If they don't let us take the extra weight in the hold, I'm going back home We're supposed to be flying to Turkey this afternoon.

Cyberspacekadette

I'd get on the phone to the Airline that you're flying with PDQ to check out the luggage allowance situation.

I'd also prepare myself for long queues at check-in and security.
There are already reports on the news of queues reaching OUTSIDE of the airport at Manchester.
It will only get worse as the day progresses.

We flew to Zante in the evening of September 11th 2001.
As you may imagine, security was very high.
We were told that all hand luggage had to be checked in, with the exception of emergency medicines and travel documents.

At least you have the advantage of being able to put your stuff in the case before you leave home.
I have a lovely bag that I use(d) for hand luggage, but after it had been in the hold, it was ruined.

Enjoy your holiday
Polly

More hand luggage details can be found here:
http://orange.co.uk/travel/holidayideas/28370.htm

We flew about a month after 9/11 when hand luggage was restricted. However we were allowed to take a small handbag and a camera on board. Anything else had to go in a clear plastic bag.

What we did notice was that there was much more room on the plane.

Some of the 'no frills' airlines encourage you to take as much hand luggage as possible so you get the 'lets see if we can get all our luggage for a weeks holiday into our hand baggage' brigade.

Whilst this latest advice is very restrictive in what you can and can't take on board it really isn't necessary to take loads of stuff as hand luggage. My husband usually has a small bag with camera etc. in and I have a handbag.

Parents - is it really necessary for your children to take on board all the latest electronic gadgets?? How about just talking to them or play pen and paper games for a change - most airlines show films nowadays anyway.

Pippa

Quantas have scrapped excess baggage charges for the next few days. Im sure it would apply to all airlines. How could they justifty charging in this situation.

I have to say flying with Continental last year we both were shocked at how much hand luggage most US passengers took. Suitcases were crammed into the overheads.

It is absolutely understandable,but I must admit,I'll DEFINITELY have to cut back on what I take on Holiday now,as I normally pay a small fortune anyway in excess baggage. Would normally pack electrical items etc. in my hand luggage
Funnily enough, I always normally take a see through freezer bag with all my essential items in,to save the hassle of getting my big bag down from the overhead lockers.
It is a very small price to pay,though,considering that our lives could be at risk.
P.S. was typing this at the same time as jaimec was submitting the last post. Would be nice if all the airlines could add the extra 5 kilos onto our hold luggage allowance
Will need to check if I can take Ventolin Nebules (treatment for my asthma) on board,as they are in capsules but are in liquid form.

Fiona, I will have to cut back too. I always take far too much stuff. Going to NYC in 2 months.

Like you said as well, I would rather the extra security checks etc that what could have happened.

Cyberspacekadette what time was your check in for? I would go 2-3 hours before then to be cauious.

The restrictions are very similar to 9/11. We travelled a couple of days after for our honeymoon and I have to say that I have never felt as safe flying as I did then. I would rather travel under the current circumstances than any other. It is a nightmare not being able to take your "luxuries" in your hand luggage but would you rather the alternative I know I wouldnt.

cyberspacekadette
I hope you aren't delayed too long and have a safe journey and a brilliant holiday.
I totally agree with the last post,I'm sure you'll feel safer travelling now than ever before.

I phoned First Choice - they won't be charging excess baggage today (as long as people don't start taking advantage of the situation and packing the kitchen sink etc )
Our flight is at 15.55 from Manchester T2

cyberspacekadette
Will keep my fingers crossed that your valueables will be fine in the hold luggage and try not to worry too much. Don't let it spoil things for you!
Hope everyone else who's going soon has brilliant holidays too.

P.S. I also live directly under the flight path for our airport...no planes going over this morning....leave as early as possible I'd think.

Heathrow closed to all inbound flights that are not in the air, according to BBC1 news just now. A BAA rep.stated that if you're travelling today from Heathrow "Don't come".
Home secretary will make another live statement soon.

For further news look on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Just looked on Globespan's website (we usually fly from Glasgow with them) and they are telling everyone who is flying today or tomorrow, no hand luggage at all apart from purse/wallet, keys, travel documents,spectacles (but not in their case!!!!)/lense holders, tissues/handkerchief.........it's scary!!!!!!
Globespan actually include your hand luggage in your total weight allowance, so you won't be allowed any extra.
Will look at the news now as I haven't seen the latest.
Pat

Although it will obviously have a knock on effect all over, apparently the U.S. was the main target,with as many as nine planes targetted ,sadly looks like the 21 suspects were all British of Pakistani origin....liquid explosives inside plastic drinks bottles.
Thank goodness they stopped them in their tracks.

In order not to mislead..."the 21 suspects were all British of Pakistani origin".....this was,IN FACT, just recently reported on BBC1 News.