Aicraft terror plot foiled in the UK [Archive] - Taking Flight

Agne

08-10-2006, 10:06 AM

The plot was to blow up planes inflight from the UK to the United States using explosive devices in hand luggage.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/10/uk.terror/index.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778575.stm

I am leaving next week and now I don't really know what to do. Should I stay?

The UK has adopted special security measures such as no hand luggage allowed, passengers are asked to put their essential items into a plastic bag, no beverages or other liquids allowed.

I will fly to New York via Amsterdam and I wonder what measures Italy and the Netherlands are going to take. I hope they will take it seriously as well, even if the threat warning level has not been raised to "critical" as it was in the UK.

Hearing the news has really upset me this morning, because I thought that terrorist would be discouraged from planning attacks to planes and airports with all the security measures adopted after 9/11.

Also, I am a little concerned about my stay in the US. Is the threat level "critical" there? Is it safe to use the underground now?

Sorry I may sound paranoid but I was doing so well and now I am scared again..

CarolinaWren

08-10-2006, 11:47 AM

....Sorry I may sound paranoid but I was doing so well and now I am scared again..

Yep, me too! This was NOT something I needed to deal with now! My upcoming flights are within the US, but it really makes no difference inside my head.

I was finally at a point where I could think about being on the plane and not feel nervous..... Hmm...:(

WillFlyToDisney

08-10-2006, 12:48 PM

This is exactly what the terrorists want you to feel - TERROR. DONT GIVE IN TO THEM.

The "good" thing about a threat like this is that everyone is on heightened alert so the chances of anything actually happening are slim to none.

I have 2 flights today and I am not worried one iota. Okay I AM worried that now that I have to check my luggage instead of carry it on and I am on the last flights of the night that my luggage will get lost and I wont have my stuff in time to drive to FL in the morning.

Get on the plane. I am. They can't stop me.

Kelley

EyesSkyward

08-10-2006, 12:56 PM

Hearing the news has really upset me this morning, because I thought that terrorist would be discouraged from planning attacks to planes and airports with all the security measures adopted after 9/11.

Well, they may not be discouraged from planning them, but they certainly are discouraged from actually doing anything about it. The level of security and investigation about things like this is probably higher these days than it has ever been in the history of powered flight.

By which I mean, people can plot all they want, but they're going to get stopped. If anything, this story shows that.

- Jeff

DALBIRD

08-10-2006, 01:25 PM

I agree that this should not stop you from coming. With the uber heighten state, the chances are very slim of something happening. During my trips over the last couple of years to and through Europe, they seem to be very tight when it comes to security. So, I am sure all the necessary precautions are being taken.

Like Kelley, I am bummed now b/c I have to check my bag. I am going to Santa Fe for the weekend and will have to check my bag. I am thinking the only people that can get away without checking are day trippers or people who don't care about bodily hygiene:). Maybe they will start making powdered toothpaste and shampoo?

But, I am cool with anything for safety.

Have a great trip.

Passenger Mark

08-10-2006, 02:09 PM

Lynda actually alerted the Mods and Admin to this late last night, around 7:00 am BST.

I was watching the news first thing this morning.

First: No... DO NOT change your plans. Kelley is right, this is exactly what the terrorist want you to do. The initial event is just part of their grand scheme, the fallout is destructive as well. Interrupting travel, putting fear in the hearts of citizens, making us prisoners in our own homes are successes in their eyes. Do not give in, do not give them the satisfaction, do not quit living your life the way you want and on YOUR terms.

So... right now we feel helpless? What can we do? We ARE NOT helpless. There is plenty we can do!

1. Be an asset not a liability. If you are traveling, educate yourself on what the new rules are. Find out what you can and can't take. Find out what you can take as personal carry-on... and how the authorities want you to pack it. Do everything you can to be a perfect passenger so that the authorities spend as little time with you as they have to. FREE UP THEIR TIME! How do we do that?

A - Check with your airline. Either call them or go to their website.
B - Check with the airport you are flying into or flying out of.
C - Watch the news for any updates.

2. Have patience. There is no doubt that air travel in the near future is going to be frustrating. Allow yourself extra time for this. Do not harass or berate the authorities that are protecting you. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem. Take the time to look at your screener in the eyes and thank them for being there and doing their job. Give them a boost!

