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Post by WillTravel on Aug 10, 2006 0:52:35 GMT -5
Due to a police discovery of a terrorist plot, new regulations have been introduced at UK airports. Practically no hand luggage is allowed, and what is allowed must be carried on in transparent plastic bags. So far as I can tell, this does not affect flights from North America to Europe, at this point. However, it does affect flights that originate from the UK. Scary! For us, if these rules are still in effect, we should still be able to carry on stuff for our EWR-GLA flight on Aug. 20, but not for our GLA-SXF (Glasgow-Berlin) flight on Aug. 27. I hope our stuff doesn't get lost, because we won't be able to take even the most basic things on board. news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778575.stmwww.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_612280.hcsp |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Aug 10, 2006 9:59:41 GMT -5
August 20th should be ok. That said, the US has implemented the same procedures now, as well as going to the highest threat level (as has the UK).
I'm due to fly back to LHR from Lisbon tomorrow - just hoping that my flight is running. People don't really seem to know at the moment, so it's really quite worrying. Not too worried about stuff getting lost, it hasn't happened before (and I normally check most of my stuff in). From the UK it really is strict though - no books, mp3 players etc. I'm just hoping I can take a book or something with me tomorrow, as otherwise it'll be a boring flight.
Although I'm a bit pissed off about what's going on, I'd say I agree with it. It's a small price to pay to ensure the safety of flights etc and after all, I'd rather arrive there bored than dead.
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Post by WillTravel on Aug 11, 2006 4:02:49 GMT -5
So far as I can tell, the restrictions on hand luggage are as follows.
Flights from the US to the UK - no liquids or gels in carry-on luggage, otherwise the normal restrictions apply. Based on the Air Canada site, the same rule seems to apply for Canada to the UK also.
Flights from the UK to anywhere - practically nothing except for a few very necessary items in transparent plastic bags.
Flights within the US or Canada - no liquids or gels, but otherwise normal restrictions.
Of course, this might not be accurate, and it could change at any moment. LIS-LHR is bad enough, but pity the poor people who might have a 10-hour flight with no books, music, or writing paper. Also for parents of young children, they are always advised to bring on plenty of toys, food, and drinks to keep the kids happy. I would not want to be flying with a toddler under these restrictions.
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Post by MuvverRussia on Aug 11, 2006 16:07:18 GMT -5
I managed to get back ok today. Lisbon was chaos, lots of stand by passengers (yesterday's I guess), compounded by the fact that the baggage belts weren't working. We were actually allowed to take normal hand luggage, which I thought was surprising, although it was also a welcome relief. My next trip is Italy next Thursday. It'll be interesting to see if the restrictions from the UK are still in place then. Somehow I think they will be  . As for 10hr flights, at least they have in flight entertainment, although I completely agree that when it comes to young children it wouldn't be a fun trip. |
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Post by herrbert on Aug 11, 2006 16:12:09 GMT -5
10 August 2006
Alert at UK Airports
Following this morning's police operation, the Department for Transport has asked all UK airports to apply additional security measures designed to ensure passenger safety.
Hand baggage restrictions:
These measures will prevent passengers from carrying hand luggage into the cabin of an aircraft with the following excepts (which must be placed in a plastic bag):
* pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
* prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
* spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
* contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
* for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and
* sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
* female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
* tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
* keys (but no electrical key fobs)
* All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.
Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point. In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.
(www.baa.com)
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Post by crystal on Aug 12, 2006 7:43:42 GMT -5
It said on the news today that although all the above restrictions apply, passengers are allowed to keep any items bought in the duty free shops beyond the check in gates. They can carry this on as hand luggage so you will be able to buy books or magazines ect for the flight. Although this does not apply to passengers flying to the US.
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Post by WillTravel on Aug 12, 2006 14:50:18 GMT -5
What I'm trying to find out is if EasyJet allows only a single piece of checked luggage from the UK. I know no carry-on, other than the plastic baggies, and I know EasyJet is allowing 25 kg of luggage, but I'm not sure if only one piece is allowed. If so, I have to get a big suitcase so that I can put my purse and my daughter's purse and our totes in it (which I'd normally carry on). We're still deciding whether to take the IPOD and digital cameras along if we can't carry them on.
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Post by Jules80 on Aug 12, 2006 17:11:54 GMT -5
that was my first thought with all that. at the rate they loose luggage generally (which apparently has increased since these measure were implemented) i wouldn't want to check my digital camera! or an mp3 player or anything! i would be so afraid of losing it. on the other hand i obviously would want to take pics. when do you leave again WT? there may be time for them to loossen restrictions before you leave.
good to know about the duty free thing! i'll let my nan know, she's flying out in 3 weeks.
jules
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Post by WillTravel on Aug 13, 2006 0:56:41 GMT -5
Jules, we fly out on August 20. Apparently we are fine carrying on the electronics on Continental for SEA-EWR-GLA (just no liquids or gels), but the main problem is the EasyJet flight from Glasgow to Berlin. We have to plan everything around that, because it has the most restrictive requirements. I doubt they'll lift that ban in the next week, but I guess we'll see what happens.
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Post by MuvverRussia on Aug 13, 2006 5:59:14 GMT -5
WillTravel - I'd take them, but zip tie the zips (don't lock them) using small zip ties, so it's not too noticeable. Also make sure you have a good insurance policy.
For my trip to Italy I'm estimating on taking around £1500 of camera equipment, £300 mp3 player etc. I'm quite happy to put it in the hold, as it'll be packaged properly. That said, if I had the option of taking it in the cabin I'd do so.
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Post by WillTravel on Aug 14, 2006 1:27:52 GMT -5
It looks like restrictions have loosened again, for flights from the UK: www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_612280.hcspThe carry-on size is smallish, but will be enough to hold an iPOD, digital cameras, books, a change of clothing, and a purse. No liquids or gels, though. We're still going to go with more luggage space than we need, though, because of the possibility of things changing again. |
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Post by crystal on Aug 15, 2006 11:20:11 GMT -5
There has been new announcments today.
You are allowed to carry on a bag roughly the size of a laptop bag.
However there has been news stories today that the baggage systems are having trouble coping with the extra checked in luggage and many items are going missing. It's the big dilemma do you use your small carry on bag for your expensive items or for items you may need if your main luggage goes missing (eg clean undies!!!)
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