Travel Updates, Warnings, and helpful Links

[Lunal_Tic]

This would be a serious difficulty for me.

British Police Thwart Aircraft Bomb Plot (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060810/D8JDDK4G3.html)


British Airways advised all passengers that they would not be permitted to carry any hand baggage on board any aircraft departing from any airport in the country.

-LT
_________________________________________________
Helpful Links

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (http://www.tsa.gov/)
Permitted and Prohibited Items (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm)
Mailsafe (http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/mailsafe.shtm)
3-1-1 for carry-ons (http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm)
Claims Management Office (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/index.shtm)







If you have any other link suggestions please post in this thread. TIA, -LT

[7k7k99]

I think the concept of every day carry of anything except clothing has just disappeared on airline travel due to the latest terrorist threat

[Deaths Head]

I second that post. They aren't letting anything on at all. If you still want to try, bring a sturdy pen at the most.

[Jumpmaster]

If you still want to try, bring a sturdy pen at the most.

Mmmmmmm...Titanium pen.... ;D
http://www.m998.com/images/kubopen.jpg

JM-99

[loveit]

That's a gorgeous pen!!! :o

[Deaths Head]

Lovely pen, but I would be afraid that a pen like that may be conviscated. Call me paranoid, but I wouldn't want to take a chance an lose that beaut.

[vadsoom]

:( Let's wait and see... Airlines, after all, are in business to make money and the vast majority of travellers are on business. Many business travellers depend on the ability to use flight time to actually get some work done. Tell a businessman he can't take his laptop on a flight (or has to check it) and he'll find another way to get from here to there or won't go unless ter is not oter way. Money talks. I'm not saying there won't be changes, but I don't think the travel and business culture will tolerate loss of that much productivity.

[Jumpmaster]

Lovely pen, but I would be afraid that a pen like that may be conviscated.* Call me paranoid, but I wouldn't want to take a chance an lose that beaut.


Should be able to walk through the metal detector with it, I think...

I will break out the Minelab tonight and see what I get... ;D

JM-99

[Jumpmaster]

Woohoo!!! Go AMTRAK!!! :)

Seriously, I took a trip from Houston to Atlanta on AMTRAK and I have to say I was quite impressed. If I had that much time to kill while travelling, I'd take the train every time.

JM-99

[bigfoot]

I agree -- if the airlines / FAA / TSA are going to ban laptops long-term, they are definitely going to see a decline in business travelers. I have to travel quite a bit for work and having the laptop along isn't a convenience, it's a necessity.

The airlines think they're strapped for cash now... just imagine if business folks can't get their work done! :burn:

[Deaths Head]

Most international travel is by flight though. Not too many countries to get to by train.

[Jeff9266]

I second that post.* They aren't letting anything on at all.* If you still want to try, bring a sturdy pen at the most.


I think I'll bring my Rotring ball point - sturdy and not likely to get taken* :).*

I don't fly much these days but have to for work in the next few weeks - looks like at least (for now) in the U.S. they are letting people carry on laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, etc. http://www.tsa.gov/press/where_we_stand/security_measures.shtm.

Jeff

[Jumpmaster]

Most international travel is by flight though.* Not too many countries to get to by train.


Makes a good argument for this then...
http://www.carnival.com/

;D

JM-99

[7k7k99]

unfortunately, until the government wakes up and starts profiling passengers for likely terrorists, and there is a definite profile and it doesn't include children, grandmothers, soccer moms, US Military, businessmen, etc. We all know who the terrorists are, but we pretend we don't, in the name of political correctness and diversity and not offending anyone. I guess it will take a million or so deaths to wake up the American people of what needs to be done.

[scríbhneoir]

Thread re-opened.* Thanks.

Karen

:pp:

[Uncle Zungle]

unfortunately, until the government wakes up and starts profiling passengers for likely terrorists, and there is a definite profile and it doesn't include children, grandmothers, soccer moms, US Military, businessmen, etc. We all know who the terrorists are, but we pretend we don't, in the name of political correctness and diversity and not offending anyone. I guess it will take a million or so deaths to wake up the American people of what needs to be done.


Sad but true >:( >:(

[Lunal_Tic]

U.S. Posts Code-Red Alert; Bans Liquids
(http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060811/D8JDTAD00.html)


"No liquids or gels will be allowed in carry-on baggage," Chertoff said. "There will be exceptions for baby formula and medicines, but travelers must be prepared to present these items for inspection at the checkpoint, and that will allow us to take a look at them and make sure that they're safe to fly."

That meant water containers, soft drinks, coffee cups and more had to be shed by passengers waiting to board their flights.

Women travelers surrendered bottles and jars of creams and lotions from their makeup kits.