3. Travel Smart. Keep your eyes open. DO NOT BE PARANOID... but if you see something that is odd, let the authorities know.

4. We here at Taking Flight can help be part of the solution as well. I am going to work with our team to research and develop an advisory of what members can expect when traveling. What they can pack and how. It will be posted here for a reminder to the members of Taking Flight. Give us a few days for this because we want to get it right!

5. Look at the glass as half full. Yes... some very sick people were going to try something. But obviously intelligence, security, and good ole hard work is far superior to what it use to be!

Hold your head high, enjoy you life, and take part in all those anticipated adventures!

noflyingfan

08-10-2006, 03:01 PM

I heard about this when I got up this morning, and my first thought was how this will likely be a hot topic on the board today. I thought about how I would feel if I had a flight today or in the next few days, and I knew I would be scared and rethink my trip.

The news crew was at O'Hare, showing looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg lines. "The worst you'll ever see," the reporter said. There were a lot of people in those lines, yes sir. On the very day that this news story came out. ALL THOSE PEOPLE still wanted to get on their flights, and the only comments anyone made were, "I'm afraid I'm going to miss my flight because the line is long" or "I have to throw away my stuff and that stinks."

Nobody said, "I don't want to go anymore."

This terror plot is scary, very scary. The thought of what might have happened is horrifying. But I'm not going to let it deter me from getting on a plane. Because it didn't happen. It was stopped. It can be a little scary to think of trusting folks you can't see (the reason we FOFers like to meet our pilots), but today's story is proof that there are people who are catching these guys and getting them before something happens. I have a cousin who works in homeland security, and she told me recently that most people wouldn't even believe the number of incidents that have been prevented since September 11th, things we never even hear about. Tens of thousands, she said.

I think Mark got it right when he said, "travel smart and don't be paranoid." I'm not letting this story deter me from traveling or planning other trips. But I do plan to keep my eyes wide open and report anything that looks not right to me, the same way I would do on any flight or, really, in any situation.

I would like to thank Mark and company in advance for whatever advice you can offer travelers during this time. I think we can all agree that flying can be a royal pain in the butt, today's news notwithstanding, and anything we can do to make it easier for the authorities will also make our trips more comfortable and pleasant.

One thing I would like to throw out there is this, and Mark or whomever, if you want to say yay or nay on this, I'll trust your judgement, but it just occurred to me. Someone asked a question on the board a week or two ago about non-prescription meds to help relax them on a flight. As of today (although who knows how long things will be like this), you can't take those with you. What you CAN take are prescription meds if your name is on the bottle. So if you do think you'll need something on an upcoming flight, you probably want to see your doc and get a prescription.

noflyingfan

08-10-2006, 03:28 PM

And to add to Ken's last comment...

The weather here in Chicago is not stellar. It's pretty stormy, and when things get backed up in Chicago, they tend to get backed up everywhere, because so many connections come through here. So on top of the heightened security, there may be weather delays. I don't envy anyone who is flying today.

Lynda

08-10-2006, 03:53 PM

Do you know what I am flying in 3 weeks and I have no intention of letting anyone stop me.

We are not flying to the US until February but I would still go tommorow!

These terrorists work on fear to disrupt everyone, well I may feel uncomfortable about this but they will not stop me going where I want to go!

Barb-SAN

08-10-2006, 03:54 PM

http://www.flightarrivals.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Flights.woa/11/wo/vHzy21IXPZ2rO7Vigm/0.15 (This goes to the home page, then click on "airport status, new" on the left side of page).

This may be a useful link for folks flying today, or picking up passengers. It shows delay information for airports around the country.

Mark, It's great that you are putting together an information sheet about dealing with this security situation. I'd expect this terror alert would raise the "edginess" level of travelers in general, and anything that we each can do in the direction of calmness and reassurance will be a move in a positive direction. With figures of between 1 in 6 and 1 in 4 of the general population having some degree of fear of flying, odds are good that there will be someone each of us will encounter today who could use an encouraging word. :)

glamtart

08-10-2006, 04:00 PM

Wow. I awoke to a lovely email from my friend in London who I am supposed to go visit next week, saying that the restaurant we had picked out was supposed to be good, and that we should go ahead and get reservations, and oh yeah, hope you guys are still coming next week because of the foiled terrorist plans.

