NEW SECURITY MEASURES FOR TRAVELLERS TO THE US
In light of recent events, the US Transportation Security Administration has introduced a series of new or additional security measures.
With immediate effect, travellers to the US should now expect additional security measures at their departure airport and on board the flight. These measures are being described as 'unpredictable' in nature and so passengers may not see the same measures applied on every day, at every airport, or on board every flight.
However, one significant change is that those airlines or airports which had been allowing two pieces of hand luggage will now only permit one, and that should include any duty free or airside shopping. Hand luggage will be subject to the usual security screening before entry to the departure lounge, but may now be subject to an additional search at the departure gate. Delays are already being experienced at some airports, as passengers turn up with more hand luggage than is now being allowed, which they then have to dispose of or include with their checked baggage for the hold.
Passengers will still be subject to the usual security screening before entry to the departure lounge, but may now be subject to an additional 'pat-down' search before boarding.
Changes during the flight may include passengers having to remain seated during the final hour of the flight, with no access to toilets or hand luggage during that time. In flight entertainment and some flight announcements (such as those giving precise location or pointing out landmarks) may now cease during that final hour of the flight.
Bearing in mind that these new measures have been urgently implemented during the festive holiday period, there may be further revision in the coming days, with some airlines and airports as yet still to update their websites.
David