"A look at effects of terror plot on U.S. air travel"

Thursday, August 10, 2006

A look at effects of terror plot on air travel
By Robert Tanner
The Associated Press


British authorities' arrest Thursday of two dozen suspects in what they
called a terrorist plot to destroy to 10 planes on their way to the United
States created huge disruptions at airports as officials scrambled to
implement new security measures. 

In question-and-answer form, this is a brief look at the situation and its
implications for air travel:

Q: What are authorities saying about the attack that was planned?

A: British officials say terrorists aimed to simultaneously blow up 10
aircraft heading to the U.S. using explosives smuggled in hand luggage. U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the terrorists planned to
use liquid explosives disguised as beverages and other common products and
set them off with detonators disguised as electronic devices.

Q: British officials arrested 24 people early Thursday. Is the threat over?

A: No. Chertoff said Thursday that "we cannot assume that the threat has
been completely thwarted." The investigation into the plot is ongoing. In
steps that underscored how seriously it was taking the case, the Bush
administration posted an unprecedented code-red alert for passenger flights
from Britain to the U.S. and banned liquids from all carry-on bags.

Q: But I've got a flight to catch in the next few days. How much more time
should I allow in arriving the airport?

A: To be on the safe side, a lot. Federal officials advise checking with
your airline and airport to determine how much time is needed for your
flight. United Airlines said passengers should arrive at least three hours
early for all flights. In Minneapolis, Northwest Airlines advised passengers
to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before
international flights. And beginning Friday, passengers will go through
double screening to make sure they're not carrying liquids onto planes -
with carry-on luggage getting checked not only at the main security
checkpoint, but also a second time at the boarding gate.

Q: Do the changes affect all flights in the U.S.?

A: In addition to raising the threat level for flights from Britain to
"red," designating a severe risk of terrorist attacks, all domestic flights
in the United States were put under an "orange" alert - the second-highest
level. However, the newly intensified screening procedures were in effect
for all flights, foreign and domestic.

Q: How should I pack?

A: Consider taking no carry-on items, or as few as possible, and make sure
they're as trimmed down and clutter-free as possible. Do not overpack. You
cannot bring liquids on board, except for infant formula or breast milk, or
prescription medication. Infant formula must be submitted for inspection to
a Transportation Security Administration security officer by passengers
traveling with a baby. Make sure the prescription matches the passenger's
name.

Q: Can I still bring laptops and cell phones?

A: The TSA says they are still allowed along with other electronic items. As
a precaution, consider bringing an empty, checkable bag where you could put
any items that security officials flag and then check it for your flight.

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