So I looked at the news. Not pretty, right? I mean, on the one hand... YAY! They caught the bad guys! On the other hand, why do such a small number of bad guys continuously make things worse for the good guys? Man, the bad guys are really making me angry!!!

(note, they could be bad girls, too - I don't mean to sound like I'm automatically assuming they're men)

I'm particularly nonplussed about the whole "no carry-on" thing - as someone who flies standby without a confirmed seat, a carry-on is essential to me. I don't check bags. Never ever. If I did, the chances of the bags arriving at my destination without me are very high. We've cancelled trips and changed destinations at the airport on several occasions, so checking bags is just not good for us. However, if we still go to London next Thursday, I'm gonna have to check them. What if we don't get on the flight? What happens to our bags then? Will I ever see my stuff again?

I really want to go. I don't want to cancel this trip. But the nervousness about possible terrorism is freaking me out a little, and the bags thing is making me rethink our plans. And for the record, the rational side of me is saying that it's probably extra-safe to fly right now due to the heightened security. It's the irrational side of me that's making all of the complaints.

On a funny note, I have a bottle of perfume that is whimsically shaped like a hand grenade (it's called Flowerbomb). I usually take it with no problem, although I did have bags searched in Frankfurt once by a very amused security officer. Guess I'll definitely be leaving it at home now!

EyesSkyward

08-10-2006, 04:14 PM

I'm particularly nonplussed about the whole "no carry-on" thing... [snip] ...However, if we still go to London next Thursday, I'm gonna have to check them. What if we don't get on the flight? What happens to our bags then? Will I ever see my stuff again?

I'm with you on that. I hate to check bags, and have managed to avoid doing so for years. And a transatlantic flight without my trusty MacBook? Uffa!

Here's a thought, though: What if you only brought a couple of books and magazines on board, and maybe checked a basic change of junky clothes that you wouldn't mind losing? Then you'd box up and ship your "real" luggage.

You'd have a tracking number and everything, and you'd know exactly when your package got where it was going (which is a lot more than you can say for checked bags!).

- Jeff

kari

08-10-2006, 04:39 PM

Agne, you must go ... don´t let the barstewards win! And whatever happens I´m going to have to fly anyway :)

WillFlyToDisney

08-10-2006, 04:46 PM

I don't envy anyone who is flying today.

Ahem... that would be me. :angel:

tabbygirl

08-10-2006, 04:57 PM

The worst part of this, long term, will no doubt be the frustration we'll all experience around air travel. It's infuriating, and also sad - those innocent days where your loved ones could wave you off at the gate are long gone and it will only get worse.

But...it's reality. And Mark's suggestions for continuing to live our lives within that new reality are sound.

I also just want to point out that El Al, surely the world's more potentially targeted airline, has a perfect safety record. Their security methods work, and have worked for many years. I'm sure the US has learned plenty from them (or will, if we haven't bothered to yet!). It's clearly possible to keep air travel safe but we will definitely be seriously inconvenienced.

But whose life is not worth that inconvenience?

Barb-SAN

08-10-2006, 04:59 PM

Wow. Just read Ken's post about the quotes from Newark airport and looked like this,:eek: I was at terminal B and my husband wasn't in line for more than 20 minutes. My reality was quite different than what it said in the paper.
I literally just returned from there. The lines were longer but moved very efficiently. People were very mellow on the lines and security folks very polite. When I first saw the longer line I was worried that my husband would not make the flight. But it moved quickly and is on a plane as we speak. There were lots of news people there. It was interesting watching them interview people. I think they were(understandably) expecting fear and concern. But what I overheard ranged from I'll do whatever they need me to for security to be good, to I wish I had my I-pod with the longer lines, lines are long but they are moving and what is going on here( lots of folks didn't know yet). In other words, everyone was calm and no one seemed interested in changing their plans.

I just checked on the website I posted earlier...it shows 5 airports around the country experiencing delays. 4 are WEATHER-related, one is "multi-taxi...many airplanes trying to get on the runways at once"...ie. traffic jam? There is no mention of delays caused by long security lines...though that doesn't indicate if anyone missed their flight because they didn't get to the airport early enough.

