Terrorist alert triggers airline passenger procedures

Due to the recent terrorist activities, higher travel precautions are currently be taken both nationally and internationally. To help minimize the impact on travelers, the following information has been provided the United States Private and Public Partnership National Governance, https://nwwarn.usp3.org.

* The U.S. terrorist threat level has been raised to severe, or red, for all commercial flights flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

* The U.S. terrorist threat level has been raised to high, or orange, for all commercial aviation operating in the United States, including international flights. Flights from the United States to the United Kingdom are also orange.

Increased Aviation Screening Procedures:
* The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing a series of security measures, some visible and some not visible, to ensure the security of the traveling public and the nation’s transportation system.

* NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY ON BAGGAGE. SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

* Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

* Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

* These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated as circumstances warrant.

* Passengers can assist in security by following steps:
— Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening
— Arrive earlier than usual at the airport
— Cooperate with TSA personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at all gates
— Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities

National security is everyone’s responsibility. If you wish to report suspicious information that you believe relates to terrorism or that may result in the prevention of terrorism, please submit that information to FBI HQ using the link found at http://www.USP3.org.

For related information go to:

* Department of Homeland Security advisory system at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=29

* Department of Homeland Security travel and transportation at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/theme_home3.jsp

* Washington Times, “Britain foils airline plot,”
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20060811-121825-3495r.htm

* Seattle Times article “U.S. officials say it is safe to fly, though some suspects still at large,” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003192047_webplotsafety11.html 
* Seattle Times, “What to know before you go to the airport,” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/2003190634_plottraveltips11.html

* Seattle Times, “Travelers may want to consider buying insurance,” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2003189566_webflightinsurance10.html