Christopherson Business Travel will continue to monitor the
air travel security situation and provide updates as needed. The
following information has been updated and compiled to assist in
expedited travel for our clients.
Supplier Updates
Flight schedules are slowly returning to normal in the United
States. European airports are still reporting some cancelled and
delayed flights as of Friday, but added that schedules are slowly
returning to normal. Travelers should be aware that local hotels
are full to capacity due to the number of cancelled flights and
delayed travel.
Airlines have announced various reaccommodation policies for
travelers with travel disruptions due to the Aug. 10 situation.
These policies include the cancellation of travel between Aug. 10
and Sept. 1 and vary by airline and country. For assistance with
re-booking travel, client travelers should contact their travel
counselor.
Some airlines have announced a waiver of baggage fees as a
result of the requirement to now check baggage previously allowed
as carry-on items. These policies vary by airline and the
traveler should access the airline's Web site for up-to-date
information prior to traveling. Baggage check-in policies are
subject to change based on security situations and
destination.
Some European rail suppliers have announced the acceptance of
airline tickets in exchange for rail service to facilitate travel
intra-country due to cancelled and delayed flights at congested
European airports.
Security Threat Remains at Highest Levels
Security officials at major airports in Europe and the United States have
raised the security threat level to the highest level ever due to
the foiled terrorist plot on Aug. 10 involving aircraft in the
United Kingdom.
The United States Government has raised the nation\u2019s
threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights
originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States.
This adjustment reflects the Critical, or highest, alert level
that has been implemented in the UK. To defend further against
any remaining threat from this plot, the threat level has been
raised to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating
in or destined for the United States.
Christopherson Business Travel anticipates current security
policies and procedures oulined below will remain in place at
United States and European airports during this elevated security
threat level.
Traveler Recommendations
- Arrive early: it is recommended that travelers arrive at
the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure for domestic
flights and 3.5 hours for international flights. Note: the long
lines of Aug. 10 are disminishing as travelers are more
informed and prepared. Where traveler plans permit, airlines
are encouraging online check-in to expedite airport
processing.
- Check Flight Status: Christopherson Business Travel
recommends that all travelers check online flight status
sources prior to departure for the airport.
- Expect the unexpected: The heightened security levels will
precipitate quick security reactions. Travelers may experience
minor travel disruptions due to suspicious packages, erratic
passenger behavior and updated security reports, etc. Aircraft
may be re-directed for emergency landings based on security
incidents.
- Pack properly and be prepared for security processing: NO
LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY ON
BAGGAGE. ITEMS MUST BE PACKED IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes
all tolietries of a liquid or chemical nature: beverages,
hairspray, deoderant, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams,
toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, and other items of similar
consistency. Pack lightly - use clear plastic bags to
facilitate faster screening. Review the list of TSA banned items when packing.
- Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines may be carried on
board. However, passenger validation will be required at the
security checkpoint. Travelers should ensure that proper
prescription labeling matches passenger information.
- NEW - Be prepared for secondary screening at the boarding
gates: Beverages and other prohibited items purchased in the
boarding area (beyond the checkpoint) must be consumed before
boarding because they will not be permitted on board the
aircraft.
- Cooperate with security officials: Travelers should be
patient and remain calm during the security screening process
and remember that these processes are in place for their
safety. It is recommended that travelers cooperate with any and
all instructions and requests of TSA security personnel.
- International passengers: Travelers should be aware that,
although you may carry laptops, cell phones, and other
electronic devices from the United States to the UK, all
carry-on luggage is prohibited on flights originating in the UK
and these items will be required to be processed as checked
baggage.
- Rail services: Security procedures have been increased on
passenger rail services. Travelers should be aware that baggage
and passenger searches may randomly be required at any
time.
- Increased security: Travelers should be aware that some
U.S. airports have increased on-site security through the use
of the U.S. National Guard. Armed patrols and canine patrols
may be highly visible as a precaution.
Additional Check-in Requirements for Flights Originating in
the United Kingdom
No carry-on baggage is allowed and must be processed as checked
baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing
UK airports.
Passengers may take through the airport security search point,
in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag. Only the
following items are allowed:
- Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents
(for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc, no
handbags allowed)
- Travel documents essential for the journey (for example
passports and travel tickets)
- Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and
essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid
form unless verified as authentic.
- Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
- Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
- For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the
contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying
passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the
flight (diapers, wipes, creams and diaper disposal bags)
- Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the
flight, if unboxed
- Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
- Keys (but no electrical key fobs)
All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and
all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened.
Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only
airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening
point.
In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to
the United States and all the items they are carrying, including
those acquired after the central screening point, must be
subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids
discovered must be removed from the passenger. There are no
changes to current checked baggage security measures.
These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated when
circumstances warrant. Additional information links may be found
on Christopherson Business Travel's Web site and updates will be
made as needed.
All information is provided "as is" and without any
representation or warranty. Every effort has been made to be as
thorough and accurate as possible.
