just on the 12 noon news

[lougee1043]

at the portland oregon airport the no liquid -no jel etc rule has been in effect since the first flight left this am -- spokesperson said the airport is at an orange threat level

[AlohaPride]

at the portland oregon airport the no liquid -no jel etc rule has been in effect since the first flight left this am -- spokesperson said the airport is at an orange threat level

Honolulu International Airport is PACKED! It's taking international travelers 3+ hours and interisland travelers 2+ hours just to get through security. DH and I fly to Kauai in 3 weeks, and I am not looking forward to security. But it is for our protection, and I'm grateful for the precautions being taken.

[lougee1043]

i would hope that things will return to a more "normal" level within the next 3 weeks------ we dont fly til jan 5 so we will just sit and wait -- mentally reviewing what we carry in our carry on and we will have to make very few changes ---no laptops etc etc

[RuthC]

So, there goes perfume, toothpaste, make-up of all assortments. shampoo (not every flight heads toward a cruise or hotel), body wash, .... Probably lots of things I haven't even thought of yet.
Yikes.

I'm remembering a couple of old slogans: "Take the bus and leave the driving to us" and "Go Greyhound".
They're starting to sound good to me.

[jhannah]

If this brings about a return of the glory days of railroading, I'll be a happy camper!

[RevNeal]

i would hope that things will return to a more "normal" level within the next 3 weeks------ we dont fly til jan 5 so we will just sit and wait -- mentally reviewing what we carry in our carry on and we will have to make very few changes ---no laptops etc etc

What ... do you own a liquid laptop?

[RevNeal]

So, there goes perfume, toothpaste, make-up of all assortments. shampoo (not every flight heads toward a cruise or hotel), body wash, .... Probably lots of things I haven't even thought of yet.
Yikes.

I'm remembering a couple of old slogans: "Take the bus and leave the driving to us" and "Go Greyhound".
They're starting to sound good to me.

Ruth ... for October ... you're flying in the day before, right? There's a drug store just around the corner and up the street from the hotel. Also, there's a convenience store -- long on $$$, short on convenience -- within the hotel itself. If you have a shopping list, and would rather not hoof it, let me know and I can pick up a few items for you. :)

[Stevesan]

A thought:

Why not completely ban carryon luggage on short filghts, say three hours or less?

Just today I accompanied the DW to the hopital for a biopsy procedure. We spent a total of five hours on the road and at the hospital without a carryon. We survived!:o

Just think. We can get rid of the people who have to jam the overheads with their full size cases and garment bags so thay don't have to go to baggage claim. That alone validates this concept.

[Scrumpy]

I was watching the news earlier and a lady was dumping hundreds of dollars' worth of cosmetics in the garbage. Now, I can live without cosmetics, etc., but I am a wee bit perturbed about giving up my toothpaste. I like to brush on every layover and sometimes even on the plane. Oh well. Just hope that particular prohibition is temporary...

[Grumpy1]

What ... do you own a liquid laptop?well... mine has a liquid crystal display... think it will get through?

[Grumpy1]

A thought:

Why not completely ban carryon luggage on short filghts, say three hours or less? Suppose I'm getting on a flight of less than three hours, but at the end of the flight I'm getting on a 30 day cruise. Do you really advocate that I put my laptop, valuables, prescription meds, etc in checked baggage? Until they do something about the thieves that work in the airports, the American public will not accept that.

[Namvet4]

If this brings about a return of the glory days of railroading, I'll be a happy camper!

And I, Sir, will be right there with you!!!! I will even volunteer to stoke the boiler from the coal car! ( Did I just date ,myself ! :eek: )

[AlohaPride]

What ... do you own a liquid laptop?

Greg, you're on a role today! Very humorous posts lately!! :D

[thomasale]

Suppose I'm getting on a flight of less than three hours, but at the end of the flight I'm getting on a 30 day cruise. Do you really advocate that I put my laptop, valuables, prescription meds, etc in checked baggage? Until they do something about the thieves that work in the airports, the American public will not accept that.

