Really ONLY ONE bag traveling to the US now!

[ozone]

For of us living in Canada and elsewhere, traveling to the US has just gotten a lot more difficult. Air Canada has announced that passengers will only be allowed one small carry on (purse, computer bag, diaper bag) and all other luggage will have to be checked. No idea no how they will define "small". This is in response to the attempted explosion attach over Detroit on Christmas Day 2009

This new regulation does not extend to within Canada flights or flights to other foreign locations, but I wouldn't be surprised if some new restrictions come into place globally. Actually, I guess it would apply to US citizens as well: the regulation would not affect them leaving the US, but might affect them on the return trip home from whatever location back into the US.

While I don't think my Aeronaut is "big" (especially compared to what some people bring on board!), I doubt it will classify as "small". So, my usual mode of operation (Aeronaut + ID/small side shoulder bag) is probably gone for now. Might have to start looking at the Western Flyer or the Tristar (although who knows if even they are "too big").

Of course, this seems like a case of closing the barn door a little late - how did this alleged terrorist: 1) get on the plane (he was a watch list but not a no fly list?); and 2) get the explosive materials on board in the first place?

Air travel is really becoming a pain - might as well go back to road trips. My wife and I are thinking of doing a road trip based on visiting all the eateries featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!

[Frank II]

This new rule is for all international flights headed towards the U.S.--and not just from Canada. It's also partially being extended to U.S. domestic flights:

As of Saturday night, here are some of the highlights:

1) Airlines are suggesting that people limit what they bring as carry-on since there will be at least two levels of bag check--regular security and again at the gate. Passengers are being advised that flights will be delayed due to extra security.

2) The one bag policy has so far just been limited to one bag, and nothing said about lowering size.

3) During the last hour of flight, no one may get out of their seat, access their carry on luggage, or have anything in their laps. No restrooms, no food, no beverage, nothing that hides your hands. You need to just sit quietly or the plane will be diverted to Guantanamo. (Okay, I added the last sentence.)

Knee jerk over reaction...but what did you expect?

[ozone]

Huh... I didn't know it was being extended to "some" domestic US flights as well. That would be a big damper on travel.

I double-checked and Air Canada's website doesn't say the exact size allowed, but they did have a previous definition for a personal item, and the description they give sure suggests a "smaller" bag.

In response to new government policies and in order to reduce delays caused by the enhanced security measures for flights operating into the United States, effective Sunday, December 27, and until further notice, carry-on baggage will be restricted to one personal item (purse, computer bag, diaper bag, brief case or small backpack). All other items (roller bags, large backpacks, etc) must be checked-in.

I really can't figure out how they're going to enforce item [3] - " do nothing" during the final hour of the flight? I can't even read a book and drink some water?

... I remember a time when I used to get excited to fly...

[ifse]

Interesting. On every flight I've taken between Asia and the US, they seem to time the last meal to finish with about one hour left in the flight. That is followed by people getting up to use the rest rooms, do their immigration or customs paperwork and clean up to get ready for arrival.

I guess that now they'll wake us up and feed us an hour earlier? Or maybe they'll do us a favor and stop the meals

[maverick]

hi folks,

my travel plans will take me to san francisco, seattle and vancouver in the early part of january. the trip between seattle and vancouver will be in a rental car, but i'm flying the other legs.

i think i can get everything i need to bring in the aeronaut, but i can't go much smaller than that. it's a very short trip - just three days, so i just need to pack two changes of clothes. however, i am carrying some technical equipment (photographic/audio/network related) that i just would not want to check in.

i saw this on the tsa website, but nothing stated about number or size of carry-on bags. can someone share a link to information they've found?

thanks!

[Frank II]

As I'm writing this, the TSA has yet to publicly release any new rules. They claim that rules will constantly change so terrorists will be surprised.

The "personal sized" carry-on rule is Air Canada's. Nowhere else have I seen this. All that is being said is to limit the amount of carry-on if possible. The one bag rule is being enforced.

As for domestic, yes, some airlines have started. Again, no direction from TSA.

Most of the airlines websites say to expect increase security prior to boarding flights headed to the U.S.

[maverick]

thank you, fbrown627!

[PM4HIRE]

Road trips are much more fun than air travel, if you're not under a time constraint.

