Terrorism alert/Code Red, delayed travel

As of the latest news cast I heard this morning in NJ: No liquids or gells of any kind will be allowed on any flights, nor will any electronic equipment including cell phones and laptop computers. These items may be put with your "checked luggage" but may not be carried on to the airplane.

What this means is, no toothpaste, hair gels or shampoos, not even contact lens cleaner. The latest issues in the UK indicate that these would-be terrorists (21 were arrested so far,) were planning on bringing down at least 10 airplanes from the UK heading to the US, including, but not limited to American Airlines, United and Continental.

The plan was to use liquid materials that seemed harmless individually and put them together during flight, then detonate them with some kind of personal electronic device.

These restrictions will be in place for at least one month. Hundreds of flights out of the UK were cancelled today.

(How is everyone going to get their Cruzan back to the mainland?)

I am travelling soon and have a baby, so I did research on the prohibited items.

You both are correct, just wanted to add the following:
1. baby formula, breast milk (in or out of the breast I suppose ..) and liquids in a baby bottle/cup are permissible as long as a child is travelling with the passenger possessing same. For travel out of the UK they actually ask you to drink some in their presence.
2. Insulin and other liquid medications are permissible as long as the passenger's name is on the container.

I have read that laptops, etc. are not permitted on UK originating flights only, but I guess becky R's son was told something different. Hmm...

I would imagine everyone is running around crazy at the airports and it's just easier to say no than sort through it all at this time. He was not told of the checked luggage option, but he wouldn't have put his PDA in there anyway...he'll just do without. I spoke with him a few minutes ago - apparently it was just utter chaos at the small Arkansas regional airport.

The lady with the baby formula had to dump the premeasured bottles...she was allowed to carry on the cans which had not been opened...and she is doing multiple LONG layovers to get where she is going. My son just opted to try tomorrow since everything was so messy today.

I can see I shall have to print out a copy of the advisory to ensure that we have necessary baby liquids.

I hope your son gets to STX soon!

Personally, I draw the line at flying naked; when it comes to that I'll paddle to the mainland!

I hadn't heard of cell phone being banned from carry-on (it makes sense). The one interesting banned item CNN mentioned several times overnight and this morning were key fobs, both the kind that you wave in front of an electronic eye to gain access and those used to remotely open/lock car doors, trunks, and set car alarms. It seems that if you typically use a car key fob and a travelling, it's time to dig out your old-fashioned metal keys as you're packing.

CNN also reported Onika's exceptions to the liquids/gels as carry-on ban, but added that you will be required to "demonstrate" that breast milk or formula is just that. We've been asked several times prior to today's change in policy to verify that our claims that the open beverages we carried are not harmful (beyond calories/tooth decay) by taking a long drink from them in front of the TSA employees or flight crews.

This is bringing too many flashbacks about being in DC on 9/11 and then flying out of Dulles only a few weeks later. Just awful, but we certainly didn't take the brunt that day. Gives me amazing respect for those who had to experience the New York/Pennsylvania events.

Be safe everyone, please.

--HC

HC, I believe that is for UK travel only about the car opener thing-ys...but it could all change overnight. Better safe than sorry.

I spoke with a flight attendant the other day who was telling me about the new "puffer" machines at the airports that are set to ferret out explosives - if you have a medical condition which requires nitroglycerin, please disclose it on the front end and have it in a clearly marked pharmacy container with your name on it...otherwise you could get "Special Treatment" from TSA...because the puffer will find nitro for sure and we just don't want that ugliness, now do we?

AA put out the following on their website:

Effective immediately, no liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, perfumes and other items of similar consistency. This policy also includes liquid and gel products purchased as duty free. All liquid and gel items must be placed in checked baggage only.

Exception: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines

Due to these changes, American Airlines and American Eagle will waive excess baggage charges for those passengers who need to check their carry-on bags due to these new restrictions, up to a maximum of two excess pieces.

