dbaker

Thank you for upsetting the most recent plot to blow up planes between US and UK. We fly Friday morning to Glasgow and I am in the process of repacking ALL our carryon luggage into larger checked pieces. Just taking passports, money, and prescriptions meds on the plane I suppose. Planning for the most severe restrictions and will would rather be pleasantly surprised if they allow us to take carryon after all.

Sounds wierd, but I actually feel safer knowing that everyone is on heightened alert. I'd rather have longer delays checking in and know that things are being checked much more thoroughly.

Mary_Fran

My gosh, you're calm and collected. I think I'd still be ricocheting off the walls.

Nonconformist

I think you might be OK with carryon luggage flying into the UK - as far as has been reported the restrictions are for flights out of, or within, the UK.

SpeedBuggy

At the point, the plot is flights from UK to US, not vice versa.

Mary_Fran

According to what was just said on CNN, not true it's OUT only. It applies to flights into UK as well.

SpeedBuggy

Wow! Twenty minutes ago is was stated that it was flights out of UK. If they have added flights from US to UK, then US airports must be cracking down too. Better go watch the BBC. Thanks, Mary!

WillTravel

Someone has posted this, supposedly from the Department of Homeland Security (US), but I don't see a direct link.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...p;postcount=79

However, if that statement is true, liquids, including beverages, shampoos, etc., are being prohibited from being carried on US airplanes.

Girlspytravel

All flights, inbound and outbound from the US-UK will be subjected to heightened security screening-particularly American carriers-as will all all flights into and out of other European countries and intra-Europe as well.

dbaker

Looks like we better get to LAX more than 3 hours before takeoff though. And I will regret not getting to take my slippers, eyeshades, comfy pillow, and snacks on the overnight flight. I guess I'll see how this all pans out tomorrow at this time before deciding what we will be allowed to carry on.

As far as being scared, there is always that part in the back of your mind anytime you fly nowadays that says you might not make it there in one piece.

But logically, if people really think about it, the next few days and weeks are probably a lot safer flying between US/UK than it would have been traveling yesterday or last week - due to the heightened security. That is why I feel safer (but will be waiting a lot longer in line!)

Girlspytravel

DHS has just raised the security threat level from yellow to red, for flights originating from the UK to the US.

WillTravel

DBaker, I'm unsure how these restrictions are going to affect my own flight to Glasgow, but one thing I was just thinking is that I could wear two outfits on the plane because being without an extra set of clothes is somehow one of my major concerns. Kids like to do that sort of thing - why not me. Hmm - a dress with a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath, a pair of trousers under the dress, two pairs of underwear, and a jacket.

Good luck with your Friday flight.

joxxxxx

Heathrow airport has been closed to all incoming flights not already airborne
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778871.stm

sallyjane3

I like your style, dbaker. Good attitude.

KidsToLondon

Ah, a history of the travails of travelers to/from the UK:

--airline strikes
--rail strikes
--Underground strikes
--IRA threats
--air traffic controllers strikes
--the "shoe bomber"
--baggage handler strikes
--catering contractor strikes
--9/11 follow-on restrictions
--foot and mouth disease
--mad cow disease
--avian flu

What have I left out?

To quote Winston Churchill: "Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed."

elina

OK, situation over at least for the time being. They have just arrested 21 people for plotting to blow up an airplane between UK ja US.

Robespierre

Yeah. Six Islamic extremists were arrested, tried, and convicted for bombing the World Trade Center in 1993, too.

That was almost the last thing we ever heard about the building.

Birdie

We're still planning on going to London in two weeks. I'm not going to let the terrorists change my plans. Besides, I drove I-95 through DC at least 10 times this summer. The chances of dying while doing that are much higher than from a terrorist attack. No ipod for my 16 yo? He may actually have to talk to me!!!

Pegontheroad

The whole thing is very spooky, but it does have a positive aspect in that no one will be sitting next to you at the airport talking loudly into their cell phone. I find that extremely annoying. I don't know why, I just do.

Anyway, whoever uncovered this plot--thank you! thank you! thank you1

AdrienneB

Hat's off to the great work done by the Pakistani's, England and US officials for uncovering this potentially horrific plot.

Anyone else think it's ironic that 8 of 11 Egyptian students are missing? They failed to show at a Montana University. 3 turned themselves in, but, 8 have been missing for some time.

Good luck to the travelers. It truly is a time for "heads up" among all!

francophile03

Yes. I have also thought of these eight missing students. Any word about them yet?