Wow! What a way to start off a family vacation. That’s what I was thinking this morning as I watched video of the thousands of travelers stranded in London’s Heathrow airport following the announcement that yet another terror plot had been uncovered.
Homeland Security Department investigators say terrorists were targeting United, American and Continental Airlines. It is believed the terrorists were planning to board flights as passengers with masked explosives hidden in their carry-on luggage that could not be detected by metal detectors and X-ray machines at security checkpoints. Once on board the international flights officials say they believe the terrorists planned to use “liquid chemical” devices to blow up the airplanes in midair. Some news agencies are also reporting that the attack was planned as a suicide mission and called for the flights to be blown up in-flight almost simultaneously, close enough so that flight controllers would not be able to ground planes, and far enough out in the Atlantic so that pilots would have no place to land.
Consequently, the U.S. Homeland Security Department has raised the terror alert to orange for domestic flights and red for commercial flights from Britain to the United States. The red alert level in the Homeland Security warning system means there is a “severe risk of terrorist attacks.” The government also issued a liquid ban. The ban means passengers will not be allowed to pack any liquids in their carry-ons, including beverages and personal items.
Items not allowed include:
Drinks (Breast milk, bottled juice for toddlers, and baby formula are allowed on board, but only after mothers drink it in front of security officials first)
Toothpaste
Roll-On Deodorant
Perfume/Cologne
Hair Gel
Lotion
Sunscreen
Contact Solution
Shampoo
Lip Gloss
Liquid Foundation (all liquid based make-up)
Shaving Cream
Rubbing Alcohol
Lens Cleaner
Hair Spray
Eye Drops
Nasal Spray
Medications will be allowed but must be presented for inspection at security checkpoints. In addition, drinks purchased in the airport cannot be carried onto flights. That means if you pass the security checkpoint and head to the McDonald’s or Starbucks in the airport terminal, you can forget about brining your unfinished Coke or latte on board. But, you won’t be made to suffer from dehydration; coffee, soft drinks and other beverages will still be available onboard planes.
Passengers in Britain are facing even tighter security. There, laptop computers, mobile phones, iPods, and remote controls are among the items banned from being carried on board. Due to the heightened security, travelers booked on international flights are being warned to check in five hours prior to departure time, while passengers on board domestic flights are being asked to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure.
My cousin is supposed to fly from New York to Chicago tomorrow and is already rethinking his packing plans. What about you? Have the new carry-on restrictions affected your travel plans? If the restrictions remain in place through October I may have to wear my eyeglasses on board my next flight as there is no way I could wear my contacts without carrying on contact solution and eye drops.