The public will accept whatever they decide for us. Do I feel any safer? No way. Will I continue to fly...Yup... I'm hoping for an all naked flight...then I'd feel safe, no carryons :)

[Grumpy1]

I would think that there should be a contingency plan for times like this. All it would take would be some medium sized collapsible cardboard cartons stored at the airport. Instead of tossing the stuff, box it and into the cargo hold it goes with a baggage tag. I'd be willing to bet that the increased manpower needs to handle something like that would be less than the extra manpower that they have had to add today. This would only apply to the first day or two when people are unaware that the rules have changed.

Airlines used to do exactly what I'm suggesting. Prior to 9/11, one of my employees started to go through security with a 6" blade buck knife in a sheath on his belt. Security caught it, put it in a box and gave him a claim check. He picked it up at the baggage service office for the airline at the other end.

[serendipity1499]

If this brings about a return of the glory days of railroading, I'll be a happy camper!

Oh, you brought back a wonderful memory! In early 1998 PBS had a travelogue about the American Orient Express from Denver to Portland..It so fascinated us that we wait-listed for a Compartment a year in advance...The following Dec. we were finally confirmed..

In June of 1999 we boarded in Denver & had 7 glorious days aboard the Vintage (50's & 60's) train...We were wined, dined & pampered throughout.. The train carried 90 passengers with a crew of 45..We traveled by day & spent our nights in RR sidings..It was quite expensive, but was one of the most memorable vacations we've ever had...All sightseeing, baggage handling, bottled water, wine, sumptuous meals, an overnight in Jackson Lake Lodge with meals, gratuities to escorts & bus drivers was included in the fare..At the end we tipped the train crew & the accompanying tour managers...Only extras was our liquor & final tips..This was luxury personified..

Don't know if they are still in business, but someday would love to do it again.."Thanks for the Memories" jhannah:) ..Betty

P.S. No formal nights ;) since the hanging clothes area was 4 inches wide (no joking).. skirts, slacks & shirts hung in tiers..Undies & nighties etc. put in plastic boxes under the bunks..Luggage was stored in the baggage car..In order to get into the head we had to place the top bunk ladder on the bunk..Booked our showers which was at the ends of each Pullman car But we had a wonderful time!

[AlohaPride]

Oh, you brought back a wonderful memory! In early 1998 PBS had a travelogue about the American Orient Express from Denver to Portland..It so fascinated us that we wait-listed for a Compartment a year in advance...The following Dec. we were finally confirmed..

In June of 1999 we boarded in Denver & had 7 glorious days aboard the Vintage (50's & 60's) train...We were wined, dined & pampered throughout.. The train carried 90 passengers with a crew of 45..We traveled by day & spent our nights in RR sidings..It was quite expensive, but was one of the most memorable vacations we've ever had...All sightseeing, baggage handling, bottled water, wine, sumptuous meals, an overnight in Jackson Lake Lodge with meals, gratuities to escorts & bus drivers was included in the fare..At the end we tipped the train crew & the accompanying tour managers...Only extras was our liquor & final tips..This was luxury personified..

Don't know if they are still in business, but someday would love to do it again.."Thanks for the Memories" jhannah:) ..Betty

P.S. No formal nights ;) since the hanging clothes area was 4 inches wide (no joking).. skirts, slacks & shirts hung in tiers..Undies & nighties etc. put in plastic boxes under the bunks..Luggage was stored in the baggage car..In order to get into the head we had to place the top bunk ladder on the bunk..Booked our showers which was at the ends of each Pullman car But we had a wonderful time!

WOW! You found a Land Cruise where the "shore excursions" are done at night! :D Sounds like a lot of fun.

[RuthC]

Ruth ... for October ... If you have a shopping list, and would rather not hoof it, let me know and I can pick up a few items for you. :)
Thanks for the offer, Greg. I appreciate it. But I'll just figure something out when the time is closer and the rules are clearer.

Stevesan, I don't know about you, but I have things that must come with me in a carry-on. And I'm not referring to my jewelry, either! (Although, of course, it must go in the carry-on.) I'm referring to the machine that keeps me breathing at night. Seeing as how I like to breathe it doesn't leave my possession.