Domestic U.S. Travel Policy
Due to new requirements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which have resulted in congestion at security checkpoints, American is offering you the convenience to change your travel as shown below.

The following options apply for customers traveling within/between the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose tickets were issued no later than August 9, 2006:
You may change your travel date up to September 1, 2006
You may request a refund in the form of a travel voucher for nonrefundable tickets
Under this policy, no fee will apply for changes made by September 1, 2006.

Delta is recommending you get to the airport THREE HOURS before your scheduled flight. Oh dear.

Some clarifications to the info posted here -- this is from the tsa.gov web site home page and FAQs about the new restrictions.

The only Terror Alert Red situation applies to commercial flights that are destined for the US that originate in the UK.

The US Aviation System, including flights flying with and leaving from the US, is under a Code Orange Alert.

All other Alerts Status levels have not changed today.

FAQs:

**Why are you banning liquids?

We are taking appropriate preventive measures to protect the public given the plot uncovered by U.K. authorities.

**Will there be any exceptions?

The following items are permitted to be carried aboard the aircraft:

Passengers traveling with infants may bring baby formula.
Prescription medicine that matches the passenger’s name.
Essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin are permitted.

**What about liquid eyeliner and similar items?

If you are in doubt about an item, please leave it at home or place in your checked baggage or the item may be intercepted at the security checkpoint. (Note from HC: i just saw footage of a TSA officer demanding that a woman surrender ALL of her makeup, including blush, at the checkpoint, so this appears to be one of the more subjective calls security staff need to make.)

**Media reports indicated that passengers may be forced to sample infant formula or milk before being permitted to fly. Is that true?

No. TSA will not ask passengers to sample fluids or beverages during the screening process. This process is being required at foreign airports and is not required at any domestic U.S. airport. Infant formula must be submitted for inspection to a TSA security officer by passengers traveling with a baby.

**Media have also reported that laptops, cell phones and electronic items are no longer allowed. Is that true.

No. TSA continues to allow laptop computers, cell phones and other electronic items.

"Essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin are permitted."

I always thought insulin required a prescription. I learn something new every day!

dnt,

At the risk of going off topic, neither insulin or the needles needed to take it require a prescription in the USVI. We needed doctor's orders (or in our case, veterinarian's orders) for both back in Virginia/DC. Our pharmacist told us the USVI adopted this policy to remove as many barriers as possible to getting this life/sight/limb saving medication given the prevalence of diabetes throughout the islands.

I'm betting Eve and Mark are incredibly relieved that the flight moving them down here to stay was yesterday.

--HC

Thanks for the explanation HC. I like to keep track of ways in which the USVI is more progressive than the mainland and will add this to my (extremely short) list 😀

Hopefully things will be less chaotic when I fly out in a week!

I share your hopes, aiison, but saw that the TSA says to expect these policies to be in place for at least a month. I think the most troublesome change for most people is the advice to now show up 3-4 hours before your flight because there is such checkpoint confusion and chaos due to the policy changes. Bring a larger snack -- no beverage for you! (thank you, Soup Nazi) -- and more or longer books than you carried before.

well, this is fun - dear old mum is flying out of Heathrow to come to see us next week - thump thump - sound of Jane beating head on floor.

A little FYI: I am flying from STT to Grand Cayman (a British overseas territory) next week. I spoke with a lady from American Airlines and she said that the strict UK policy on carry-on baggage extends to all British overseas territories as well.

So if any one is planning to travel to one of the British Caribbean islands on AA, they must ONLY travel with a wallet, plane ticket, passport/ID, medications, baby formula (if traveling with an infant), according to the airline. These items must be carried in a plastic bag before entering the security screening area.

All laptops, pagers, cell phones, keys, iPods, PDA's, Etc. Must be stored in checked luggage. And, furthermore, the same procedure must be followed when returning to the US from the UK or its possesions, according to the airline.

