| The failed airplane bombing attempt on Christmas Day | | | | consternation and exasperation of both business and |
| 2009 has led to a number of new and more invasive | | | | pleasure travelers. European airports haven't imposed |
| security measures for airline travellers. Besides an | | | | such a far-reaching ban, but they have taken definite |
| overall heightened level of security at all airports | | | | steps to further screen passengers using both human |
| throughout the world, a number of specific security | | | | and electronic means. |
| measures have been put into place for international | | | | If you plan on flying to your destination, be sure to |
| flights bound for the United States. | | | | arrive at the airport early to check in and drop off your |
| The biggest change is that passengers from certain | | | | luggage. Then get into the security lineup as quickly as |
| high-risk countries are now begin targeted for special | | | | possible, because the closer it gets to your takeoff |
| security treatment. The high-risk countries are | | | | time, the more chance you'll miss your flight. Gone are |
| Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, | | | | the days when you could arrive at the terminal 30 |
| Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria | | | | minutes before a flight and still make it on board with |
| and Yemen. Anyone traveling from or through one of | | | | five or ten minutes to spare. You just can't do that |
| these countries must be subjected to a more rigorous | | | | anymore, even if all you have is carry-on luggage. |
| security screening that includes pat-downs and (where | | | | Be sure to bring reading material or some other form |
| available) body scans. Carry-on items will be examined | | | | of entertainment with you -- an iPod Touch is a great |
| more closely and explosive detection technology will | | | | choice, since you can watch a movie or play a game |
| also be used wherever it is available. | | | | with equal ease. You'll need to do something to pass |
| Passengers facing enhanced security screening can | | | | the time after you make it through the security queue. |
| expect much longer wait times to get into the boarding | | | | Remember, though, that these new security measures |
| area of the airport and should arrive at the airport | | | | are in place to help you arrive safely at your |
| terminal two or three hours earlier than normal if they | | | | destination, so don't complain about them. Queue times |
| want to be sure to make their flight. | | | | should decrease are more electronic safety measures |
| Even other passengers, however, will be affected by | | | | are implemented. Travel in the second half of 2010 will |
| new security measures, thought those measures will | | | | be easier than it was at the beginning of the year, but |
| vary from country to country. As of this writing, for | | | | don't expect security to be lax anytime soon. Expect |
| example, it is Canadian airports that have imposed the | | | | delays and keep a positive attitude and you'll arrive |
| toughest measures on travel to US destinations with a | | | | safe and sound. |
| ban on most carry-on luggage, much to the | | | | |