[elmorejj]

Ruth I downloaded great info from the TSA site regarding all types of disabilities, med needs, unseen disabilities etc. Great info there. Updated today..........jean:cool:

[RuthC]

Jean, I thank you for the lead; I do know that medical needs are taken into consideration. I'll have to clarify the most up-to-date policy right before my next flight.
What's funny (funny=strange, not funny=ha ha) is that different airports do different things; sometimes the same airport does it differently each time! :rolleyes:

I was speaking directly to Stevesan's suggestion that all carry-on's be banned---at least on flights <3hours. I was trying to make the point that it isn't the length of the flight that matters so much as what you'll need once it's over.

[PhoenixCruiser]

A thought:

Why not completely ban carryon luggage on short filghts, say three hours or less?


I've lost count of the number of times my luggage has been lost :mad: Also, I don't want to put expensive items in bags we cannot lock. :(

###

[CaSaGrayson]

I had to go to the airport today to take my niece (unaccompanied minor) for her flight home. We didn't know anything was wrong until about 7:45 this a.m., we are an hour and fifteen minutes from the airport, and her flight was at 10:40! :eek:

When we got to the airport, the line for security ran the entire length of the terminal (Denver). We were in the line for two hours. I asked a TSA official if there was any way to move ahead, and his answer was that the only people he could pull out of the line were military personnel in uniform with orders to report to a duty station. Of course, an airline person told me later that if I was a "preferred" flyer she could move me up! :mad: Niece missed her flight (the planes took off if they were 60% full), so we got her on a 4:00pm flight. Spent the additional five hours on the floor of the terminal.

It is just overkill. I'm sorry -- but all of these security measures implemented at the last minute are totally ridiculous. They *stopped* the plot, for heaven's sake. Homeland Security needs to get their act together, think before they act, and quit making Americans prisoners in their own country!

Sheesh ... methinks I need to get back on the Zaandam ...

[AlohaPride]

It is just overkill. I'm sorry -- but all of these security measures implemented at the last minute are totally ridiculous. They *stopped* the plot, for heaven's sake. Homeland Security needs to get their act together, think before they act, and quit making Americans prisoners in their own country!


you must have missed the part where they said that parts of the plan might still be in effect...

:eek:, you spent 5 hours waiting....I bet you would be one of the first people complaining if these precautions HADN'T been in place and something DID happen:cool: Homeland Security is stuck between a rock and a hard place - 1) They up the security and people complain. 2) They know there is a threat and they don't up the security - people get kill and even more complain.

I'm not a prisoner in my country.

P.S. Host Walt, is this too political? I apologize if it is. I also didn't mean for it to be so sarcastic. But honestly!

[the2ofus]

Ruth, I imagine you'd feel safer to have your machine with you on the flight, but an alternative might be to see if one can be delivered at your destination. They do this for people on oxygen, so why not for other medical appliances/equipment.

I know HAL has preferred providers for med. equip. so it might be a good idea to contact HAL to inquire about the possibilities.

I'm also thinking that there will be a lot of people trusting their stuff to the US Postal Service and UPS for delivery at their destination, thereby circumventing the airport luggage handlers with the sticky fingers.

[serendipity1499]

I had to go to the airport today to take my niece (unaccompanied minor) for her flight home. We didn't know anything was wrong until about 7:45 this a.m., we are an hour and fifteen minutes from the airport, and her flight was at 10:40! :eek:

When we got to the airport, the line for security ran the entire length of the terminal (Denver). We were in the line for two hours. I asked a TSA official if there was any way to move ahead, and his answer was that the only people he could pull out of the line were military personnel in uniform with orders to report to a duty station. Of course, an airline person told me later that if I was a "preferred" flyer she could move me up! :mad: Niece missed her flight (the planes took off if they were 60% full), so we got her on a 4:00pm flight. Spent the additional five hours on the floor of the terminal.

It is just overkill. I'm sorry -- but all of these security measures implemented at the last minute are totally ridiculous. They *stopped* the plot, for heaven's sake. Homeland Security needs to get their act together, think before they act, and quit making Americans prisoners in their own country!

Sheesh ... methinks I need to get back on the Zaandam ...

I realize your frustration & you are probably very tired, but have to think about this rationally..It is not over-kill! :(

The TSA had to put these new rules in immediately for U.S. Travelers protection..You would not believe the things that Security & Customs have confiscated at JFK alone..I'm retired from the airline industry & worked at JFK for many years..You've only heard about a few problems & people who have been arrested at our airports..The things that people try to smuggle both on board aircrafts & into our country, is very scary!

One of our friends, a custom officer in his 40's, had to leave his ill wife for several months because of special training in combating terrorism.. The physical training alone was extremely grueling for him.. Our air Marshall's, security people, police, firemen, customs officers, FBI, Homeland Security officers etc. are putting themselves on the line every day to keep us protected..

They may have stopped the plot for today in the UK, but they have not completely stopped these fanatics..They have only caught 20-25 of the group of approx 50 who they claim have been trained as suicide bombers.. How do you know that some of them are not in the U.S? U.S. airlines have been targeted..

To Quote Host Walt on another thread "In an extended interview I heard this morning, the plan was rather intricate and sophisticated and involved several passengers boarding separately with individually "benign" items (one a soda, another a radio with a battery, a third with jelly - or what appeared to be standard sandwich ingredients, etc.) that could be combined on board to create an explosive device that would be strong enough to pierce the skin of the aircraft. That would cause a cataclysmic destruction of the entire plane and cause all passengers and luggage to be propelled into the atmosphere. No need to continue the description."

These fanatics were going to put it all together & detonate them aboard
Nine(9) flights simultaneously.. The number of people killed would have exceeded the number killed in the World Trade Center..Over 4,000 lives would have been lost..

Would you rather have put your niece on an un-protected aircraft? One of my company's flights was hijacked & thankfully the passengers were saved..I think about these problems every time I fly & appreciate all the security that is being implemented...

Please think about this again..This is one of the smartest things Homeland Security has done & it was implemented very quickly..We have to realize that terrorism will not stop! We must do everything in our power to thwart these fanaticsa..Give it a chance, in a couple of weeks things will go much smoother at our airports...You just happened to be one of the un-lucky ones who was at an airport the first day, but please try to bear with it..I for one thank all the people who are trying to protect us..
I'm also wondering when cruise lines will start to implement much tighter security..Who's to say that these fanatics will not try the same things on our cruise ships..They did it on the Achilles Lauro (sp?)

Hope you have a good nights sleep & perhaps you might consider changing your mind about your statement in the morning..I hope you do..Betty

[Tricia724]

Flying is getting to be more and more challenging.

I have a small duffle on wheels for my carry-on, and I have been loading that little thing up in order to keep the weight down on our larger suitcases. Since so many of the airlines are strictly adhering to the 50 lb. weight allowance, we shuffle items around to meet the weight requirements. It's sort of a Catch-22 situation. In the end we'll probably just have to take another checked bag.

I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep us safe, but it's getting tougher all the time.

[serendipity1499]

Mary we were both typing at the same time..I agree with you completely..
Betty

[CaSaGrayson]

Yes, I am very tired ... but, no, I don't think I will have changed my opinion in the morning. This isn't a knee-jerk reaction on my part -- my career experience biases me, I'm sure. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate everything the TSA workers are doing, and the air marshalls (everyone I encountered in the security arena today was kind and helpful). I am certainly thankful that the British authorities were alert and able to intercept the terrorists. But I did, and still do, have a problem with the philosophy and implementations of Homeland Security.

Question for all -- were you surprised at the security (or lack thereof) at the cruise terminal? Were our bags xrayed at some point before they were taken on the ship? The screening machines were not at all sensitive. In fact, my mother (who has a pacemaker) was allowed to walk right through the one on the ship when we were in port. Has anyone traveled on Amtrak lately? Did you know that NO bags are screened? Where's the consistency?

If the government takes every precaution, every time, then none of us will be flying, cruising, or chugging along the RRs unless traveling naked with none of our possessions! :p

[Stevesan]

Suppose I'm getting on a flight of less than three hours, but at the end of the flight I'm getting on a 30 day cruise. Do you really advocate that I put my laptop, valuables, prescription meds, etc in checked baggage? Until they do something about the thieves that work in the airports, the American public will not accept that.

