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President signs aviation-security
bill
President Bush has signed into law an
aviation security bill that increases federal oversight of air travel. The
legislation addresses a number of issues:
-
It
puts airport screening under federal control with a federal work force
-
Requires
inspection of all checked bags
-
Requires
fortified cockpit doors
-
Increased
the use of air marshals on flights and law enforcement in airports
-
Increased
coordination between the Transportation Department and law enforcement
agencies to crosscheck passengers.
Before and after Thanksgiving, you'll see
more law enforcement officers at screening stations and have more of your
checked baggage undergoing inspections.
Here's
a closer look at some of the changes you can expect when you fly.
Changes at the airport and in the planes
new agency: The bill also creates a new agency in the Transportation
Department to oversee all transportation security matters.
New fees:
A $2.50 passenger fee per flight, with a maximum of $5 per trip, will be
levied within 60 days to pay for the added security.
National Guard:
The president first urged governors to station National Guard troops at
airports, and later urged the governors to increase the number of troops.
There are now nearly 7,000 men and women on duty at 425 U.S. airports.
They will be stationed for at least another five months, according to a
National Guard spokesperson.
Air marshals:
The president proposed expanding the federal air marshal program. The
Federal Aviation Administration has begun the hiring, training, and
deploying of air marshals on commercial airliners. One source says the FAA
is training 400 marshals a week, although the FAA declined to specify any
numbers.
Plane modifications:
The president budgeted $500 million to improve onboard safety. All of the
major U.S. airlines have completed the installation of crossbars or other
types of reinforcements to the cockpit doors of all their planes.
The FAA is requiring airlines to submit
designs for stronger, bulletproof doors by spring, with installation to be
completed in 2005. A number of airlines have already begun installing new
bulletproof doors.
In-cabin technologies:
Bush called for investment in technologies that would enable pilots to
monitor disturbances in the cabin and ensure the continuous operation of
the aircraft transponder, which enables air controllers to track, the
plane. So far, one carrier—Delta Air Lines—has announced plans to test
a closed-circuit video camera television system on one of its MD-88s.
Following the three-month trial, Delta plans to install the system
fleet-wide. Delta also will begin testing an enhanced transponder system,
which would ensure the continuous transmission of a distress signal to air
controllers.
Arming pilots:
The issue remains unresolved, but some airlines, such as United Airlines,
have announced plans to arm pilots with stun guns.
The Associated Press contributed to this
story.
Published November 8, 2001
What to pack, what not to pack
Confused about what you can and can't pack
in your carry-on? In October, the FAA clarified its stance on items that
are and are not permitted in carry-on luggage, advising passengers that
while objects such as tweezers and nail clippers are okay to carry, other
items like corkscrews and knives are taboo.
The FAA has also limited passengers on all
airlines to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a briefcase,
Pocketbook, or purse. The restriction is meant to speed up lines at
security checkpoints and to give screeners more time to check bags and
passengers thoroughly.
What you can and can't pack:
Those items now considered acceptable to pack in your carry-on baggage
include walking canes, nail clippers, safety razors
(Including disposable razors), tweezers,
umbrellas, and eyelash curlers. Needles or syringes for medicinal purposes
are permitted, but must have the manufacturers and/or pharmaceutical label
attached.
These items will not be allowed in
carry-on bags:
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Knives
of any kind
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Cutting
instruments of any kind and composition (including box cutters,
straight razors, elongated scissors, etc.)
-
Corkscrews
-
Baseball
or softball bats
-
Golf
clubs
-
Pool
cues
-
Ski
poles
-
Hockey
sticks
If in doubt about an item, the FAA is
advising passengers to put the item in checked baggage. Air travelers
should also note that all electronic devices, such as cellular phones and
laptops, might be subject to more stringent screening at security
checkpoints.
Travelers limited to one carry-on:
The next time you fly, not only will the contents of your carry-on be
scrutinized more closely, but you'll also be restricted to one carry on
bag. A new FAA mandate limits passengers to one carry-on per person, plus
one additional personal item.
Airlines across the country have put the
one carry-on restriction into effect. The limit applies to travelers
boarding all flights departing from U.S. airports for both domestic and
international destinations.
Passengers should also be aware that
carry-on bags might be subject to additional screening after passing
through the security checkpoint, such as at the gate.
When to get to the airport
Before you even leave for the airport, it's
always a good idea to check that your flight is on schedule by calling
your airline.
Plan to arrive early:
Most airlines are now asking travelers to begin the check-in process a
minimum of 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before
international flights to allow for tighter security procedures. Even if
you end up spending extra time in the departure lounge, that's better than
standing in line to check a bag while you watch your plane pull away from
the gate.
