Minya

Good Morning,
We (a group of six) will be traveling to New York City in a few weeks for a long weekend. With the recent terror threats for NYC, should we continue with our plans? As we are traveling from outside the United States, what can we expect once we arrive in the City? We know that this question pops up everytime there is a threat, but I hope you will be able to provide your thoughts. Thanks.

Johanna1

From where outside the U.S. will you be traveling? Would your country of citizenship be considered hostile or friendly toward the U.S. at this time? It may not be "politically correct" to ask these things, but it's possible that your answers may help you to decide whether or not to continue with your plans. If you do come, expect tighter security at the sites, hence longer lines and so forth.

GoTravel

If one could accurately predict where and when a terrorist attack will occur life would be grand. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

Since no one can predict an attack, you need to decide whether or not you want terrorists to control your life.

Ryan

The reality is that NYC has been under an increased alert level since 9/11. Changing the alert level to high simply means that some of the security is more overt than it otherwise would be. Some things take more time, such as getting over the bridges and tunnels, but most things continue as normal.

Given that the Republican Convention is in New York at the end of the month, I would say that many of the overt security measures, like greater visible police prescence, would have occurred anyway. I'm still coming to work everyday, millions are still riding the subways, and we go about our normal lives without spending to much time worrying about what might or might not happen.

In terms of coming here, that is your personal choice. In terms of overall safety, NYC is one of the safest large cities in this country. Violent crime in the areas frequented by most tourists is relatively low and the NYPD has one of the largest, best trained police forces in the world.

In my mind, the risk of a tourist getting ripped off by a vendor illegally selling knockoff merchandise is higher than the risk from terrorists. But, you need to decide for yourself what's best for you.

QC

Please ignore Johanna1's nonsense answer.

Here is what you can expect when NYC is on highest alert:

- Increased visible Police presence, often with visible weaponry.

- Visible National Guard/Armed Forces patrols at major sites and transit hubs.

- Street, bridge, or tunnel closings or re-routing. These will usually be announced in advance.

- High levels of security at most major tourist sites, including metal detectors and bag searches. The security will resemble the experience you have at the airport.

- Buildings or sites may be closed at any time, there may or may not be an announcement. Call ahead to make sure.

- The Mayor and city officials will make public announcements in the event of a real emergency.

- Abandoned parcels will cause an alarm and will result in direct interest from law enforcement as well as possible closings.

- Long lines at customs and immigration at the airport upon arrival.

That's pretty much it.

You will need to decide your own comfort level traveling during public alerts. I can report that is is business as usual here in New York today. There are some bridge and street closings.

Some things to do that will ease your trip:

- Always carry photo identification, like a Passport.

- Plan ahead for bag searches- leave bulky items or suspicious items like small knives at home or in your hotel room. Keep what you carry to a minimum.

- Know the local sources of information:

Dial 311 from any telephone to report suspicious parcels or events or to get general information from the City of New York.

Dial 911 if there is immediate jeopardy or someone is injured.

Listen to the radio on 1010 AM for 24 hour news.

All local daily newspapers will let you know about security changes or closings.

- If members of your party speak no English, it may be wise to have them carry a note or card in English with the name of their hotel or any special medical information. In the chaos of an emergency, they may be separated from you or injured. This way they can get help. Be aware that many, many people in New York speak and read Spanish as well.

Keep in mind that since 9/11, millions of people have had uneventful, fun visits to New York.

Have a great trip! If you decide not to come, I hope you come soon when things calm down a little bit.

mclaurie

There seems to be great concern about the period during the Republican National Convention(Aug. 30-Sept 2)and surrounding it. Many NYers are planning to leave the city and many have been asked to work from home--not so much because of terror concerns but because of precautions being put in place. One possibility is that the city will wind up being very empty

There are no guarantees. Unless you are planning on being here during or just before the convention and/or are entering NY through Penn station, I would not change plans. But if you feel uncomfortable and think it will ruin your time here you might want to reschedule.

kaudrey

Minya - go to NY! I live in DC, which is also under heightened alert, and, like Ryan, I go to work everyday, and take the metro and lunch near the White House. I'm also a block from IMF and World Bank, BTW.

IMO, you should not let terrorists run your life. There will be more security at airports, more police around, etc, but other than that, life goes on as usual in these places - so should your travel plans.

Have a great trip!

Karen

Johanna1

"Nonsense" answer? That's a bit harsh, QC. I posed some valid questions. Grow up.

Cassandra

The intelligence on which the increased alert is based has been around for months and was not specific as to timing. Based on the experience of Madrid, it is justifiably speculated that the timing might be, generally, some time before the election. There are, however, other possible speculations as to the timing of the announcement of these threats, forcing the implementation of increased security measures this week.

Should you continue with your plans? The answer to that question depends on the following: how much inconveniences due to changes in security procedures would bother you; how much you have already spent that's refundable; how much you want to either defy attempts to scare you or how much the raised level of public anxiety will spoil your enjoyment; how important the trip is to you.

If you are coming for just a long weekend, that suggests that you are not coming from Europe or Asia. That leaves Canada or Mexico -- easy to get there, easy to get home, and you should probably already be aware of how these alerts go in the US. I'm tempted to tell you to come ahead because, as others have said, the reality of a terrorist attack is unpredictable, and no one knows now when someone is crying "wolf" to scare people, to keep the wolf on notice and away, or because there's actually a wolf. I'm also tempted to tell you not to come because your schedule makes it sound like you'll be coming just before the convention -- which means the disruptions of normal life will be well under way.