Travelers face tighter security and longer lines because of new airport rules in the USA and UK after a plot to blow up airliners bound for the USA was uncovered. With a busy travel weekend ahead, here's what you need to know:
Q: What can't I pack in my carry-on bag?
A: The new rules ban almost all liquids, creams and gels from being carried aboard flights. That means you should not pack sunscreen, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel or beverages in a carry-on. Those items must be put in your checked bags. If you are in doubt about an item, pack it in a checked bag or leave it home.
Despite some rumors — and an incorrect early post on American Airlines' website Thursday — there are no new restrictions on laptops, cellphones or other electronics on any flight originating in the USA.
A: Yes, it is OK to put those in a carry-on bag.
Q: If I forget to remove liquids or gels from my bags before I get to the security checkpoint, what will happen?
A: Screeners will ask you to put them in a checked bag or give them to someone who isn't traveling. Otherwise they will be confiscated.
Q: Am I allowed to purchase toothpaste, drinks or other liquids after I get through security and then take them aboard the flight?
A: No. You are not allowed to carry aboard any liquid, no matter when or where you purchased it.Q: Why can I put liquids and gels in a checked bag but not carry them aboard?
A: Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Amy Von Walter said authorities are concerned that liquids could be one part of a bomb, not necessarily a fully assembled explosive. If those parts were in carry-on bags, someone could put the bomb together in flight; if they were in the cargo hold, he couldn't.Q: Besides the ban on liquids and gels, what else will be different about security?
A: The TSA said screeners will be checking passengers more thoroughly at checkpoints, including inspecting more bags by hand. They also will be searching some passengers a second time immediately before boarding — a practice instituted shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks but discontinued several years ago.
Q: Will I have to wait longer in lines?
A: Most likely. The government generally advises that you get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. But with tougher searches, authorities said, you should check with your airline. United and Continental, for example, are advising passengers to arrive three hours ahead for both domestic and international flights.Q: Are other countries or airlines banning liquids in carry-on luggage?
A: Most likely. The government generally advises that you get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. But with tougher searches, authorities said, you should check with your airline. United and Continental, for example, are advising passengers to arrive three hours ahead for both domestic and international flights.
Q: Are other countries or airlines banning liquids in carry-on luggage?
A: Yes. Canada has banned gels and liquids from carry-on bags on all flights. The new restrictions also apply to all flights entering the USA and to flights from France to the UK, USA and Israel.
Q: If I have travel insurance, am I covered?
A: It depends. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse travelers for expenses they incur as a result of delayed or canceled flights, such as the cost of a hotel room at the airport.
"This would be the case for travelers flying in or out of Heathrow or other destinations impacted by this situation," says Travel Guard's Dan McGinnity.
Still, most travel insurance policies won't reimburse the cost of upcoming trips that travelers cancel themselves because they're skittish. For example, if you're heading to London this weekend, and the plane is going, you can't get your money back if you choose not to board.
Some travel insurance policies do reimburse travelers for trips disrupted due to a terrorist incident, but such provisions haven't been triggered in this case, since the plot was foiled before it occurred.
One advantage for insurance holders: Many policies include around-the-clock emergency travel assistance that can be accessed worldwide for help in rebooking canceled flights, rerouting trips and making or changing hotel reservations. McGinnity says Travel Guard's call volume from policyholders spiked 70% on Thursday.
