URGENT!!! International Flight Security

[bazzanoid]

Hi all!

For those that don't browse the UK forums, please read THIS THREAD and the below statement regarding OUTBOUND flights from the UK with immediate (temporary) effect. This may be extended to USA outbound flights at some point if deemed necessary.

Passengers may only take through the airport security search point, the following items:

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

Pocket sized wallets and pocked sized purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards and identity cards). Handbags are not permitted.

Prescribed medicines essential for the duration of the flight, except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.

Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.

Contact lenses, without bottles of solution

For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk and sanitary items essential for the flight.

Keys (but no electrical key fobs).

Every other item must be carried in customer’s hold luggage.

For clarity, passengers are advised that no electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, ipods, remote controls etc can be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage.

Customers are advised to check-in as normal but to expect delays at all UK airports.

 

[magicmouse2]

Bumping . Could we have a sticky on this for the time being Mods ?

 

[makinorlando]

I have been watching this story on CNN since about 3:30am (EDT) time this morning. Wow - Heathrow is in chaos.

I will be curious to see how it affects travel out of OIA (domestic) today - my mother and great nephew were to leave yesterday, but their flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems, and she choose to come back to my house (I'm only 20 min from airport) instead of taking a flight that got her in Phila late. I'm going to make sure they are at the airport a little earlier - I am waiting to see a report from OIA on the local news

I can only imagine how difficult this all must be for those were planning on flying to Orlando for their holiday from the UK today. What an awful way to start.

Packing all that electronic equipment in checked luggage is kind of "scary" due to the loss of luggage issues, but I totally understand they must take all necessary precautions to keep passengers safe!

If this plot was not uncovered this could have been more catastrophic than anything we have ever seen.

I wonder if all of this will crack down on all the carry on luggage domestically as well - ETA - sounds like you can still have carry on - but even here no liquids - drinks, or bottled liquids - shampoo, etc in your carry on.

My best to all those who are traveling today - I am sure added patience is going to be required!

 

[DebIreland]

*Bump*
This is terrifying. I am so grateful and relieved that this horrific plot was uncovered in time. Let's hope and pray they've caught all the scum involved in this and that everyone remains vigilent.

Wishing all who are travelling today and in the coming days and weeks a safe journey.

 

[JPN4265]

For those of you who still don't believe that we are in World War IV, I hope this finally opens your eyes!!!

 

[bazzanoid]

*bump*

 

[Pixiedust34]

I just woke up and put on the news.


-bump-

 

[katytrott]

We have BBC news special on TV all day so far, which I am watching. The plot was a simulataneous airplane explosions from outbound flights from Heathrow. John Reid from the Home Office said it would have been mass murder leading to thousands, so goodness knows how many planes that would have been. 25 people have been arrested, mostly in London, the plan was to take explosives in fizzy drinks in hand luggage, hence no hand luggage on any planes. Latest breaking news we've just had is from from the US who have said the 3 airlines that were targeted were from the US being United, Continental and American. The UK are waiting to hear from the Head of the Anti Terrorist Unit, to get the full details and further information. BBC were reporting from Washington where they said the States are on "red" alert for any planes inbound to the country, which is the first time ever. Apparently all airports in the US that have international flights are affected including the ban on hand luggage. I'll keep you informed if wanted.

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

For those of you who still don't believe that we are in World War IV, I hope this finally opens your eyes!!!

Although this is a really scary situation and this could have been a major tragedym I don't think we should be saying we are in World War IV...besides I'm a history teacher and apparently I missed World War III! I haven't heard any details yet on who these people were who were plotting this but before jumping to conclusions about another world war, lets get the facts straight!

 

[alicenwonder99]

CNN just said there is now a ban on all liquid items on US flights, too. Not sure if it is all flights, or just international flights out of US.

This is really scary.

 

[InstImpres]

It is now effecting US Flights
From Continentals Website
Current as of Thu., Aug. 10, 2006 5:00 a.m. Central. Information is updated as it is received.

For all flights to, from, and within the United States
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and the need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.

On instruction from the Transportation Security Administration, Continental Airlines advises customers that no liquids or gels are permitted inside the sterile area through the screening checkpoint or be in accessible baggage or on one's person except:

Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby of small child is traveling
Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket
Insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines
In addition, customers may not bring liquids and gels purchased inside the sterile area onboard the aircraft. Examples of liquids and gels include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and items of a similar consistency.

These measures apply to all scheduled and charter flight operations that depart from and operate within the United States and its territories and possessions.

All passengers are advised to travel light. Accessible property should have minimal clutter to expedite the screening process.

Passengers should check-in as normal, but should expect longer processing times at the airport.

Continental Airlines regrets any inconveniences caused.

 

[shelleyr25]

Just saw on our local news that Newark Airport has banned just about all carry on luggage on all flights.

 

[flortlebap]

We're meant to be flying next month from Manchester to Orlando on a big international airline.

I'm now seriously considering cancelling. It would have been the trip of a lifetime for us, my entire extended family included - and because of this it could be ruined.

I don't feel good

 

[flortlebap]

Oh and by the way - you're only allowed to take baby milks onto the plane if you drink some first to prove it's safe!

Have any of you actually tasted formula? I made the mistake once and nearly gagged!!!

 

[penguin087]

We're meant to be flying next month from Manchester to Orlando on a big international airline.

I'm now seriously considering cancelling. It would have been the trip of a lifetime for us, my entire extended family included - and because of this it could be ruined.

I don't feel good

Please don't let the terrorists win and cost your family the trip of a life time. Everything possible is being done right now to assure your family's saftey.
My best to your family for a safe and exciting trip.

 

[HayGan]

Please don't let the terrorists win and cost your family the trip of a life time. Everything possible is being done right now to assure your family's saftey.
My best to your family for a safe and exciting trip.

I agree!!! They win if you let them have an effect like this on your life!

Sure security lines will be a little longer and you will need check more than you did previously but please everyone continue on with your plans.

Don't let these @#$#&$* terrorists win!!!

 

[JPN4265]

Although this is a really scary situation and this could have been a major tragedym I don't think we should be saying we are in World War IV...besides I'm a history teacher and apparently I missed World War III! I haven't heard any details yet on who these people were who were plotting this but before jumping to conclusions about another world war, lets get the facts straight!

I guess it depends on if you count the Cold War! Western culture against the Muslums radicals. Looks like a war, smells like a war, must be a war.

 

[bunny213]

Flortlebap...please please don't cancel your trip...and don't be sad. We are so fortunate that they have uncovered this plot...and now all these precautions that are being will taken will probably make your journey safer than ever before. It will be an inconvenience for all, but we can't let these horrible people rob us of our lives. I wish you well and sincerely hope that your trip is magical and wonderful. Barb in Texas

 

[makinorlando]

As an FYI - my mother is at OIA now, I dropped her off this morning to fly home to PA. I just called to see how security was - it took about 1/2 hour, and they took her unopened bottle of water (she figured it was worth a try, but knew they might take it) as well as her makeup - foundation and foaming cleanser.

She had left a bottle of moisturizer here, but didn't think about the makeup.

They are allowing carry on luggage at this time (at least domestic flights - that's all I have personal knowledge of)- that is all she and my great nephew had - we shipped everything else back home for them (she is 82, he is 10 - so the less luggage the better!)

 

[bayoutinksmom]

Western culture against the Muslums radicals.

I am sorry but could you please explain what you mean by this. I am really hoping that you are not sympathizing with people who strap bombs to themselves and their children killing innocent people in the name of their religion.