I would not be one bit surprised to see these measures in effect until the end of time. News reports this morning indicate the plot was probably generated out of a Pakistan training camp, and that it is eerily similar to Operation Bojinka from about 1993. The mastermind behind that was Kuwait-born Ramzi Yousef, who is now incarcerated on a life without parole term for his participation in the first plot to blow up the World Trade Center. At the time of the Bojinka op the plan was to conceal explosives in contact lens solution. The UK at this point seems to be taking this more seriously than the US...but government officials don't think they have found all of the plotters yet, which leads to the chilling question - where are they? One has to wonder at the laxity we've been allowed all these years given that intelligence info and past history, as well as the confessions and very descriptive plans of Yousef.

I have a child flying in sometime over the next few days - he was pretty upset about the extra security measures, which necessitates he be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, a technical impossibility since the regional airport he will depart from at 6:50 a.m. doesn't even open until 5:00. He is understandably nervous...and as the anniversary of 9/11 draws nearer, I think it is a valid concern based on the happenings within the last 48 hrs. I'd rather eat the ticket than all of us just be a wreck. Incidentally, his flight originating yesterday was delayed about 7 hours in Little Rock going to Chicago and another 9 hours in Chicago for the leg to San Juan, necessitating overnights at both transfer points. HC is right - take War and Peace with you...it could be a long wait.

For those of you flying - please be safe and report anything that looks even slightly askew. I'm sure the airline personnel will be run ragged but safety is their first concern. Please check the home page of the airline you are flying before departure - most of them are posting very regular updates on what can and can't be toted along.

Jane, personally I would feel better about mom flying out of Heathrow than anywhere else - sounds like Scotland Yard and the Brits are on top of things as much as they can be ... they certainly are making a valiant effort to remove anything that even possibly appears to be a danger on flights from the UK to the US and UK possessions.

Thanks for the info, STT Mike....if you haven't already, and I haven't looked, you might post your info on the vacation board for those planning to visit other Caribbean islands while on vacation. I actually didn't think about the British territories being part of the equation until you brought it up.

CNN correspondent Chicken Little signing off....

American Airlines is allowing ticketed passengers to change or cancel their trips between now and 9/1.
They are also allowing up to two additional checked items at no surcharge. (4 total)

Continental Airlines will accept a third checked bag at no additional charge, but it must meet the carry-on criteria. Continental is allowing passengers to change or cancel trips within the continental US or to the UK.

Not sure if Delta is allowing more checked luggage or offering a change of schedule/cancellation.

USAir isn't offering anything in the way of additional checked luggage or cancellation outside of the UK/US itineraries.

For everyone who purchased trip insurance, read your policy and see what comp you are entitled to for delays. I plan on reading my policy today. I know that the ins policy covers problems due to terrorism and I recall feeling like that part of the policy was the least likely to be needed when the salesperson explained that portion to me -so I didn't really pay attention to that part. You really never know...

Good luck to everyone headed anywhere this month! STT/STJ, see you next week!

I just want to say to all the people travelling out there, be kind to the flight crews, it's not their fault. My wife is a flight attendant for USAir and is currently on a trip. Understandably most passengers are at wits end but again it's not the flight crews fault! The flight crews are also stressed about the situation but I believe most are like my wife and trying to be as friendly and professional as possible.

Thanks,
Kelly

To make light of the current situation...We are no longer allowed to go through security with shoes...or water...or finger nail clippers...

Some measures are a bit much. Just what do they plan to do if an Under-ware bomber shows up ...

You can take laptops & cells phones to anywhere in the US & USVI . The ban on cell phones, & laptops & carry on( that mean no carry on at all) period are flights from the UK only or flights to the UK. I have friends that came in this morning & they were told no carry on had to check them & no cell or laptops. All planes in US are okay with cell phones or laptops. I called since I leave on AA tomorrow for NYC & was told cell phones or laptops were okay. Just no liquid in carry ons

NOTE: This would be a good post to skip if you're not interested in experiences with and opinions about new and existing airport security policies, the TSA, or disability issues related to air travel safety and security.

