Security Tightened after Botched Bombing
The Transportation Security Administration has hinted that tighter security measures will be implemented in the wake of the botched Christmas Day bombing attempt on a Northwest flight from Amsterdam. But the agency has been short on specifics and it is hard to ascertain exactly what this will mean for travelers.
At least one airline, Air Canada, has publicly stated that the TSA has instructed them to implement new regulations on flights to the U.S. Air Canada says its been told to allow only one carry on bag per passenger. The carrier also says that there will be new rules for in-flight behavior that "limit on-board activities by customers and crew in U.S. airspace that may adversely impact on-board service." Among other things, during the final hour of flight, customers will be required to remain seated and will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage or have personal belongings or other items in their laps.
We are also hearing anecdotal reports of more intense screenings at security checkpoints -- including screeners that open every bottle in toiletry cases, and a lot more secondary screenings. As a result, we suggest arriving at the airport about 30 minutes earlier than you otherwise would, particularly for an international flight.