Airport access and parking
New FAA security measures, coupled with
additional restrictions in place at many major airports (see Restrictions
and security procedures at major airports), have reduced parking options
at airports across the country.
The FAA now prohibits parking within 300
feet of a terminal, forcing some airports to close short-term parking
areas or entire garages. Some airports have also suspended valet parking.
Los Angeles International Airport has gone so far as to prohibit private
vehicles from dropping off or picking up passengers at curbside.
Since airport parking may be in very short
supply, it makes more sense than ever for travelers to take advantage of
public transportation or find other alternatives to driving to the
airport, and if you must drive park in off-airport lots.
At some airports, cars (especially those
with tinted or dark windows) entering the pick-up or drop-off areas may be
stopped and inspected.
Curbside check-in
Curbside check-in, which had been banned
for several weeks after September 11, has since been reinstated at most
airports.
The availability of curbside check-in also
varies with individual airlines, which may offer the service at one
location but not another. To find out if the service is available from
your departure point, call your airline.
When checking in at the curb, passengers
must show a government-issued ID. Tighter security standards mean in some
cases passengers may be directed to the ticket counter.
Baggage carts have traditionally been
scarce at curbside, but airports are now working with cart vendors to
position extra carts at curbside areas. Help the system run smoothly by
returning your cart to a rack once you've checked in.
Checking in for your flight
Airport security checkpoints and airline
check-in locations require that you present proof of current-date travel:
e-ticket receipt, itinerary, boarding pass, or a paper ticket will work.
Most airlines will once again allow you to
check-in online or at an automated kiosk. If you use those services, be
sure to have your ticket documentation and photo identification handy to
show at the security checkpoint and airline gate.
E-tickets are still just as valid as paper
tickets, and with the proper documentation you can proceed straight to
your gate.
You must also show government-issued photo
identification, such as a driver's license or a passport, during check-in
and prior to boarding. Minors do not need a photo ID as long as an
accompanying adult certifies their identity, according to the FAA.
What to expect at security
Under new rules, you may only go past a
security checkpoint and on to an airline gate if you have proof of a
reservation to fly the same day.
Due to more rigorous scrutiny at
checkpoints, the FAA advises passengers to limit the amount of metal they
wear, and to remove such metal objects as jewelry, car keys, and coins
before passing though the screener to help facilitate the process. Some
surprising objects can set off the metal detectors, prompting some
airports to post this travel tip: Bend your shoes. If they don't bend,
they probably have a steel shank and may set off the buzzer. Wear another
pair to the airport.
During periods when check-in and security
checkpoint lines are longest, many airports are sending snack carts up and
down the lines so you can sip coffee or have a bite to eat without losing
your spot in line. Try to finish your snack before it's your turn through
the metal detector: At many airports you'll be asked to dump your drink
before passing through the security checkpoint.
All electronic items, such as laptops and
cell phones, are subject to additional inspection. You may be asked, for
example, to remove your laptop from its travel case and to turn it on.
Security personnel may ask you to unwrap
any gifts you plan to carry onboard. Consider shipping your gifts ahead,
or leave them unwrapped until after your flight.
The FAA has recently limited passengers on
all airlines to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a
briefcase, pocketbook, or purse. You may not pack knives of any kind,
scissors, or other cutting implements in your carry-on luggage.
You're not quite through yet. Beyond the
security checkpoint, you and your bags may be inspected again prior to
boarding the plane.
What you'll notice at the airport
Inside and around the airport, you're
likely to notice an increase in security personnel, including police
officers or armed members of the National Guard.
Security concerns have also affected some
of the airport amenities travelers are used to. Airports nationwide, for
example, have closed all self-serve lockers. However, this system wide
precaution is under review and may be lifted.
Most restaurants, shops, and services
located before security checkpoints remain open for business and are
operating on regular schedules. Concessions operating beyond the
checkpoints, however, may reduce operating hours due to a significant drop
in business as a result of the ticketed-passengers-only rule.
You won't find knives—plastic or
otherwise—at restaurant tables and take-out counters throughout most
airports, so you'll likely get meals in pre-cut, bite-sized portions. And,
as airlines scale back or eliminate their on-board meal services, many
airport restaurants and food vendors are beefing up take-out services and
offering more to-go options.
Baja Motion Tours
Inc. and or any of its affiliates are not responsible for any errors and
omissions in this section. Please consult your airline or FAA for
updated, revised, excluded, revoked, interim or any other information not
mentioned or elaborated upon. Baja Motion Tours Inc. and or any of its
affiliates make no claims, expressed or implied that the above information
is accurate. We have extracted this information from several sources in
attempt to assist the traveling public. |
