Monday, August 10, 2006 Bracing for the Wait In the wake of the foiled potential terror plot, travelers face heightened screening and delays. By Jessica Bennett Newsweek Magazine Travelers braced themselves for cancellations, rebookings and hours-long delays as word of Thursday's purported foiled terror plot spread. In a televised statement, President George W. Bush said travelers would indeed be inconvenienced by what officials said was a plot to blow up aircraft mid-flight between Britain and the United States, but urged their patience. "We live in a dangerous world," Bush said. The United States issued its highest terrorism alert-red-for commercial flights from Britain to the United States and raised security to orange-the second highest alert-for all other air travel. In Britain, meanwhile, officials raised security to its highest level and banned carry-on luggage on all flights. The Department of Homeland Security was advising travelers to go about plans confidently but to arrive for flights with plenty of time ahead, and to be especially vigilant of their surroundings. They also asked travelers to be patient with extended security screenings and delays. In airports around the United States, airline officials urged travelers to consider not bringing carry-on luggage. Passengers will not be allowed to carry liquids or gels of any kind onto the plane with them, and rather than packing toiletries in carry-ons, airport officials asked passengers to put them in checked baggage that can be screened by equipment to detect explosives. The liquids that are prohibited in the cabin of aircraft include toothpaste, makeup, perfume and suntan lotion. Baby formula and medicines were exempt but subject to additional screening. Though U.S. airlines continued to cancel and delay U.K. flights, some were allowing travelers to obtain refunds, sidestep change fees and check extra baggage. The Federal Aviation Administration was urging travelers to take the following steps: Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you should arrive at the airport Cooperate with security personnel at all checkpoints and gates Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity Attached Photos: New security screening measures were rushed into effect on Thursday, as this sign at Chicago's O'Hare airport indicates Stepped-up security caused delays across the United States, including at Denver International Airport
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