By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.Com
December 28, 2009
The attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Airlines flight 253 has resulted in new emergency airline regulations that could make post-holiday travel a little more complicated. The rules went into effect Saturday.
While many of the rules are aimed at international travel, they also affect domestic flights.
A 23-year old Nigerian was subdued by other passengers, and later arrested, after officials say he attempted to ignite explosive materials as the flight from Amsterdam was making it approach to Detroit.
"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," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. "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."Napolitano declined to go into detail about the new security steps, saying she didn't want to tip off any other would-be terrorists. She said the measures might vary from airport to airport, a move designed to make going through security unpredictable.
If the experience is to be unpredictable for terrorists, rest assured it will also be unpredictable for the rest of the traveling public. The one thing that can be predicted is longer security lines.
A number of airlines, meanwhile, have prepared passengers for some of the changes. Those on international flights, for example, will be required to remain in their seats for the last hour before landing. They will be prohibited from holding any personal items in their laps.
International travelers will also be limited to one carry-on item.
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new security measures for all flights departing from any foreign location to the United States. This is in addition to the normal screening that all passengers go through to enter secured areas," American Airlines said on its Website. "All passengers should allow extra time for check in as well as the boarding process, and should check their flight status before departure."
"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," Napolitano said.
However, that may prove difficult for some. Many of Air Canada's flights in and out of New York's La Guardia Airport over the weekend were cancelled, with the New York Times quoting ticket agents as saying the new security rules are the reason.
