Security stepped up at key U.S airports

[jjcollins]

Found this in the Sunday Times today

Passengers flying to America face check-in delays over the summer as the United States steps up security at key airports — including Los Angeles, Miami and New York — amid warnings of an increased threat of terrorist attack.
In the light of “recent specific intelligence”, the Department of Homeland Security has announced an increase in security screening, which will inevitably result in additional delays for the peak summer season and beyond.

“We know they will have an impact on international travellers,” says a spokesman for the department, “but we believe they are necessary in order to protect lives and property.”

Passengers will be required to remove all electronic gadgets and put them through x-ray machines at security checkpoints. Among the items that will prompt increased scrutiny are camera flash attachments, mobile phones, radios, CD-players and laptops — all items that US agencies think terrorists may use to conceal weapons or bombs.

Homeland Security agencies say that they will reassess the situation at the end of September.



If someone happens to be flying into one of these airports maybe you'd let us know how you get on.



jj........

 

[wendym]

We flew through Chicago/MCO/LAX and Dulles in June/July this year. Yes there was more security but as long as you were there in plenty of time you were ok - I would not want to have a quick changeover anywhere at the moment. Just be prepared to put everything through the scanners (including shoes), don't lock cases and make sure your film (exposed and unexposed) is in your hand luggage.
At both MCO and LAX we had to take our cases to a separate scanner area after checking in - we just had to leave them there after they checked they weren't locked. We were flying with United but I am sure this applies to all airlines.
Anything else please ask, I got quite an expert at taking my shoes off at the last minute!
Wendy