Tens of thousands of airline passengers the world over are experiencing massive delays due to new security restrictions imposed by the United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).
In light of the recent attacks occurring on the Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to New York, in which an alleged terrorist attempt to blow up the aircraft with a so-called “underwear bomb”, the administration has imposed random security restrictions on all flights entering and leaving the United States. The security regulations are deliberately vague as to confuse would be terrorists, and passengers should not expect the same security restrictions twice. Information about security measures have been lacking in specifics, with details coming in from the passengers themselves.
Most passengers have reported increased restrictions on carry on luggage. Some airlines have restricted carry-on luggage to one per person, in an attempt to minimize delays. Restrictions on liquids have been reverted to their 2006 levels, so passengers should pack accordingly. Almost all passengers have reported being patted down, and every pocket in every bag is being checked. This is causing delays of up to 3 hours at some airports, and airlines are calling in additional help to cope with delays. However, the biggest change is during the flights themselves.
During the last hour of flight the restrictions are the most rigid. Passengers are not allowed to leave their seats. No items are to be on the lap, and this includes blankets, pillows, books, laptops, pretty much anything. Even passengers in first class aren’t spared – those luxury bed-like seats need to be in their upright and locked position too. Passengers on asian flights have even reported phones and inflight internet access being disabled.
Don’t expect a break from the stringent regulations anytime soon – officials declare the security restrictions will be in place “indefinitely”. However, all these security regulations are not without their critics. Many security experts agree with the airlines, claiming that the new measures are nothing more than “security theater” – measures designed to give the public a sense of protection, without actually adding any protection.
The restrictions are hardest felt on the holiday traveler, causing an already packed holiday travel season to be even more stressful. Passengers should be advised to leave as early as possible, and expect the worst. Happy holidays, courtesy of the TSA.
