Oh wait – I am traveling tomorrow. But tomorrow it’s a work trip, not a pleasure trip. Still, I will have to be facing the uncertainty of airport security changes, and how they will be implemented, just like everyone else.
I reminded of the incident that led to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. I was flying that morning, returning to Seattle from a layover in Washington DC, and flying out of DCA (Washington’s Reagan National). The confusion was widespread, but one thing was certain – a security directive was issued that no liquids be allowed on the plane, and this airport was making certain that NO liquids were getting on any planes. Our entire crew had to check our bags and all our liquids.
Remember your first airplane ride?
While this was going on at DCA, numerous airports around the country were interpreting the security directive in other fashions. Upon arriving back in Seattle, and waiting for my bags in baggage claim, I heard all sorts of stories about how things were handled differently in different locations. As I recall in took about a week or so for a clear regulation to come out (now known as the 3-1-1 rule) that specified what the policy was.
I think we are seeing a repeat of that process right now following the Northwest 253 incident.
We are hearing lots of explanations about policies, none of which have been directly attributable to any agency, and both the TSA website and airline websites offer a vague “you may notice a difference” explanation.
A variety of sources are citing the following new policies will apply to international flights inbound to the United States:
- 1-hour prior to landing all passengers will be required to remain in their seat (this is similar to the earlier policy on flights flying into DCA).
- Passengers will not be to get into carry on bags during that hour.
- Passengers will not be allowed to have coats, sweaters, blankets, or anything draped across their lap during that 1 hour (although they can wear a jacket, coat, etc.).
- All electronic items must be turned off during that 1 hour period.
- Extra at-the-gate security inspections of passengers and bags will occur.
I think it’s going to take some time, maybe a week or so, for things to sort out and for a written regulation to be issued. During this time there will likely be over-reactions and various interpretations of the immediate security directive. This will create some frustrating uncertainty for travelers and crew alike, as we all want clear instructions about what is and isn’t allowed. I’ll say it again, it’s going to take some time till we get new written regulations.
So here is my recommendation, and it’s what I’d do if I was traveling for pleasure right now.
International travel – Check your bags. I think it’s safe to say there will be increased screening of carry on bags, so be part of the solution by checking what you don’t absolutely have to have onboard with you. It will speed up the process, help prevent frustrations, and may well get you through security more quickly. I’d be prepared to turn off all my electronics, stow all my items, and be prepared to remain in my seat for the last hour of the flight. I’d be prepared for a variety of interpretations of what I should be doing, and would choose not to get into a debate or argument about what is and isn’t allowed. I’d keep a heightened awareness of the people around me and my surroundings in general. And I’d get to my destination and plan on having a fabulous time!
Domestic travel – I’m not expecting there to be major changes with domestic travel, although I’d guess airports will be on a higher security level. I’d plan to travel as I typically would, but would be prepared for spot checks, additional airline rules, and inconsistent application of policies. Again, I’d choose not to get into a debate or argument about any of this, instead cutting everyone a little slack as we figure out what’s going to happen. I’d again keep a heightened awareness about what’s going on, commonsense any time you travel. And, most important of all, I’d have a great time when I get to my destination.
The biggest piece of advice I’d give to travelers is to roll with the punches for awhile. Curb your impatience, frustration, and anger. We’ll all get through this together, and while there will be annoyances (maybe even a lot of annoyances), we will persevere and come out the other side of it.
I am stubbornly committed to travel, and I refuse to let anyone or anything take that away from me. Who’s with me on that?
Photo credit: Mary Jo Manzanares
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So roll with the punches… when they ask you to only wear underwear when flying, would you tell people to roll with those punches as well?
Those of us who do significant long haul international travel are going to be severely inconvenienced by this. So now I need to lose 1+ hour of sleep on the plane because security is too inept to properly screen passengers?
Bull.
[Reply]
Mary Jo Manzanares Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
@chris,
I’m suggesting that people roll with the punches until a written regulation gets handed down. Only then will you know exactly what you’re dealing with. I expect we’ll see something in writing withing a week or so, as procedures and policies get refined.
Once the regulation is issued, it’s different story. Then, by all means, feel free to take whatever action you think is appropriate to try to change the regulation. I’d advise against acting out at security or on board, but I’m sure we’ll see plenty of that as well.
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I’ll be flying tomorrow. Although my husband and I aren’t looking forward to the experience, it’s time to return home after a great Christmas holiday. So, we’ll be patient, keep our cool and concentrate on all the fun we’ve had with family.
[Reply]
Mary Jo Manzanares Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
@Donna Hull,
I’m not sure you’ll see a big difference, Donna, if you’re flying domestically. Lots of frustrated people, and some longer lines, but I think that’s about it.
[Reply]
Donna Hull Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
@Mary Jo Manzanares, You were right, Mary Jo. Besides noticing an increased security presence, going through security was about like normal. And our flights were on time and uneventful. Thanks for keeping us informed.
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@Donna Hull,
That was my experience as well, Donna. I’m curious to see how it is this morning at Newark after another incident (although a more minor one) yesterday.
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