[nagdu] Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 Incident

[Ginger Kutsch]

Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following
Dec. 25 Incident
December 27, 2009
 
On Dec. 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 set off a device and was subdued by passengers and
crew. TSA wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of those
individuals. 
 
As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law
enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and
international partners to put additional security measures in
place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers
traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations
may notice additional screening measures.
 
The American people should continue their planned holiday travel.
TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their
surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to
law enforcement officials.
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Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge
resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to
quickly implement additional screening measures including
explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate
screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and
unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at
every airport.
 
Q: What additional security measures are being taken for
international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be
implemented for last point of departure international flights to
the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from
abroad can expect to see additional security measures at
international airports such as increased gate screening including
pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers may be
asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing
personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining
seated during certain portions of the flight.
 
Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for
checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of
what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers
departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need
to do anything differently, but they may notice additional
security measures at the airport.
 
Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than
normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give
themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the
security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the
busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling
on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time
for security and arrive an additional hour earlier. 
 
Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the
highest levels of security.
Source:
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm
 



Ginger Bennett Kutsch
Morristown, NJ