(PIC) . . .uses her lipstick one last time before throwing it out (http://apnews.excite.com/image/20060810/APTOPIX_US_TERROR_PLOT.sff_MERB105_20060810150433. html?date=20060811&docid=D8JDTVEO0)

Passengers Can Expect Double Screening (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060811/D8JDTVEO0.html)



I'm changing the tread title to Travel Updates and Warnings.* A lot of our members travel frequently and this could be a useful thread if everyone keeps civil and on topic, just a reminder.

-LT
:gz:

[7k7k99]

{quote}
I'm changing the tread title to Travel Updates and Warnings.* A lot of our members travel frequently and this could be a useful thread if everyone keeps civil and on topic, just a reminder.

-LT
:gz:




Are you implying my comments were not civil? I think my comments were quite correct and not out of line. It makes absolutely NO sense to punish every flying passenger when only a very minute percentage of the flying public will ever present any threat to life and limb. And racial profiling must be done if we are to survive as a nation.

[LowWorm]

Nobody's implying anything, 7k7k99, and the merit of what you've stated isn't being thrown in your face - we just want future posts to stick to topic and focus on the EDC aspect, because this is what this site is all about. Political discussions or other such can be for another thread. Please privately PM me or a moderator if you've got any other questions.

loWWorm :ww:



And now, for LT's thread, :topic:

[jggonzalez]

Has anyone taken any of their EDC tools on a flight since the new security measures took effect? I'm thinking a Mini Prybaby would probably get through if you put it on a keyring. I've heard they've banned keys with car remotes on international flights, but not on domestic flights.

[7k7k99]

I don't think you could have any possible explanation for needing it, don't need the bottle opener since no drinks allowed, and unless you need to pry open the cockpit, I wouldn't chance it. Besides, I would hate to lose a $35 toy :(

[greenLED]

Yeah, they're picky even with nail clippers sometimes. :(

[Jumpmaster]

I don't think you could have any possible explanation for needing it, don't need the bottle opener since no drinks allowed, and unless you need to pry open the cockpit, I wouldn't chance it. Besides, I would hate to lose a $35 toy :(


Right, but if it's made of Titanium and inside your pocket, chances are they won't know you'll have it unless they frisk you...I know, I know -- what fun!!! :laugh:

Anyway...(I could've sworn I typed this already in another post)...the argument wouldn't be for needing it for the flight...it'd be for needing it after you arrive at your destination and not wanting one of the TSA <expletive> to steal it out of your checked baggage. Nothing more.

JM-99

[7k7k99]

from the news reports, they are feeling up people pretty good and if it doesn't feel like a part of the human body, I think you'll lose it. At least from the news reports, the women are feeling pretty molested by the new tsa frisks. :idiot2:

[loveit]

My brother works for an airline and is actually boarding a plane for home (here) as I write. I'll look forward to his stories!

[Lunal_Tic]

loveit, I look forward to your report.

I don't think they've started the "no carry on" in the US yet but just thinking about no water of my own on the flight from the US to here, Japan, is more than a bit disconcerting. I usually have a 1.5L Camelback loaded in my carry on not to mention all my electronic or "don't want to lose" gear.

I was hoping to go back to the US for a Summer vacation but I think I'll postpone my visit until Christmas. Maybe things will be better then.

-LT

[loveit]

Hopefully things will improve. I just got a call from my parents. My brother doesn't have his cell phone-- that must be a no carry-on item. He always has his cell phone! His flight left Phoenix on time, so it will just be a few more hours until I head to the airport!

[Lunal_Tic]

More from the BBC: Baggage advice for UK passengers (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778615.stm)


The arrangements, announced by the Department for Transport, apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport, and to those transferring between flights at a British airport.


Passengers may take through the airport security search area, in a single, transparent plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:

Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards, etc - not handbags)

Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and tickets)

Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic. Passengers are advised to bring medicines in containers where the seal has not been broken

Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases . . .

I seriously hope this doesn't leak over to the U.S., I'm also hoping it isn't a permanent move.
-LT

[Lunal_Tic]

From the other side of the pond: TSA Eases Some Air Travel Restrictions (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060814/D8JG3OUO1.html)


The Transportation Security Administration announced new rules Sunday giving airline passengers permission to carry up to 4 ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine. TSA had previously banned all liquid medications.

TSA also said all passengers will be instructed to remove their shoes during security checks. The shoes have to be placed on an X-ray belt for screening before passengers can put them back on. Until now, the agency had strongly suggested putting shoes on the screening belt but hadn't required it.

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

On Saturday, the TSA added mascara to the list of banned items, which includes baby teethers containing gel or liquid, children's toys containing gel and gel candles.

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."

He said a ban on carry-on luggage was "unlikely at this point."