Checkout Healthy Highways website!!!

[Frank II]

Found this on CNN online this afternoon:

"An official with the Transportation Security Administration told CNN there will be increased security measures taken on international flights to the United States. The official advised travelers to allow for extra time before the flight. There will be no change in the number of carry-on bags allowed"

It looks like Air Canada is making up its own rules.

[Darcy]

Thanks for gathering this info for us, fbrown627. Very helpful!

[gmanedit]

"No restrooms": I don't expect this rule to last long. Airplanes count on quick turnarounds to get the planes back in the air; they will get this rule changed once people start peeing in their seats.

Also, what happens when the next terrorist makes his move mid-flight, or soon after takeoff?

And don't read this (http://www.correntewire.com/how_stat...ple_free_trade; go to "Mike was trying to make some extra money") if you don't want to worry about the effects of outsourcing airplane maintenance.

Last I heard, the TSA plans on frequently changing the rules, to keep terrorists off balance. Security theater. How will we know how to pack?

[Just]

@gmanedit

I guess we should worry more about the plane, than the people in it.

[Frank II]

Right now it's chaos as no one really knows what's going on:

At CDG in Paris, no one was allowed any carry ons. You had to put any items you wanted to take on board in a clear ziploc bag.

From Singapore and on other flights, the inflight enterainment and phones were turned off.

Heathrow and Gatwick airports are only allowing people one carry on.

Air Canada is only allowing one personal sized item.

As you can see, no consistency.

However, one bit of good news, these rules are only supposed to be for flights headed to the U.S. and not domestic flights. Southwest airlines said no changes have been made to their security and they are flying mostly on time.

This story is still developing and will take a few days to iron out. We got the kneejerk reaction from the U.S. government now, just like after the shoe bomber, and now we have to wait for the final verdict. Let's hope some sense is used and not fear tactics.

[maverick]

Right now it's chaos as no one really knows what's going on:

At CDG in Paris, no one was allowed any carry ons. You had to put any items you wanted to take on board in a clear ziploc bag.

wow! you have a lot of people that travel for business and carry a laptop. the thought of checking in my laptop just frightens me. think about what would happen if you were flying out for a meeting for the day and your laptop didn't make it.

From Singapore and on other flights, the inflight enterainment and phones were turned off.

i think this would be okay - just bring a good book to read.

Heathrow and Gatwick airports are only allowing people one carry on.

Air Canada is only allowing one personal sized item.

i think most people can manage with one carry on if they have the opportunity to plan ahead. if you're limited to one personal sized item (i'm reading that to mean an empire builder or western flyer), you may need to check a bag in.

As you can see, no consistency.

However, one bit of good news, these rules are only supposed to be for flights headed to the U.S. and not domestic flights. Southwest airlines said no changes have been made to their security and they are flying mostly on time.

This story is still developing and will take a few days to iron out. We got the kneejerk reaction from the U.S. government now, just like after the shoe bomber, and now we have to wait for the final verdict. Let's hope some sense is used and not fear tactics.

yes, this may take a little time to shake out.

on a somewhat related topic, india announced earlier this month that it is changing its rules for those with multiple entry visas. india issues up to a 10 year multiple entry visa to u.s. citizens. the new rule they are putting in place is that you must wait two months between visits. so for someone like me who made a trip to india last year in february, march and may, this new rule doesn't give me the same flexibility to travel. you can ask for permission if you need to travel without a two month break in between, but it isn't clear under what criteria permission will be given. it also isn't clear whether this new rule is just for those with multiple entry visas.

i'm not sure what these changes were in reaction to, but i've heard different stories from different sources.

i'm sure it will become more clear as time passes. in the mean time, for 2010, i guess i can plan less frequent but longer visits...

thanks again, fbrown627!

[ifse]

NO mention of any additional restrictions on carry-on items.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009

EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.

INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.

APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).

ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.

1. BOARDING GATE

1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.

1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.

2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.

3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544–06-02E.

2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:

1. Spouse and children, or

2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)

3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:

1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).

2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).

2. IN FLIGHT

1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:

1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.

2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.

3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.

4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.

5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.

AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.

AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).

APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.

FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.

Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator