Cruisers - Security Alert

[Beady]

Just to make sure everyone was aware, in light of this morning's news (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html) from England-land:


In addition, the threat level has been raised to "high," or orange for all commercial flights operating in or coming to the United States, the DHS statement said.<snip>

"Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane," the DHS statement said. <snip>

That means airline passengers around the country should show up at least two hours early for all flights, an official with the Transportation Security Administration told CNN.

"Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials," Chertoff said

My emphasis.

I'd be willing to bet these alerts are still going to be in place in another couple of weeks.

Now, about those passports...

[Curnir]

Great...

It seems as if I have to shave after all...

Oh well luverly full beard adieu, goatee here I come.

Atlanta is going to be fun...

[Beady]

Electronic key fobs are now also on the proscribed list. Of concern if you plan to drive yourself to the airport.

[Beady]

Oops

[Boo]

Let me see if I understand this...

I can't carry liquids on or I can't pack any shampoo?


The above rule is vague.



If I have to I'll drive down.



Boo

[VPescado]

Actually there is a bit of misinformation in press.

For the answers from the horse's (well ass's) mouth see this page ( http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/tsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php). Of course this is only going to cover domestic flights within the US. Heaven (or some skeptical equivelent) help you if you are transiting via LHR or other UK airport.

And the new requirements aren't that hard to work around. Yeah, you can no longer bring any liquids or gels in your carry on - but suppose you absolutely need to have your shampoo with you, simply use a catherter to safely store your shampoo in your bladder before you begin your travel. Traveling with a companion? Great! He or she can carry the conditioner.

[Antiquehunter]

OK - so if you're on a RED flight (LHR to any US destination) - you cannot have liquids of any kind.

If you are on an ORANGE flight (Any int'l destination - US or domestic flights within the US) does the 'no-liquids' restriction apply?

Everything I've read online about this situation seems a little vague...

And its all about duty-free shopping in Dubai. (Although if I can get it into my checked baggage I guess I'll be OK.)

[VPescado]

See the useful link buried in my post above. Short answer: no liquids or gels in carry-on.

[Beady]

The way it's sugaring off, all of the new restrictions have to do with carry-on. OTOH, the new restrictions seem pretty extensive and, to be on the safe side, it looks like only clothing or reading matter are safe. Even cameras and laptops have to be checked.

[SkepticScott]

As someone with dry eyes, I carry rewetting drops for my contacts, so this is a problem. I'll have to bring an empty bottle and fill it with water on the plane.

[VPescado]

The way it's sugaring off, all of the new restrictions have to do with carry-on. OTOH, the new restrictions seem pretty extensive and, to be on the safe side, it looks like only clothing or reading matter are safe. Even cameras and laptops have to be checked.

<sigh> Again, please follow the link I posted above. Camera's and laptops are being allowed as carry-on on domestic US flights.

From the TSA website:

"Question: Media have also reported that laptops, cell phones and electronic items are no longer allowed. Is that true?

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

On the other hand if you are flying from the UK, you will not be allowed very much at all.

[VPescado]

As someone with dry eyes, I carry rewetting drops for my contacts, so this is a problem. I'll have to bring an empty bottle and fill it with water on the plane.

YMMV, but reports are that lens cases with fluid are being allowed. you might want to bring an extra case filled with rewetting drops. Another alternative would be to get your eye doctor to prescribe prescription rewetting drops which *should* make it through security (subject to the capricious whim of the particular TSA agent that you wind up dealing with).

[Linda]

The new rule is that up to 4 ounces of non-prescription liquids can be taken aboard, which should cover eye drops. I printed out the AP story quoting the TSA official that stated this and am planning on taking it to the airport. Better yet, I'm going to print it out from the TSA site and take it!

[Beady]

I'm a little worried about my Albuterol. Technically, you could call it an aerosol.

[SkepticScott]

Thanks for the tip Linda. I'll bring a copy too.

[VPescado]

I'm a little worried about my Albuterol. Technically, you could call it an aerosol.

See this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590631) on Flyertalk.com for info regarding bringing Albuterol on your flights.

In short it looks like it is being allowed. But as with anything with the TSA, it will depend on the particular "Travel Security Professional" that you happen to get.

Some advice: Arrive early and if you are told "No", do not be shy about asking for a supervisor.

[Beady]

I think I've solved one problem. Apparently, you have to show that any drugs in your carry-on are yours, and you have them legally. I get mine by mail-order in 3-month supplies, and I'll be carrying only what pills I need in one of those little plastic "daily dose" containers, plus my Advair inhailer, which doesn't have a label.

I went online and printed my listing from the supplier's (Caremark) web site. Anyone else in a similar situation, call your doctor or pharmacist; it should be a simple matter for them to print something right off their computer.

[Beady]

I have time on my hands, and was just reading the latest security regs (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10). A surprise was that you can no longer be "gellin'" when you get on the plane. Dr Scholl's (and other) gel-filled insoles are on the proscribed list.