[parnass]

My wife flew across country before the latest threat warning and returned yesterday. A TSA agent opened her metal pill safe to inspect its contents on the return trip, though it was empty.

[loveit]

A quick update from my earlier post: my brother arrived without his cell phone because he must have dropped it in the airport-- they are still ok on flights! Laptops still are ok too. I know that there are much more official posts here, but I wanted to be sure I clarified that cell phones are ok on flights.

[Lunal_Tic]

loveit, thanks for the update. :)

-LT

[Lunal_Tic]

Report says X-ray machines don’t detect explosives in shoes
(http://news.bostonherald.com/national/view.bg?articleid=152947)


WASHINGTON - The government’s new order that all airline passengers put their shoes through X-ray machines won’t help screeners find a liquid or gel that can be used as a bomb.

* * *The machines are unable to detect explosives, according to a Homeland Security report on aviation screening recently obtained by The Associated Press.


TSA Says Shoe X-Rays Can Detect Bombs (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060816/D8JH7TMO0.html)


WASHINGTON (AP) - The government sought to assure airline travelers Tuesday that X-raying shoes at security checkpoints was a reliable way of detecting improvised bombs, a claim contradicted by a Department of Homeland Security study.

"Screening shoes by X-ray is an effective method of identifying any type of anomaly, including explosives," Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley said at a news conference at Washington's Reagan National Airport.

A study by the Homeland Security Department, obtained by The Associated Press, states that X-ray images "do not provide the information necessary to effect detection of explosives."

But under new orders this week, all airline passengers must put their shoes through X-ray machines before boarding their flights.



This is only getting stranger.* Personally I'm more inclined to believe that it doesn't help since the Dept. of Homeland Security doesn't have jobs and reputation to protect in the matter as does the TSA.* In any event it will be interesting to see who's "science" prevails.

-LT

[ruledpaper]

Well I have to say I'm impressed that security is at least looking at everything right now, not just our shoes...

To give you an idea of how much this changed things, this threat was adressed wednesday night... the saturday before that I flew from london to new york with a bail out bag full of clothes and touristy gear, with two camelback water bottles riding shotgun filled to the brim with fanta and water. I would hate to have had to surrender that.

[watchman]

:D Unless I have to go to Europe or Asia I fly myself. Smoking not only allowed but mandatory
The only way to fly. If this keeps up I may have to start charter service. >:D
As In my Sig Have plane will travel O0

[Lunal_Tic]

U.S. to Relax Air Travel Restrictions
(http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060925/D8KBUGSG0.html)


A Homeland Security Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made, said that most liquids and gels that air travelers purchase in secure areas of airports will now be allowed on planes.

. . . New procedures also were being announced for products like lip gloss and hand lotion that passengers bring to the airport. Previously, those liquids have been confiscated at security checkpoints. Now, the official said, those products will be put in clear plastic bags at the checkpoint, screened and returned to the passenger if they pass screening.

[Lunal_Tic]

U.S. to Require Passports for Nearly All (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20061122/D8LHQG800.html)


Nearly all air travelers entering the U.S. will be required to show passports beginning Jan. 23, including returning Americans and people from Canada and other nations in the Western Hemisphere.

. . . Currently, U.S. citizens returning from other countries in the hemisphere are not required to present passports but must show other proof of citizenship such as driver's licenses or birth certificates.

Visitors from most countries in the hemisphere are required to show passports. However, people from Canada, Bermuda - and those from Mexico who enter the U.S. frequently and have special border-crossing cards - have been allowed to use other forms of identification, including driver's licenses.

. . . Under a separate program, Homeland Security plans to require all travelers, including Americans, entering the U.S. by land or sea to show a passport or an alternative security identification card starting as early as January 2008.

The Homeland Security Department estimates that about one in four Americans has a passport. Some people have balked at the $97 price tag.

-LT

[Emanuel]

How about a walking cane?

Would they confiscate a cane?

I would say my knee hurts without the cane (try to prove otherwise) and refuse to go without it.

If they still confiscate the cane I'd make them carry my butt around. :laugh:

Either way I win.

[Lunal_Tic]

I carry a collapsible cane but I also have a note from the doc about it. So far no troubles.

-LT

[redflare]

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-passport23nov23,1,7540472.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage

"U.S. citizens traveling by air from Canada, Mexico and most Caribbean islands must present passports to reenter the country starting Jan. 23, the government said Wednesday."

[Lunal_Tic]

Previous post merged with this thread.

-LT
:gz:

[Lunal_Tic]

Since people will probably be traveling more as we near Summer here's a link to the TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm). While the list is a good place to start it isn't always up to date and the TSA agent at the gate has the final call so they can make or interpret the rule as needed, consider yourself warned. ;D I print out the newest copy of this and carry it with me when I travel just in case but I'm not sure how helpful it would be if they were "in a mood".

