Alex Yates

I have been traveling a lot this year and things are not consistent from airport to airport, airline to airline or TSA worker to TSA worker. Even with plastic bags, they are still throwing "permissable" items away. I just thought I would post a copy of this for anyone else traveling. I am flying into the UK, flying from the UK to Belgium and then from the Netherlands back to the USA over the next two weeks. As you can see, from UK to Belgium, a cell phone is not even allowed. Strange and scary times.




Travel Alert!


Air travel alerts issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transport Canada have changed screening procedures at airports in North America and the United Kingdom. If you are traveling in these regions, the changes listed below will affect you.

We always recommend checking the TSA Web site (www.tsa.gov) or Transport Canada Web site (www.tc.gc.ca) for the most up-to-date information about changing security procedures and prohibited items.

Travel in North America:

• The TSA has adjusted its ban on liquids, aerosols, and gels, so you can now carry the following items on board your flight:- Travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in one quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.
  - Beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area.
  
  At the security checkpoint you will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt, making it easier for TSA security officers to examine these items.
  
  Passengers carrying on larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula, and diabetic glucose treatments will also be required to declare these at the security checkpoint for additional screening.
  
  This new security policy applies to all domestic and international flights departing from U.S. airports. If your plans include travel originating at a non-U.S. airport, be sure to check that airport's security policies and pack accordingly.
• Schedule changes may occur. Travelers should check online or call the airlines before heading to the airport.
• Travelers are advised to travel light.
• Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport 3 hours ahead of their departure time due to significant delays caused by new security procedures.

Travel within and from the United Kingdom:

• If you are traveling within the UK, or if you are departing the UK for another international destination, you must check ALL of your belongings. Wallets, IDs, and necessary medications are exceptions; these essential items must be carried in a plastic bag (clear bags are recommended).
• Electronic items are not permitted on board any aircraft. Electronic items include laptops, mobile phones, and iPods.

londonhusker

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Alex Yates

Hello Dave! Thank you very much for the update. I am scratching my head though because BA is the airline who emailed these warnings to me just last week with my ticket purchase for the UK - Belgium leg of my trip. I also purposely rerouted my flight home out of Schipol rather than take a chance with the UK. Even within the US, I have had problems with things being thrown away when they are specifically stated as being allowed. When you are at the mercy of TSA agents and trying to make your flight, they have you cornered basically. I really needed to take a single trumpet bag on the UK-Belgium flight as I am returning a Bach C to someone in Belgium, but don't dare chance that I will be forced to put it under. All of this guessing is stressful and I am a bit tired of being held prisoner every time I travel. Even if I call the airline and get their OK for an instrument, the TSA might think differently and they are the ones deciding on the front lines.

40cal

I could have sworn there was an adobe copy of a letter from the TSA to a trumpeter allowing trumpets in the cabin either on this site or the Trumpet Herald.

You could always politely ask for the TSA ground security coordinator if there is a problem with regard to bringing an item on-board.

(they may tell you to pound sand, but at that point you have nothing to lose).

londonhusker

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Jon Kratzer

Here is a letter from 2003 that i cary every time I travel.


http://www.local1000.com/pdf/carryon.pdf

Tootsall

Let's remember that Alex is concerned about the UK/Ne flight. I somehow doubt that the European security people are going to be impressed by a letter from a US union!

Heck, even their carry-on size limits are different from those in the US.

Always best to check with your airline of choice (and even they might not know as I found out when I called my airline to return to Canada from Munich the day after the London bomb scare!)