Since the attempted bombing of Delta/Northwest flight 253 over Detroit on Christmas Day, airport security has been turned on its head (once again).
While we expect changes, here’s what you need to know right now:
1>Most increased security is on inbound-to-U.S flights. As far as we can tell, the only changes you may notice for domestic U.S. flying are more frequent pat-downs at airport security and the possibility of a random screening of your carry-on bags at the gate. (If you were traveling post 9/11 you may remember this procedure where a handful of passengers, usually those near the front of the boarding line, were chosen “randomly” to have the contents of their carry-ons displayed to everyone boarding the plane…)
2>Canadian authorities have lifted the onerous complete ban on carry-on luggage (except for personal items like purses or laptops) for flights departing Canada for the U.S. Updates here. British Airways tells The TICKET that travelers inbound to the U.S. from the U.K. are currently restricted to a SINGLE carry on that must conform to normal size standards (one bag only…which means you need to put your purse or briefcase INSIDE your carry on suitcase)
3>When returning from another country to the U.S., you will go through at least TWO security checks: First, when checking in for your flight at the airline counter, you will face possible frisking, baggage inspection and questioning BY THE AIRLINE. Second, local authorities at airport security checkpoints will screen you as you make your way to the departure gate. There is also the possibility of random checks at the departure gate.
4>REMEMBER: We are entering the “dead weeks” or the SLOWEST travel period of the year, so don’t expect ongoing huge delays or long lines. Despite media reports, you should not expect chaos at the airport. As a matter of fact, you could probably roll a bowling ball through airport concourses this week and not hit anyone!
5>Expect to see more frequent use of the full-body scanners at the 19 U.S. airports where they are in operation. More international airports are said to be fast- tracking installation of these devices. Check out the 6 month stock price chart below that shows the jump of OSI Systems, which owns Rapiscan, the manufacturer of such devices.
6>Restrictions on on-board activities (such as getting out of your seat or using electronics during the last hour of the flight) that were mandated last week are now left up to cabin crew—and from what we’ve heard, are essentially no longer in effect. In his speech yesterday, President Obama did not announce any new rules or procedures that will affect travelers.
Bottom line: Terrorist incidents, like airplane crashes, happen. No matter how hard we try to prevent them, they are going to happen. No airplane is 100% safe. No airport is 100% secure. We should do our best to be vigilant, but not make long term decisions based on reactive fear.
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