I've also heard anecdotal stories that they are starting to relax the restrictions on very small knives but I've not been able to confirm that position officially.

On another note: Undercover agents slip bombs past DIA screeners (http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=67166) :shrug:

Happy Trails,
-LT

[RyanMalpiede]

Link broken?

[Lunal_Tic]

Not for the Undercover Agents article nor TSA info above your post.

-LT

[new old guy]

Anyone have info on edc from any recent cruise to Mexico?

[Lunal_Tic]

new old guy http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/977/welcomerainbowii0.gif to EDCF.

-LT

[Lunal_Tic]

Airport Screeners Missed Bomb Parts (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20071115/D8STTNO80.html)




The investigators learned about the components to make an improvised explosive device and an improvised incendiary device on the Internet and purchased the parts at local stores, said the report by the Government Accountability Office. Investigators were able to purchase the components for the two devices for under $150, and they studied the published guidelines for screening to determine how to conceal the prohibited items as they went through checkpoint security.

At the end of the testing, investigators concluded that terrorists could use publicly available information and a few cheaply available supplies to damage an airplane and threaten passenger safety.



TSA spokeswoman Ellen Howe said the exercise tested only one of the agency's 19 layers of security and therefore doesn't mean the overall system is unsafe.



The TSA agreed with the investigators' recommendation to introduce "more aggressive, visible and unpredictable security measures," as well as the recommendation to deploy new detection technologies.



-LT

[Lunal_Tic]

New procedures at Japanese airports. (http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/keiziban/happyou/video.html)



On May 24, 2006, the amended Immigration Control Act was promulgated, which includes provisions intended for the prevention of terrorist attacks. More specifically, the amended Act has established a new procedure wherein at the landing examination, foreign nationals (excluding special permanent residents, persons under the age of 16, and others specified as eligible for exemption) are required to submit personal identification information such as fingerprints. The new procedure shall be put into operation by November 23, 2007. It is expected that the introduction of the new landing examination procedure using personal identification information will make it possible to detect terrorists at the border more successfully and prevent the occurrence of terrorist attacks, thereby making Japan a safer country.

According to the video foreigners entering Japan will be fingerprinted, photographed, and interviewed.

-LT

[Lunal_Tic]

Mailsafe (http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/mailsafe.shtm)

This will be good news to most that worry about having their EDC goodies taken. Hope it works as it should and more airports adopt it.


The Portland International Airport in Oregon recently became the sixth airport in the country to offer Mailsafe Express stations that assist passengers who have had prohibited items intercepted in secure areas of checkpoints. The other airports are William P. Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental, both in Houston; Palm Beach and Tampa international in Florida, and Chicago O’Hare, where a pilot program is nearly complete.

Mailsafe allows passengers, with the help of our transportation security officers, to mail prohibited items home or to other destinations without ever leaving the security line.

The Mailsafe process takes about two minutes. One of our officers escorts the passenger to an ATM-looking kiosk while maintaining control of the item, then puts it in an envelope and in the kiosk. The transportation security officer can then return to screening duties. The passenger keys in mailing information, swipes a credit card and proceeds through security. Cost of the service starts at $8.95 plus postage.

[Edwood]

Is mailsafe "service" no longer around? The link is dead.

I'm worried about flashlight gear like batteries getting confiscated.

I'm going on a flight next week. Can you post a link to the TSA Lithium Battery policy in the Sticky FAQ so it can easily be found and printed to bring along on flights?

[EDCPHREAK]

Link for TSA Prohibited Items:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1012.shtm

[scríbhneoir]

If you EDC electronics when you travel...

Travelers beware: U.S. agents can seize and retain laptops indefinitely… (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog/?p=287)

[DB]

If you EDC electronics when you travel...

Travelers beware: U.S. agents can seize and retain laptops indefinitely… (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog/?p=287)


WTH? That is freaking ridiculous! :rant:

I don't care that gas is 4 bucks a gallon. If I need to travel, I'm driving everywhere now. I don't pay the kind of money airlines are filching from you AND have to put up with crap like that.

[inthedark]

If you EDC electronics when you travel...

Travelers beware: U.S. agents can seize and retain laptops indefinitely… (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog/?p=287)


Make sure if you take any laptops that they are password protected and encrypted. I think there's a case going through the courts right now related to this process, the last time I checked they may be able to confiscate your laptop, but they can NOT make you give up your password.

[ackbar]

Looks like Orwell got the date wrong.

[mrichelo]

Wow.

All I can say is wow. Unbelievable.

I'm speechless.

Mark