"UK lowers threat level to 'high'"

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Threat to U.K.-U.S. flights downgraded 
By JOHN HEILPRIN
The Associated Press


WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department on Sunday reduced the threat
level for U.S.-bound flights from Britain from red, for "severe," to orange,
for "high." All other flights operating in or destined for the United States
remain at orange. 

"The security measures already taken have allowed us to address an imminent
threat of attack for flights between the United Kingdom and the United
States," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in a statement.
"Let me be clear: This does not mean the threat is over. The investigation
continues to follow all leads. 

Earlier Sunday, air travelers were handed new rules, given permission to
carry small amounts of liquid nonprescription medicine onto a plane and
instructed to remove their shoes during security checks. 

The eased restrictions on medicine and the mandatory shoe removal were among
several measures the Transportation Security Administration ordered Sunday
in response to the thwarted terror plot in Britain involving U.S.-bound
airplanes. 

TSA had previously banned all liquid medications; now it will allow up to 4
ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine. 

In other measures, TSA said it would let flyers carry on low blood sugar
treatments including glucose gel for diabetics; solid lipstick; and baby
food. But it said all aerosols are prohibited. 

Chertoff reassured people things would only go so far. 

Chertoff said the government was putting "less emphasis on the nail clippers
and the nail scissors" and more on training additional screeners
"specifically to look for modern-type detonation equipment that might be
concealed in baggage." 

Until now, the agency has strongly suggested removing shoes for the
screening belt, but hasn't required that. 

Airport travelers also should expect to see broader use of police-trained
sniffing dogs, TSA said, along with random gate inspections and bag
searches. But the TSA is limited by law to 45,000 screeners at the 450
commercial airports. 

"We are maintaining the same level of security while clarifying
interpretations in the field," he said Sunday. "These tweaks are aimed at
making a smoother process at the checkpoint." 

The changes offer the same level of security that has been in place since
last Thursday, but is intended to minimize the impact on travelers,
officials said. 

Screeners have begun searching more carryon luggage by hand. They also are
randomly checking passengers at airport gates to make sure that they haven't
bought toothpaste or drinks at airport shops after going through a security
checkpoint. 

Passengers are asked to arrive at least two hours early to allow for the
additional screening. Those traveling to the United Kingdom should find out
from their about any extra security measures or precautions that might be
required. Laptop computers, mobile phones and iPods were among items banned
on British flights.

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