Grumpy, I proposed that carryon luggage be proscribed. I didn't say you can't take your lap top. As far as "valuables" and meds, my DW's purse is large enough to accomodate yours as well as hers. And for those of the male persuasion who are flying alone, I think a man purse could be an option.:p

I'd bet we could all learn to get by just fine without carryon luggage for short flights. It would make for a more comfortable on board experience and alleviate some of the preboarding screening, too. We'd probably end up loving it.

Travelers, like other animals, can learn to adapt to their environment.

[sk8teacher]

"Note:
Passengers are advised that ALL electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, portable music players, remote controls etc cannot be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage."

That is for all flights originating in the UK. And while they don't specify it I assume that would mean cameras as well. I really feel for tourists that are there right now and trying to return home. I normally carry a camera backpack with two cameras, flashcards, batteries etc.

I would NOT be comfortable checking that in as "hold baggage".

Cheers,

[serendipity1499]

Yes, I am very tired ... but, no, I don't think I will have changed my opinion in the morning. This isn't a knee-jerk reaction on my part -- my career experience biases me, I'm sure. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate everything the TSA workers are doing, and the air marshalls (everyone I encountered in the security arena today was kind and helpful). I am certainly thankful that the British authorities were alert and able to intercept the terrorists. But I did, and still do, have a problem with the philosophy and implementations of Homeland Security.

Question for all -- were you surprised at the security (or lack thereof) at the cruise terminal? Were our bags xrayed at some point before they were taken on the ship? The screening machines were not at all sensitive. In fact, my mother (who has a pacemaker) was allowed to walk right through the one on the ship when we were in port. Has anyone traveled on Amtrak lately? Did you know that NO bags are screened? Where's the consistency?

If the government takes every precaution, every time, then none of us will be flying, cruising, or chugging along the RRs unless traveling naked with none of our possessions! :p

You really have not explained why you have issues with DHS which includes TSA, Customs & Immigration, Coast Guard, Air Marshalls, Border Patrol & many other Federal Agencies, but to answer your question:

We drive into the port of embarkation & we are always stopped by a DHS agent at the gate to show picture ID as well as tickets for all persons in our car...

We've been on 7 cruises (on two different lines) since 9/11 & on every single one we've gone through a scanner & had to place all our possessions, including my DH's wallet on The ships X-ray machines..Yes, All luggage X-Rayed before being loaded on All ships..In every port when re-boarding the ship our possessions & we had to go through the scanner....In addition I've seen Dogs (who are trained to sniff out drugs & explosives) with their Handlers in U.S. Ports.. Our close friends also cruise with us..

FYI: Homeland Security does not have jurisdiction once the Ship leaves the U.S. waters, so it's up to the ship & the authorities in each port to handle security...My friends DH has a pacemaker & he is always hand searched with a wand before being permitted to board the ship in any port.. I would think that your Mother was permitted to go through, because once she was checked prior to boarding the Gangway Crew in each Port, which is usually male, did not want to bother to get a Female Crew member to put her through the same procedure again..I'm not saying this is right, but that is my opinion...

As far as Amtrak is concerned, you have to realize that this is a Mass transit system which is governed by States & Local Governments.. Homeland Security is putting millions of $$$ into assisting states, local authorities, & private companies in helping to make our Mass transit system safer for all of us.. Perhaps you should read what the Dept. of Homeland Security is doing & has done since 9/11 to help secure our Nations Rail Systems..
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=20&content=5749

Of course it's an inconvenience to us, but that is the price we have to pay..In many other parts of the world you see Military & Police on many street corners & in Rail Stations armed with Machine Guns...If it comes to that I'll gladly pay that price if it keeps my family safe! And I too do not feel like a Prisoner in my Country...Betty

[cruisecache&squash]

I was watching the news earlier and a lady was dumping hundreds of dollars' worth of cosmetics in the garbage. Now, I can live without cosmetics, etc., but I am a wee bit perturbed about giving up my toothpaste. I like to brush on every layover and sometimes even on the plane. Oh well. Just hope that particular prohibition is temporary...

You could get some of those "brush ups". Although they're not as good as toothpaste, they're better than nothing.

