The Scoop on International In-flight Rules

The problem with writing about airline rules when you’re not in the industry is that you’re always behind in knowing what the rules are.  That means lots of speculation (much of which is erroneous), some humorous jokes and stories, and, unfortunately, lots of people getting spun up about something without all the information.

In many cases, crew members are the last to know what’s going on.  But, when it comes to what is supposed to be done on the airplane, we get timely notification of rules, rule changes, and warnings if something is likely to change again.  That’s probably why most of us adopted a wait-and-see approach to the most recent security issues and changes.  While we have lots to contribute to the discussion of what should have been done, who’s to blame, and what needs to be done, as far as new regulations and requirements, we all seemed ready to wait for something solid.  No jumping to conclusions here!

As a Flight Attendant, I found it odd that experienced travelers would jump to conclusions about what was going to happen.  I read incredulous stories and interpretations about what would or could happen.

I advised caution, that some immediate steps were put into place (and there were still varying interpretations on how to implement those steps), and that once there was time for review and evaluation, we’d have more precise information.  If there was any doubt that things were changing rapidly, it was driven home every time someone would explain the rules but decline to be identified.

And that’s exactly where we are right now.  Nothing was ever issued to the public on these rules because the TSA didn’t issue them.

The Department of Homeland Security and the TSA have implement a number of security changes that will take place ON THE GROUND for passengers who are traveling on international flights inbound to the United States.  What will these be?  All they are saying is that there will be additional screening, perhaps pat down searches, and such other means are being kept confidential.  OK, so far so good.  I think everyone agrees that the best way to prevent an incident during flight is to keep people and things off the aircraft that can cause problems.

Now, let’s get to those rules that apply during the flight.  First of all, here’s what the TSA was actually advising passengers:

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.

Notice the key word — “may.”  It doesn’t say shall, will, must, or any mandatory language.  Why is that significant?  It means that it’s up to the airlines to set a policy and implement it.   Instead of checking with their airline about what the rules were, everyone seemed to jump to all sorts of conclusions.  And to jump all over the TSA for setting a new policy.  The TSA was getting blamed for acting too quickly, not acting quickly enough, for being over-reactive, and for not acting at all.  Believe me, there are plenty of things to jump all over the TSA about, and lots of reasons to be questioning some of the things that they do, but in this case the decision makers were the airlines.

There’s is plenty to criticize airlines for as well.  Most travelers have had the experience of having different rules on different airlines, when all we want is uniformity and continuity.  That’s unlikely to happen.  Different companies, different policies, different interpretations.  While there will be similarities, of course, airlines, just like businesses on the ground, will choose to implement policies that best fit their needs.

So where are we with international rules today?

I’ve done a quick poll of my Flight Attendant pals, and most tell me that their airline has relaxed most, if not all, of the previously reported (but unattributed) in-flight regulations.  Again, these are for international flights, inbound to the U.S.  Passengers are no longer being required to remain in their seat for the last hour of flight, nor are they prohibited for accessing their carry on bags or having personal items in their lap.  The Captain of the flight may, in their discretion, require such additional safety requirement as s/he deems necessary.  The latter has always been the case, and means if there is a disturbance or concern on a flight that stricter procedures will likely be implemented.  And remember – even if you disagree or don’t understand – always follow the directives of your flight crew.  Don’t escalate a situation during flight; there’s plenty of time when you get on the ground to resolve an issue.

If you are looking for this info on the TSA website, I expect you’ll be disappointed.  I doubt there is any reason to post a “non-rule.”  And they never posted any rules in the first place (remember, it was all off-the-record comments), so there is nothing that they need to change.

A few days ago I was advising patience and to wait to see what happened.  Today I am advising international travelers to check with their airline.  If they have nothing specific on their website, you may want to give them a call.  And if you’re travel date is still a week or so off, I’d suggest that you check back right before you travel.  It wouldn’t surprise me if things change again.

Photo credit: SXC

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