TSA Statements
On April 2, 2010, the TSA announced a new strategy to guide air travel safety. There were no specifics available about the program other than it would increase air travel safety by using advanced intelligence sources to avoid problems like the one that occurred with the "underpants" bomber. We explore the details of the announcement in our blog .
On January 3, 2010 the TSA announced that it had issued new security directives to all United States and International air carriers with inbound flights to the United States, effective January 4, 2010.
Because effective aviation security must begin beyond our borders, and as a result of extraordinary cooperation from our global aviation partners, TSA is mandating that every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world traveling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest will be required to go through enhanced screening. The directive also increases the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandates threat-based and random screening for passengers on U.S. bound international flights."
Although the TSA announcement did not specify particular actions, we understand that passengers flying to the United States whose travel originated in Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq and Cuba will require pat-down body searches and have carry-on baggage hand-searched.
On December 27, 2009, TSA released this information
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.
Be sure to check with your airline on updates to these restrictions before flying.
Other Information
The security teams at several international airports have been conducting increased security checks, including more frequent use of “pat-downs” to check for concealed devices that may be inert until mixed with other elements. In addition, many airlines are once again restricting carry-ons to one bag, which may not be accessed during the final hour of flight, if the flight is landing in the United States. In addition, some airlines are requesting that personal items not be placed on the lap during the final hour of the flight. It appears that other airlines are restricting the use of blankets as covers during the final hour of flight, due to the terrorist covering himself with a blanket before he attempted to ignite the device he was carrying. In addition, some airlines appear to be restricting passengers to their seats during the final 60 minutes of flights before landing. In cases of short flights, this may lead to being seated for the duration of the flight. On December 28, 2009, several airlines ended the restriction on in-flight movements of passengers, although the TSA had not announced any changes in procedures.
We will report more details on the potential for increased airline security when it happens. For now, it seems prudent to arrive at the airport early if you will be boarding an international flight for the United States or domestic and international flights originating in the United States.
As always, we recommend prudence when flying or when traveling away from home. While we cannot speak for others, in our opinion, the world outside our home is too important to ignore and too beautiful to disregard. We will continue to travel, as we believe that knowing more about other cultures is the best road to understanding and, eventually, peace.
If you need information on carry-ons and the types of liquids you can currently carry onboard airline cabins, see this article
Be sure to check with your airline on updates to these restrictions before flying.
Airline Imposed Restrictions
Finally, please note that several airlines are now limiting carryon luggage for flights to the United States from Europe and Canada. The limitation now being applied is one carry-on item and replaces the former allowance of one bag and one personal item. Many of these airlines are waving this restriction for their premium passengers and elite members of their mileage programs. Check with your air carrier to be sure of their policy.
In addition, several airlines are now requesting that you arrive at the airport three hours early for flights from Europe and Canada to the United States. Be sure to check with your airline on updates to these restrictions before flying.
Travel Rules for Specific Origination Points
From Amsterdam to the United States
Passengers departing Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) directly to the United States are limited to one carry-on bag, which may not exceed 45 linear inches (114.3 linear centimeters). Medical assistance devices will be allowed in addition to the single carry-on item.
Be sure to check with your airline on updates to these restrictions before flying.
From Canada to the United States
Travel from any destination in Canada to the United States also are allowed only one carry-on bag. The bag must not exceed the dimensions of 9 x 16 x 22 inches (or 23 x 40 x 55 centimeters).
The following items, according to the Transport Canada website, do not count towards the one carry-on bag limit:
- One of the following will be permitted in addition to the carry-on bag: a purse or laptop* or camera bag**.
- A cane, walker, crutches or other
life-sustaining items may be carried in addition to
the carry-on bag.
Medical equipment (oxygen tank, doctor’s bag) may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.
Diaper bags and other essential items for those carrying infants may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag. - A musical instrument may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.
- Pets may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.
- All duty free items purchased after the security
check may also be carried onto the aircraft.
Diplomatic or consular bags
*Regular carrying cases for laptop computers
means small bags designed only to hold a laptop
computer and its accessories. Laptop cases that have
extra compartments (e.g., expandable cases, cases
with wheels and a collapsible handle, backpack-type
cases) are allowed, but count as the person’s one
carry-on bag.
**Cameras and accessories in purpose-designed
carrying cases (applies to both still and video
cameras, including large, professional-grade cameras
and equipment)
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority provides a FAQ on these limitations at their website. Note that while you can still carry a laptop computer on-board, it must be transported in a "basic" laptop bag containing only computer accessories and one or two thin file folders, with no other items.
Be sure to check with your airline on updates to these restrictions before flying.
Travel from London to the United States
Travelers flying to the United States from London Heathrow (LHR) are limited to one carry-on bag, which may not exceed 45 linear inches in length plus width and height (114.3 linear centimeters). Medical assistance devices will be allowed in addition to the single carry-on item.