[jmk22574]

Hello everyone,

I've received some wonderful answers/advice to questions I've posted in the last month regarding a first-time cruise to Alaska on HAL in May of 2007. I'm hoping I can finally add something to this board myself. On Thursday (the day the new security measures were implemented), my husband and I were due to fly home to Nashville from Las Vegas. We were lucky enough to actually watch the news on Thursday morning before heading to the airport, not to mention how fast news spreads in the casinos out there with all the fellow vacationers. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:50 p.m. and when we arrived at the airport it was delayed until 9:40 p.m.

Here are the main issues I wanted to touch base on. People were being advised to check in at the counter with E-tickets and paper tickets, regardless of if they planned on checking any baggage. At that point, the airline personnel were explaining to each passenger what could and could not go in carry-ons and purses. So, even though I typically travel with all toiletries in my carry-on just in case my luggage doesn't make it, it wasn't too painful to pack them in my checked bag. Yes, many women were throwing away mascara, lipstick, even chapstick, but by that time in the afternoon most people had come to the airport prepared. Also, they had a little area set up for people to box and mail home items they could not part with but refused to check through. I mainly saw people with bottles of wine taking advantage of this. Packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc., were being offered along with boxes, so I thought that was a nice setup.

No beverages were allowed through the checkpoint. If you purchased a beverage after the security checkpoint at a restaurant or gift shop, it had to be thrown out when boarding the plane (of course someone could hide it in their carry-on at that point, but people seemed to understand and cooperate). Contact solution, eye drops, even 99-cent chapstick was not allowed in purses. If someone was traveling with insulin or other medications (also baby food), there was a table set up after the security checkpoint for those to be tested somehow (I don't know to what degree with the testing, but that's just what we were repeatedly told while standing in line). The security line by the way (and this was in Las Vegas) was only a 15-20 minute wait. Again, we were lucky to have a late afternoon (which turned into evening) flight. My dad always travels with his CPAP sleeping machine. He was able to carry this on with no problem (I know in the U.K. this would not be allowed, but the electronics ban didn't pertain to us apparently). The only item I can't be sure whether it could be carried on or not was a camera. The reason being was that we heard part of this "plot" involved mixing all these chemicals on the plane with some acid from a disposable camera. I can't really say anything more on this matter as I have very little knowledge on camers other than pushing the button. Also, ALL shoes had to be removed. Before this, tennis shoes could sometimes slide, but not now.

By the time we flew out (3 hours late), most other flights were back on schedule, so hopefully things are running smoothly today at all airports. We did hear this was a temporary ban (3-4 weeks possibly) but my suspicion is that it will not be so temporary.

Happy and safe travels everyone!;)

[jhannah]

You could get some of those "brush ups". Although they're not as good as toothpaste, they're better than nothing. I just got THESE (http://www.thechewabletoothbrush.com/) last week from a vending machine in, of all places, Heathrow. They are great for a freshen-up.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I just got THESE (http://www.thechewabletoothbrush.com/) last week from a vending machine in, of all places, Heathrow. They are great for a freshen-up.

Jim, that is certainly interesting:) I have to admit I have never seen those. The price is really not that bad but I am sure the vending machines sell them for $1.00 or more.

[AlohaPride]

Mary we were both typing at the same time..I agree with you completely..
Betty

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Thank you, I was worried that I was being too sarcastic/political. I'm glad someone else shares the same view point! :)

I must say, you definately wrote it better :D

[Scrumpy]

You could get some of those "brush ups". Although they're not as good as toothpaste, they're better than nothing.

Thanks; I already have some of these. We actually use them most often to brush the dogs' teeth, LOL! They are a little better than nothing, but I think the dogs appreciate them more than I do ;)

I wonder if BA still gives out the kit with the mini-toothbrush and paste. If domestic airlines would make that type of thing available for a nominal charge, I would buy it.

[jhannah]

I wonder if BA still gives out the kit with the mini-toothbrush and paste. Yes, they do. We got them on our recent transatlantic flights.

am sure the vending machines sell them for $1.00 or more. They were two for one pound. That's about 92 cents each USD. Each was in a separate plastic ball.