Monday, December 28, 2009

New Airport Security Rules due to terror attempt

On Christmas Day, a terror attempt was made upon a Northwest Flight bound to Detroit from Amsterdam. Obviously, the Transportation Security Administration is now beefing up security again, during the busiest travel season of the year.

Some additional security measures involve extra screening of carry on items and your person. Allow extra time to get through security. It is being said to allow 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

Some other security measures MIGHT include:

no access to your carry on bag within the last hour of your flight
no access to any carry on items in your lap, within the last hour of your flight
no bathroom use during the last hour of your flight.

Please keep on top of any new TSA rules at
www.tsa.gov/

Safe travels!


TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 IncidentNews & Happenings

December 27, 2009

On Dec. 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 set off a device and was subdued by passengers and crew. TSA wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of those individuals.

As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

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Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.

Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.

Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.

Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.

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