New TSA Rules When Flying to the US

[ECO]

TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 Incident

News & Happenings

December 27, 2009

Photo of an airport terminalOn Dec. 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 set off a device and was subdued by passengers and crew. TSA wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of those individuals.

As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

Click here to read a statement about the incident from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.

Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.

Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.

Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.

[ECO]

DHS Secretary Napolitano Statement on Northwest Flight 253
December 26, 20091:00 p.m. EST

"I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place- for all domestic and international flights- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on flights.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in."

Thanks,

[ECO]

International travelers have been limited on their ability to move about an airplane while in flight. One hour prior to landing passengers must stay in their seats without anything on their lap, including pillows and blankets. International passengers are also subject to pat-downs and bag searches, according to the TSA website.

This part gets me, I wonder what happens when someone really has to use the restroom............do they make them go in their pants or have someone watch them go? Shortly after 9/11 I flew from Boston to DC and you could not get out of your seat for the last 30-60 minutes of the flight. It seemed like you only had 15 or so minutes to use the bathroom once the plane reached it's cruising altitude.

Also, I guess this means that I can't play on my laptop for the last hour of the flight

[Rose21]

Bummer! What am I supposed to do with my pocket book put it on the floor? I hate doing that.
The thought of being patt down by some stranger at the airport ticks me off.

[damswell]

if knowing you cannot use the restroom for the last hour during descending, i would hope people use it prior. i personally hate it when as soon as people reach into the plane they use the bathroom....go before you get on.....same goes during descending....you all of a sudden need to go? please..............

[ECO]

if knowing you cannot use the restroom for the last hour during descending, i would hope people use it prior. i personally hate it when as soon as people reach into the plane they use the bathroom....go before you get on.....same goes during descending....you all of a sudden need to go? please..............

Some people like to drink like fish before and during flights I must use the bathrooms at least 5-6 times for a 4 hour flight.

On a side note, the news had something about some really strict rules on flights inbound from CA...........no carry on allowed???????

[ECO]

Bummer! What am I supposed to do with my pocket book put it on the floor? I hate doing that.
The thought of being patt down by some stranger at the airport ticks me off.

I actually enjoy the pat downs if they wear fresh gloves. I don't care for the whole germ thing with having to take off my shoes.....yuk yuk yuk

[Rose21]

Bummer! What am I supposed to do with my pocket book put it on the floor? I hate doing that.
The thought of being patt down by some stranger at the airport ticks me off.

I actually enjoy the pat downs if they wear fresh gloves. I don't care for the whole germ thing with having to take off my shoes.....yuk yuk yuk

Come to think of it I would rather the pat down than a full body scan...just hope it a cute guy or girl.

[Wahoo]

if knowing you cannot use the restroom for the last hour during descending, i would hope people use it prior. i personally hate it when as soon as people reach into the plane they use the bathroom....go before you get on.....same goes during descending....you all of a sudden need to go? please..............

Some people like to drink like fish before and during flights I must use the bathrooms at least 5-6 times for a 4 hour flight.

I generally avoid getting liquored up and always make sure I take care of business before a flight, after having a couple of near-disasterous experiences in-flight. On one flight, I was in such distress I thought my bladder would burst. The restroom at the rear of the plane was occupied, with a couple of other passengers waiting their turn to use it, so I made a desperate dash to the nearest unoccupied restroom, which just happened to be the first-class restroom. As I entered the first-class restroom, I thought I'd stepped into the Garden of Eden! It was nice in there.