Security Tightens due to NW253 - US Travel Over Holidays Has New Rules

After Northwest Flight 253 was threatened on December 25th by a planned explosive device carried by Nigerian passenger Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, international airport and airline security measures, particularly for flights headed to the United States, have increased in some expected and unexpected ways. 

On January 14, 2010, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano cautioned travelers to allow more time at airports with inbound flights to the United States due to the overall heightened security measures. She added, "We are taking an additional set of aviation security precautions to protect the American people. Some of these measures include enhanced random screening, additional federal air marshals on certain routes and adding individuals of concern to our terrorist watch list system."

Airport Security Changing Daily Around The World

According to the TSA website, as of January 4, 2010, TSA is implementing additional security measures for passengers on international flights to U.S. destinations, and we quote: "TSA is mandating that every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world traveling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest will be required to go through enhanced screening. The directive also increases the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandates threat-based and random screening for passengers on U.S. bound international flights."

According to a clarification in the New York Times, all travelers carrying passports from 14 specific countries, as well as any traveler transiting through any of these countries on their way to the United States will be subject to enhanced screening, including full-body scanners where available, or full-boady pat-downs. The countries noted are Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria (“state sponsors of terrorism”) plus Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen, referred to as“countries of interest.”

What does this mean for the family traveler? For the domestic traveler, not much, not yet. But for the international traveler, here's a breakdown of what's likely to happen on your next airport visit.

According to our interview December 30th with TSA spokesperson Ann Davis, "Additional screenings will occur at international airports with direct flights to the United States." She confirmed that passengers will need more time prior to boarding a U.S. bound flight but said that international airports and the local security entities they employ, not the TSA, were responsible for which additional measures would be implemented.

Ms. Davis did confirm that "all passengers regardless of age will undergo additional screening" if selected at random or if circumstances, such as triggering an alarm in an electronic screening gate, warranted a secondary screening. Ms. Davis reiterated that the possibility existed of full-body pat-downs and manual carry-on baggage searches for passengers of any age, including minors. When asked how long these enhanced security measures would be in effect she replied, "They could go for awhile. The TSA may make changes or revisions in them at any time."

Additionally, we have heard that air passengers are being asked to remain in their seats for the full hour prior to landing, and will not be allowed to obscure their hands from view, whether by a blanket, pillow, clothing or other means.  If you can finally get those  kids to sleep mid-air, make sure their hands are exposed!  Ms. Davis would not confirm this report, saying only that inflight instructions were issued to onboard personnel at the discretion of the pilot and the individual airline.

More Luggage Nightmares

The requests for additional screening on the ground have had a ripple effect for all travelers. On December 28, the Canadian government requested that no carry-on baggage be permitted on board flights to the United States, in order to expedite the waiting times at Security Screening stations. Additional help from the Royal Canadian Mounties in screening has not alleviated the problems, as baggage check-in lines have grown. Transport Canada announced on January 5, 2010 that further steps will be taken in the process of reinforcing security in place at Canadian airports, and suggested that travelers heading to the United States arrive 3 hours prior to departure. They announced that full body scanners will be placed in some Canadian airports over the next few months, and that their carry-on bag ban will "remain in place at Canadian airports until further notice." The only exception to this rule are "small" items such as purses, cameras, coats, laptops, musical instruments, medical devices and items for baby care will be permitted onboard with passengers.

While most of the airlines are probably relishing the additional income -- indeed several US carriers increased their first checked bag fee from $15 in many cases to $25 per bag the week of January 11, 2010 --  our thanks go to Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air who are both waiving some baggage fees on flights to the U.S. from Mexico and Canada during this particularly trying time.

Travel Documents Required for U.S. Entry

In international travel news from December 18, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminded travelers planning trips into the United States to make sure they have approved travel documents. Their advice also included tips on getting through border crossings more quickly and reminders about not transporting contraband (like the woman charged $300 for carrying a quince in with her).  Their news release follows, with some editing for clarity.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), implemented on June 1 requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea.  

CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make crossing the border more efficient. Note that the Enhanced Driver's License cards have met with technical and budget challenges in many U.S. states and therefore, the deadline for all states to have them available for residents has been extended until May 2010.  

According to the CBP, WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled documents help reduce the time it takes to process travelers at the border. No personal identification information is stored on the RFID chip embedded in the cards – only a series of ones and zeros that points to information in a secure CBP database. The CBP encourages travelers to store their cards in the protective sleeve provided with the document to protect them from being read without their knowledge.

CBP also reminds U.S. lawful permanent residents that the I-551 form (green card) is acceptable for land and sea travel into the U.S. Traffic volumes at ports of entry --especially land borders -- are expected to be heavier during the holiday season and all travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can take to have a more efficient entry process:

Travel Tips for Border Crossing from CBP

Tip #1 – Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items.

 Tip #2 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their approved travel documents available for the inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad.

Tip #3 – Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website to monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits. During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.

Tip #4 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.

Tip #5 – Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use. For more details, visit CBP website. 

Tip #6 –Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted.

Tip # 7 – Understand that CBP officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search. Even during the holiday travel season, international border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico. 

For Those who Never Heard of NW253 & the Christmas Incident

Northwest Flight 253 was threatened by a terrorist incident on Friday, December 25th as it approached Detroit Airport from Amsterdam with 278 passengers and 11 crew members aboard. According to news reports, passenger Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab from Lagos, Nigeria attemped to blow up the plane by using a chemical in his possession to ignite a liquid explosive strapped to his leg. The ensuing popping sounds and smoke alerted passengers around him. Dutch tourist Jasper Schuringa of Amsterdam, en route to Miami for vacation with friends, jumped across the aisle and was the first to reach the would-be attacker. Mr. Schuringa told CNN that he grabbed the burning device and tried to put out the fire with his hands, "to try to save the plane." The flight crew brought in fire extinguishers and subdued the terrorist. Mutallab, who was badly burned in the incident, was taken off the plane in a stretcher and into custody. Mr. Mutallab told officials that he was acting on behalf of Al-Qaeda.

As many know, Mr. Abdulmutallab boarded Northwest 253 in Lagos, Nigeria. What many travelers might not realize is that the Lagos International Airport had been recently inspected by the FAA to ensure it met international safety screening standards. The plane landed at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, one of Europe's most secure, before taking off for Detroit, Michigan. Air security agencies are still investigating how and at what point Mr. Abdulmutallab could have brought the explosive chemicals in his possession aboard the secure flight. Until more facts are discovered, America's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and many international governments are imposing secret new air travel security measures that will impact travelers around the world.