What scares me, Brandon, isn't what they'll do if an underwear bomber shows up -- it's that they're only going to react after those intent on causing destruction, harm, and death try it out before we've even thought about it. Sadly, that is how all of the current policies came about, including the new restriction of liquids and gels. (For those who may not have seen the ABC report last night, Brian Ross reported that this recent group of plotters had placed a gel explosive in the false bottom of a clear sports drink bottle, and then poured the real beverage in on top after tinting the gel to match the beverage. They were reportedly planning to make a dry run of the plot within a week.)

Since 9/11, I've thought of more than a few ways to conceal dangerous devices that TSA got to much later, if at all. I've flown 4-5 times a year since 1997, and fly at least four times a year from STX to PR. It took airport security and TSA staff years after 9/11 to ask me to press up to check that I wasn't concealing anything while sitting, or to swab and test my 3" thick gel seat cushion. I have a gov't issued ID card verifying that I have a hockey-puck size medical pump implanted in my abdomen that is easily felt with a casual touch and should be glaringly obvious with the full pat downs I get at airport checkpoints (since I can't walk through the metal detectors), but I have never been asked to show that card -- even when I tell them about the device before they search. In fact, half of the women doing the pat down haven't even noticed this hard metal lump when doing the body search. They require me to remove my shoes every single time I fly (like I am able to walk through any trace bits of dangerous chemicals), but had never swabbed my chair tires until we flew to DTW via Miami last April. And it was only yesterday that I heard mention of them requiring x-rays of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility aids to ensure that there aren't devices concealed within/disguised as part of the frames, hollow metal tubing, etc. (For those with the question on their lips, I have pointed out all of these suggestions multiple times with TSA/FAA staff from front line agents who do the searching to managers and even with an undercover security agent whose job it is to field test these security policies/procedures.)

Having known a lot of folks with paraplegia, quadriplegia, MS etc. the new ban on liquids makes me wonder if TSA has thought to include verification that the fluids contained in the catheter/collection bag systems used by some of those folks while traveling. If they have or when they do, I'm kind of scared to know how agents at checkpoints plan to do that check given the highly sensitive issues (privacy, discretions, procedures needed to prevent contamination/infection of everyone involved, potentially biohazardous waste that results from screening, to name some). It doesn't look good using either scenario.

Sorry for taking a well-intended and good attempt at levity down into the darkness.

--HC

Bluwater, you said:

"American Airlines is allowing ticketed passengers to change or cancel their trips between now and 9/1.
They are also allowing up to two additional checked items at no surcharge. (4 total)"

Thanks for posting this. I was not aware of this change in policy and called AA to change my return flight from the states back to STT. Hopefully things will have settled down by the the time I am due to return...................................

Thanks again :)!
Mell

Addendum on that, and it may have changed this morning -

I ran into a lady last night who had been flying forever trying to get in from Tacoma. Although she read that statement on the internet, when she called AA the rep she talked to had been given a different blip for (I think) frequent flyer passengers ONLY that said they had to pay the difference in ticket price and penalties and blah, blah, blah. This lady even read the internet statement to the rep, who didn't have internet access or that info, and was going to make her pay $350 per ticket additional just to delay their flight a few days. Another thing that hopefully is sorted out by this morning, but you might want to check with AA first - and if you call, have a good book handy, I hear it's quite the wait.

I would NOT want to be any airline personnel at this point - be kind!

Hi,

I called AA last night at around 10:30 P.M. I waited on hold for about two minutes. I am sure that it is a different story during the day which is why I purposely waited until later in the evening.

Also, I understood Bluwater's post to mean that the itinerary could be changed without the change fee (which varies by ticket, but mine happened to be $50). When I called AA to change my flight they confirmed this.

They explained to me upfront that if the fare on my new date was higher than the fare I had originally paid, I would need to pay the difference. I had the customer service rep price out three dates and chose the one that had the same fare.

I was just THRILLED not to have to pay the change fee. What a waste of money that is!!!