Shocking new terrorist plot ...

We're off to LA on Saturday so not sure what kind of backlog there's going to be then. What time does VS check in open? I think we'll have to try and get there as early as possible.

Agree with everyone else on the current action. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Miopyk

No fluids allowed on flights in the USA now, just been announced, Air Marshalls are being sent to the UK from the USA.

I'd guess that this high level will be relaxed somewhat after whatever time period they think is necessary, but that the specifics of the attempt, which seem to involve liquids (either mixed on board or disguised as innocuous), will mean a more permanent ban on liquids (alcoholic and otherwise) in hand luggage. That's until the technology to detect potential explosives, or constituents of them, can be relied upon.

It also means cabin crew will need to provide a few more liquid refreshment runs on longer flights!

[preiffer]

Now, I'm a little confused still.

The Ex-UK rules are clear: Plastic bag, wallet, passport. All ipods and laptops are to be donated to the International Baggage Handlers Fund from now on. BUT - What about flights from the US TO the UK? Same rules?

There's nothing on the US websites to suggest so... [?]

Homeland security is on the radio, saying that no fluids allowed on board untill such time as they have the technology in place to anaylise it.

They said they are sending Air Marshals over here, plus instant response teams ( whatever they are ) plus dog teams for baggage areas in the UK.

Originally posted by preiffer
Now, I'm a little confused still.

The Ex-UK rules are clear: Plastic bag, wallet, passport. All ipods and laptops are to be donated to the International Baggage Handlers Fund from now on. BUT - What about flights from the US TO the UK? Same rules?

There's nothing on the US websites to suggest so... [?]

The ex-UK rules are in responce to a specific ex-UK threat, so I would think these wouldn't spread elsewhere and would be temporary.

As for the US they have just annouced they are banning liquids in hand luggage... but hand luggage itself is staying.

[Decker]

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- British Airways PLC (BAB) has canceled all short-haul flights to and from London's Heathrow Airport for the whole of Thursday as a result of severe airport congestion

I wonder if the "pro human rights at any cost brigade" will allow us to detain these people long enough to gather the necessary evidence for a conviction/investigation or wether they will be allowed to use our free democratic society to their own nasty advantage.

Quick update,
Twilight check-in at LGW is going to be open tonight.

Fast Track security has been suspended at LHR.

[Decker]

Hopefully they haven't been arrested if there isn't already some evidence.

I havn't had time to read the whole thread as its progressed so quickly but shocking stuff indeed.
It goes to show just how much work is done behind the scenes by our intellegence forces.
What can we do but just carry on with normal and work with whatever measures are in place at the time.

Dean

[Bazz]

This from the Department of Homeland Security Website:

Homeland Security Advisory System

Current Threat Level

August 10, 2006 Ð The United States Government is raising the nationÕs threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. We are also raising the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.

Currently, there is no indication of plotting within the United States. We believe the arrests of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.

Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements.

Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.

Hope this helps with your question Paul?

Latest advice sent to UK Cabin Crew


Some additional measures will also apply to crew and are to take place with immediate effect.

1.Any crew, whether operational or positioning, using passenger search areas must be subjected to the same security measures as passengers.

2.Crew accessing the Restricted Zone through staff search areas must carry only those items they require to perform their duties (including personal hand baggage meeting that description). All such items must be x-rayed where possible and hand searched where not. All crew must be hand searched.

3.However, no liquids of any type are permitted (other than prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic) are able to be taken into the Restricted Zone by crew.

4.At airports where there is no specific staff search facility, airports should make special arrangements for crew to be screened away from passengers.

We advise that crew to ensure that only items complying with the Department for Transport requirements are carried on board the aircraft. All other items must be placed in checked baggage or left behind.

Can you please ensure that you are familiar with the constraints being imposed on our customers. If challenged, please reiterate that these are Department for Transport imposed measures and applicable to all airlines departing from UK airports.

BAA

Originally posted by sean modi
"For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)"

Does that mean they have to drink some of the milk in front of security??!

Reckon so - but then again, when going into a museum in Washington, we were searched and asked to drink some of the water we had in a bottle...

Originally posted by easygoingeezer
I wonder if the "pro human rights at any cost brigade" will allow us to detain these people long enough to gather the necessary evidence for a conviction/investigation or wether they will be allowed to use our free democratic society to their own nasty advantage.

Remember that of over 1,000 people arrested under terrorism laws since 911 only 140 have been charged with something and only 4o or so have been in court. In times like these we should still uphold our principles of innocent until proven ... but when proven - well that's another thing [V]

[fozzyo]

Does the "Restricted Zone" refer to Air Side?

People set free because there is NO evidence against them fair enough, people released because time has run out to gather sufficient evidence for a "beyond reasonable doubt" conviction works against us
and allows a group of people to take advantage of the very system they seek to destroy.

Its a dilemma i know.

[Decker]

How about for every day they keep you and ultimately release you with no charge society pays you say £5,000? Standard rate sheet. No qiestions asked. Then society is paying the price of your individual lack of liberty?

Its a strange world we live in - Makes me so angry at times like this that you want to "say things" that one feels have to be said but cannot as we cannot "put" a certain element of our society into the one catagory. These "deeply sick people" arrested if found gulity should be faced with the same ending they have tried to do to all the innocent passangers they tried to destroy - an eye for an eye in my mind

Anyone got any (clean) suggestions as to how pass the time on board? I know PE and UC get papers, but will pens also be supplied? Not just for doing the crossword, but also for filling in immigration forms...

Originally posted by catsilversword
Anyone got any (clean) suggestions as to how pass the time on board? I know PE and UC get papers, but will pens also be supplied? Not just for doing the crossword, but also for filling in immigration forms...

Aww just admit it, your peeved cause you can't take your coloring book and crayons on board[:o)]

Originally posted by easygoingeezer

Originally posted by catsilversword
Anyone got any (clean) suggestions as to how pass the time on board? I know PE and UC get papers, but will pens also be supplied? Not just for doing the crossword, but also for filling in immigration forms...

Aww just admit it, your peeved cause you can't take your coloring book and crayons on board[:o)]

Oh egg - you promised you'd keep that quiet [:p] and I also can't take my sticker book.....[:I]

[Bazz]

There is no easy answer. You cannot reason with fanatics and extremists.

Let's keep race and religion out of this please and concentrate on the aviation issues.

Be interesting to get a posting here about some soul who's been through a journey today or tomorrow.

Thats true Decker - Never a word spoken more clear, hoever we are dealing here with "sub-human animals" who care little about the world you and I live in. They are warped and to be honest if they cannot accept the British / euro way of living, live in a country they believe is the way to live. I am so p***** off "them" telling us we are "sinners" - if you dont like it go somewhere else.