the US. If you are flying domestically, you are only prohibited from carrying on liquids, gels and the such. Electronics are NOT prohibited on domestic flights.

 

[MaryBeth7]

I am travelling next wednesday with 2 other adults and 10 kids. Panic set in this morning when I heard the news... I decided to call Air Canada and ask about carry ons and the guy told me "only no liquids" so I asked kids are allowed gameboys, leapsters.... in a carry on and he said "yes". Didn't even tell me to arrive early. It makes my day easier but I shall check again on Monday in case things have changed. I am leaving from montreal if any one is curious as to where I fly out of.

 

[CarolA]

TSA = Thousands Standing Around

You are right. They are going to be horrible now.

Complete joke. Back after 9/11 they required the National Guard Members just inside the security checkpoints on the secured side to put thier M-16's through the xray machine.

I will have to remember that.... Too funny!

I do think the beverage thing is funny. And how are they going to tell, are they sending TSA guys back to the gates for security checks. Is the gate agent suppose to inspect my computer bag to make sure I am not trying to smuggle on that $5 bottle of water the airport just sold me?

 

[CPer'sMom]

My husband is waiting on a flight at the moment at Reagan National. He was in the security line when it was announced no liquids, gels etc. Many people got out of line and went to the counter to check the bag they were going to carry-on and then went back to the security line. He made it through quite quickly compared to what the wait is now and will be later in the day. He did say though that, almost to the person, everyone was very orderly & not complaining. Here in DC most people realize the necessity of these types of security issues and just go with it. There's no use complaining and being annoyed with it all -- it's going to happen so you just need to deal with it.

Lines at security at Dulles aiport right now predicted to be at least a 3-4 hour wait. Many they are interviewing on the news are simply resigning themselves to the fact that they won't make their plane ~

Good luck to all of you traveling in the next few days.

Complete joke. Back after 9/11 they required the National Guard Members just inside the security checkpoints on the secured side to put thier M-16's through the xray machine.

None of this was a joke in DC or New York. If you had to drive on the streets in DC and saw the Marines at the on/off ramps in their humvees with their machine guns standing guard you'd feel differently about security issues.
Yes, there have been TSA issues, but I can assure you that airport security isn't a "joke". It could be done more efficiently, but it is what it is right now.
If you fly, you need to just deal with it.

 

[tracys2cents]

Beverages purchased in the boarding area are not allowed onto the plane? What are they gonna do, paw through everyone's bag again as we board the plane? Sounds like another crazy over-reaction. If they want to kill a bunch of tourists they can go into any restaurant anywhere, they don't have to take it to an airplane. They can purchase tan lotion and water and have a cell phone inside Disney World...does this mean we are going to panic that we are all going to be blown up? Only our PLANES will be safe places now?

Anyway, can't a terrorist simply open the exit door mid-air and bring us all down? Why do they need shampoo and a cell phone to cause harm?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

what about cameras should i pack my camera inm y carry on now
should i skip packing clothes in a carry one and just our ids and diapers and wipes for the baby with an empty sippy cup ??

 

[CarolA]

To a certain point I agree that there is no use complaining. However, I don't hesitate to complain if I receive any verbal harrassment from ANY TSA employees. The fact that they have power does not give them the right to "make up rules" (and they do) or be abusive to passengers. (My loudest and most formal complaint ever which included copies to my elected officals was when I saw a TSA agent YELLING at a senior citizen something to the effect that "if she tried she could walk" I then watched as he continued to yell about the trouble she was creating by wanting to be in her wheelchair. I did get an formal statement that the agent was disciplined and I never saw him at a BNA checkpoint again so maybe it helped. Your grandmother should not be treated like a criminal becasue she is disabled!)

 

[CarolA]

what about cameras should i pack my camera inm y carry on now
should i skip packing clothes in a carry one and just our ids and diapers and wipes for the baby with an empty sippy cup ??

Your camera should have ALWAYS been in your carry on.

As a general rule (prior to this even) Carry ons should be for valuables. Clothes aren't valuables. (and if you are taking your thousand dollar evening gown to Disney you may dispute that, but why? LOL!)

Valuables are electronics, jewerly, prescriptions etc. Electronics and cameras are not covered by the airline so if you check them and they are stolen then you are out of luck.

(I would consider diapers for the flight and a few extras VERY valuable LOL!)

 

[TheMummyQueen]

From the BBC's website

"Passengers are being asked to check in most items of baggage, apart from wallets and purses, identity and travel documents, prescription medicines, spectacles and sunglasses and keys. "

Perhaps they could put their supplies in the PURSE???

I think we need to remember that although we speak the same language, our brethren in the UK do use some words differently than we do.

There is a difference in purse and handbag in the UK. Handbag being the large purse type thing we use, and their "purse" references more of a small wallet type. At least that is what I recall from when we lived there long ago.

So, when reading restrictions on the BBC, we need to know the colloquial use of words over there.

 

[Nebsky]

None of this was a joke in DC or New York. If you had to drive on the streets in DC and saw the Marines at the on/off ramps in their humvees with their machine guns standing guard you'd feel differently about security issues.
Yes, there have been TSA issues, but I can assure you that airport security isn't a "joke". It could be done more efficiently, but it is what it is right now.
If you fly, you need to just deal with it.

I saw them. I had no problem with them being there with thier weapons. Trust me, I work for the airlines. I know the airport security procedures. I will say they do a good job most of the time. I will reserve comment on all other security issues that I know of.