FACT SHEET                                                

August 10, 2006

                                                                                                            Contact: 202-282-8010

GUIDANCE FOR AIRLINE PASSENGERS

Raised Threat Levels:

The U.S. threat level is raised to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights flying from the United Kingdom to the U.S.

The U.S. threat level is raised to High, or Orange for all commercial aviation operating in the U.S., including international flights. Flights from the U.S. to the U.K. are also Orange.

Increased Aviation Screening Procedures:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be implementing a series of security measures – some visible and some not visible -- to ensure the security of the traveling public and the Nation's transportation system.  TSA is immediately implementing following changes to airport screening procedures:

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY ON BAGGAGE. SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Exception: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines, which all must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

Beverages purchased in the boarding area (beyond the checkpoint) must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted on board the aircraft.

Passengers traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant.

How every passenger can assist in security:

Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening

Arrive earlier than usual at the airport

Cooperate with TSA personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at all gates

Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities

Increased Border Protection Procedures:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas including the use of advanced targeting tools, special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially-trained canine units, and explosive detection technology. 

DHS has also mandated that all flights from the U.K. transmit passenger manifest information for intensive screening prior to departure from the gate.  In addition, passengers on these flights and all other international flights will be subject to heightened inspection upon arrival in the U.S. 

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