One bag = suspect?
December 27, 2009
Frank@OBOW in Air travel news, Travel News & Regulations

The botched Christmas Day bombing was disturbing enough. The suggestion from this news story even more so for one-bag, no-check travelers:

Police know that the KLM ticket that Abdulmutallab travelled on was purchased on 16 December, with cash, in Nigeria. The departure airport was changed from Accra to Lagos shortly afterwards. When he took his window seat, number 19A, he had only one piece of hand luggage and none in the hold – unusual for someone who was allegedly planning a two-week stay in Detroit. - independent.co.uk

Ouch. What onebagger hasn’t gotten some suspicious glances on international departures? But we must hope it doesn’t become a guaranteed red flag. More on the failed attempt and why it is likely to make the security experience more unpredictable and likely more draconian:

Officials with the federal Transport Security Authority in the US said that while enhanced security measures had been imposed at airports across the country and abroad after the attempted bombing, it had no plans to alter basic procedures or requirements for passengers. But at least one US senator said she intended to convene urgent hearings on what new steps might have to be taken to protect international air travel. Senator Susan Collins of Maine said: “This incident is a disturbing reminder that the terrorist threat is still very real.”

Some airlines will be introducing tough new security checks.

Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, said: “With the full support of the Prime Minister, Transport Secretary, Foreign Secretary and ministerial colleagues, we will ensure that the UK continues to have in place the most appropriate security measures to protect the public from the terrorist threat, wherever it originates from.”



Update on December 27, 2009 by Registered CommenterFrank@OBOW

Tougher measures worldwide were demanded yesterday by the US Transportation Security Administration as it sought to prevent a repeat of the lapses that allowed a bomber on to flight 253 on Christmas Day.

New measures immediately put in place at Heathrow and other British airports included stricter security checks such as more frequent body searches just prior to boarding, and a strict limit of one item of hand luggage. Some airlines will now compel passengers to sit in their seats for the last hour of a flight. - independent.co.uk

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After checking in and going through security as normal, passengers can expect extra bag checks and body searches at the departure gate before boarding flights.

And travellers were being told to remain seated for the final hour of the journey, with no access to the bathroom or overhead lockers, and nothing on their laps. 

Airport operator BAA said: “Passengers travelling to the United States should expect their airline to carry out additional security checks prior to boarding.

“To support this important process, which will take time, we would advise passengers to leave more time to check in and limit the amount of baggage being taken on board the aircraft. - independent.co.uk



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