Terror plot foiled - delays, tighter security

In the wake of a terror plot foiled by British authorities, tighter security is being imposed both on transatlantic routes and within the United States. New restrictions are having a real, sudden impact on passengers. Significant security delays are already showing up throughout the system.

British officials say they've arrested 21 people, alleging that they were involved in a plot to simultaneously blow up as many as ten aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

The threat involved the use of liquids, a type of explosives not detectable by standard security checkpoint x-ray machines. As a result of that, the Department of Homeland Security has banned virtually all liquids from being carried aboard airplanes at least in the passenger compartment. That includes beverages, hair gels, and lotions. The only exceptions are baby formula, and medicines. They're allowed, but the mother has to take a sip of the formula before it is permitted onboard.

If you have to take liquids or gels with you, put them in your checked baggage.

Expect longer lines at security checkpoints around the country especially on flights headed to or from Great Britain.

To underscore the seriousness of the plot, the United States Government, for the first time ever, has raised the threat level to Red for all flights originating in the UK and bound for the US. The threat was elevated to Orange, the next to highest level, for all other flights within, to, or from the United States.

The immediate consequence of the arrests saw the UK ban carry-ons on all transatlantic flights. That created massive lines at London airports as passengers tried to deal with the sudden change. It also prompted several European carriers to cancel flights to London Heathrow.

At this point, the mid- to long-term impact of the plot, and consequent ratcheting up of security, remains to be seen. Michael Chertoff, Department of Homeland Security Secretary, says: “We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.”

In an early morning press conference (Thursday, August 10), Chertoff tried to reassure passengers of the security of the system, urging them not to cancel their travel plans.

Best bet for travelers planning to fly anywhere - especially to or from the UK - is to check with their airline before heading to the airport, rid themselves of any carry-on liquids, and be prepared to wait in security lines a very long time.

In what could be a bit of an understatement, Secretary Chertoff says: “We recognize these measures will be inconvenient.”

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

Related articles: US Airways notes improvements in operations
Charlotte/Douglas praised for security actions
Passenger list sharing will cause delays, says ATA
Air Transport Association says system is running smoothly
Talking to your kids about terrorism – Flying with Kaleel Sakakeeny
Wineries worried by liquids ban
How to Adapt to the ‘New Rules’ of Air Travel
Airlines adapt to TSA changes
Fast-changing security front – the new, new rules
Airport delays – how to check
U.S. airlines react to security alert
The forbidden list – what you can’t carry on

Read more: TSA guidance for passengers
UK Department of Transport advice
CNN
BBC: Baggage advice for UK passengers
BBC: At-a-glance: UK airports
Cheap Flight News' UK perspective

Comments

[Baby Formula]

I agree and support the new security measures with one clear exception, which is having the mother taste the baby formula. When you travel with pre-bottled formula, once you open it you must use it in two hours or sooner. For a transatlantic flight of seven hours it would seem that the BAA is clearly run by very short-sighted men who have never had to take care of a hungry baby.

[Keith Keeney]

The Transportation Security Administration just revised their procedures again (on August 15) and thankfully, so that the safety of the baby formula will not be compromised, mothers will no longer have to taste formula at the security checkpoints. For more info, and new guidelines for traveling with infants and infant formula please visit http://www.infantformula.org/newsroom_2006-08-17.html. These were created by the International Formula Council (a non-profit association representing infant formula manufacturers).