FYI : New Travel Security Measures
 

Hey folks...

I just got an email from Magellan's, a travel supplies company I've been a customer of for about 10 years now. It's basically giving the low-down on current changes in the carry-on baggage restrictions since the UK terror plot was averted.

For those of you who might be traveling soon -- domestically or internationally -- I thought this might be helpful for your trip preparations. They make specific mention of changes in travel from the UK. (I also bolded a few items I thought were key points or particularly interesting.)

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NEW TRAVEL SECURITY MEASURES

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that effective immediately, additional security measures are in effect in response to
recent events in the United Kingdom. The announcement is below:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing a series of security measures, some visible and some not visible, to ensure the
security of the traveling public and the nation's transportation system.

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE.

This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. Exceptions: Baby formula
and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the
aircraft.

Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process. These measures will be
constantly evaluated and updated as circumstances warrant.

Additionally, the United Kingdom has, at least temporarily, banned all carry on luggage.



WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW


* No liquids of any kind are permitted to be carried on to a flight. Even travel-size items such as hand lotion are banned at this time. If you have
doubts about any item leave it at home.

* Exceptions include baby formula, breast milk or juice for passengers traveling with infants and small children, prescription medicine that matches
the passengers name, and essential non-prescription medicines. Be sure all medicines are clearly labeled.

* At this time, these measures are subject to change. They may be temporary or may be extended.

* Passengers who normally carry on their luggage will be greatly affected. Keep in mind that toiletries such as cologne, shampoo, nail polish,
eyeliner, and toothpaste are all banned. You may either check bags containing such items or purchase them at your destination. Search through what you carry in your purse or brief case. Be sure to remove any liquid hand sanitizer, perfume, lip balm, sun tan lotion, or liquid breath fresheners.

* Drinks purchased at the airport after passing through security must be consumed before boarding. You will not be allowed to take along bottled water
or other drinks.

* Naturally, picking up your favorite bottle of alcohol at the Duty-Free shop is out of the question. :beer: [NATURALLY!]

* At this time, according to the TSA and contrary to some media reports, electronics such laptops, cell phones, and music players are NOT banned.

* Anticipate that security screening will once again be slow, and the lines will be long, so make sure you allow plenty of time to pass through
security. You should plan to arrive, at the bare minimum, two hours early and possibly even three hours if traveling in the next few days.

* Neatly arranged carry-on bags with see-through plastic or mesh organizers will make it easier for TSA inspectors and speed the security process.

* Keep in mind that these rules are brand new and initially may be interpreted or even mis-interpreted by airport security personnel. As always, have
patience with security personnel as they are ensuring your safety.

* When packing your checked luggage, bear in mind that luggage handlers are not as gentle as you are when you carry-on. Be sure that all liquids are
in leak-proof containers.

* You may still decant liquids such as shampoo from a large flip-top bottle into smaller leak-proof travel bottles as long as they are in checked
luggage.

* To be doubly safe, place all liquid containers in sealed zip-top bags or containers designed to be leak proof.

* Be prepared to check your carry-on bag. Should the United States follow the U.K.'s lead and, even temporarily, ban carry-on luggage, be sure that
your carry-on bag is sturdy enough to be checked. Until the new security policies are clearly enforced, you may wish to avoid traveling with valuables
in case you are required to check them.

* Contact your airline if you wish to change your travel plans. Many airlines are temporarily waving change fees.


For the latest information, see the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov


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~ Jenney