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BREAKING:
British authorities are reporting that they foiled a plot to blow up several planes traveling between the UK and the US. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security responded with new restrictions on all travel within and to the United States. The policy statement is quoted at length, with the bottom line highlighted:

…the United States Government has raised the nation’s 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 United Kingdom. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements. Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. These changes will take effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.

NO LIQUIDS?!!? Better hope you don’t get stuck on board a plane with no air conditioning. Early reports indicate that suspects were hiding explosives in beverage containers, electronics, etc. (The ban on liquids is indefinite, though I assume you can still buy drinks at the airport past security.)

It’s even worse at UK airports. NO CARRY-ON LUGGAGE. And no hand-carrying of books, iPods, or anything non-essential in the cabin. The following Department for Transport rules apply effective immediately if your flight originates OR if you change planes in the UK:

All cabin baggage must be processed as hold 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. Nothing may be carried in pockets:
* pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
* 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 (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
* female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
* 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 USA 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.

Delays in the UK are already huge — 4 hours or more.

This is nuts. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Flight cancellations from London are plentiful, check with your airline. Roundup of intra-European cancellations is here. Flights between the US and UK: American Airlines cancelled most flights to and from London today. United, Virgin, and British Airways didn’t follow suit, but flights are delayed.

UPDATE 2: Now Canada is also following the no-liquids policy, but applying it to domestic flights, not just those headed to the U.S.

Whatever happened to proving your water isn’t a bomb by taking a sip from the bottle, like you had to do after 9/11? The terrorists have won. Completely and utterly won.

UPDATE 3: Another clarification for U.S. flights: According to AP, drinks purchased in the airport terminal aren’t allowed onboard the plane, either. Airlines had better boost their beverage carts. Hydration is serious business.

Still not clear to me: If you can put liquids in your checked luggage. If anyone knows, or has any travel stories from today, drop me a line using the contact link in the upper-right side of the page.

UPDATE 4: Putting liquids in checked luggage is okay. The restriction is limited to carry-on luggage. Why the ban on liquids? See here for info on liquid explosives such as TATP.

(image: Suzanne Plunkett/Bloomberg News)
tags: travel | airport security