News: Chaos at British airports following terror alert
Flights > News > # 867 (10/08/2006)
There has been chaos at British airports this morning (August 10) after police foiled a major terrorist plot to blow up aircraft flying from the UK to the US. The security threat level has been raised to critical, and passengers have been told they are not allowed to take any hand luggage onboard flights leaving the UK apart from essential items.
It has been reported that passengers at London Heathrow have been advised to return home or to their hotels, and flights elsewhere across the country are expected to face severe delays for the next few days at least. A statement issued by the Department for Transport said security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights.
All hand luggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports. Passengers may take the following items through the airport security search point, in a single (preferbly transparent) plastic carrier bag. Nothing may be carried in pockets:
- 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 (eg, 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)
Nothing may be carried in pockets, all passengers will be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying will be screened. Pushchairs and walking aids will be screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point. In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA will face a secondary search at the boarding gate.
Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items listed above, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.
A spokesman for the DFT said: “These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure.” He added: “We hope that these measures will need to be in place for a limited period only. In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the traveling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police.”
Passengers are advised to contact their airline or travel agent for further advice on their travel arrangements.
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