There is a series of photos on MSNBC showing some long lines, and piles of products that aren't allowed in carryon luggage (two showed deoderant sticks prominently displayed...great...and it's hot weather too...:rolleyes: ).

Monica, thanks for supplying that dose of reality...hope Kelley has a similar experience with her flights today. Perhaps London is having the greatest problems?

noflyingfan

08-10-2006, 05:06 PM

Ahem... that would be me. :angel:

And to that I say a hearty, "nyyyaaaahhhh nyyyaaaahhhh nyyyaaaahhhh." :lol:

Just kidding. :) I feel for you. Flying can be a pain no matter when you're flying; the statement I made about not envying whoever is flying today could be said on just about any day. The only exception is when I am on a long, long drive somewhere, or when I have to go to the lady doctor.

I think the world is ready for whatever form of transportation will come after airplanes. What do you think? Harry Potter can travel by fireplace; that sounds good and safe. How about it, science?

kallieb

08-10-2006, 05:30 PM

Ciao Agne,

It's hard to say anything more to what is posted above other than to let you know that I, and others, know exactly how you are feeling right now. That push-pull battle between the irrationality of our anxieties, and the comfort that truly rests within reality.

Kelley first suggested that in a roundabout way this has a positive spin.... the heightened alert that a threat like this poses increases the vigilance of all of those who are entrusted with our safety; and that is one HUGE list of people that are infront and behind the scenes.

I anticipate Agne that everything will be double and triple checked, and you will get to your destination safely, and you will get back home safely. I will check in on your flight this weekend on and off.

Remember, anticipatory anxiety is the WORST and all it takes is tiny nudges to make it grow out of control. You know what you need to do to stay calm. I know you can do this. :hug:

Passenger Mark

08-10-2006, 05:33 PM

Not sure about the security lines... but it is mostly green across the map. A few delays around IL (as you can see) but this seems to be due to weather.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Admin/map-1.jpg

noflyingfan

08-10-2006, 05:40 PM

We had a huge thunderstorm cell coming into Illinois this morning. Around 9:30 a.m., it looked like it was nighttime, the sky was so dark.

glamtart

08-10-2006, 05:40 PM

I'm with you on that. I hate to check bags, and have managed to avoid doing so for years. And a transatlantic flight without my trusty MacBook? Uffa!

Here's a thought, though: What if you only brought a couple of books and magazines on board, and maybe checked a basic change of junky clothes that you wouldn't mind losing? Then you'd box up and ship your "real" luggage.

You'd have a tracking number and everything, and you'd know exactly when your package got where it was going (which is a lot more than you can say for checked bags!).

- Jeff

oohh, good idea Jeff! If we were going on a longer trip, I would totally consider that, even though it would be expensive. However, arriving Friday and leaving Monday? That wouldn't even cover the UPS or DHL shipping delay! And you know there would be a delay! :lol:

LeslieDEN

08-10-2006, 06:14 PM

Ahem... that would be me. :angel:

Me too. Heading to McCarran in an hour or so. Oh, well ...

Barb-SAN

08-10-2006, 11:30 PM

Here's a link to the Transportation Security Administration for specific information on the new security rules. I'd been reading rumors of electronic devices being prohibited...but it seems that is not the case, at least not yet.
http://www.tsa.gov/press/where_we_stand/security_measures.shtm

WillFlyToDisney

08-10-2006, 11:39 PM

I am sitting in the airport now delayed because of WEATHER not for any security issues. It took me approximately 4 minutes to check in and about 2 minutes to go thru security. The TSA screeners didnt ask me one word about liquids or anything else I had in my bags. The ticket agent at the Delta counter DID ask me and I glanced in my purse and saw my eyedrops and he stuck those in my checked bag for me. No one opened my carry-ons to look or anything unusual or different.

Granted I am flying out of an airport with NO international flights but really there isn't anything more that looks different other than the little ORANGE square is checked on the threat level board instead of the usual YELLOW one.

Just my observations. I think I am stuck here another nite. My kids are going to go nutso but I already had Delta hold me a seat on the 6am out just in case...

Kelley

Jeff California

08-10-2006, 11:42 PM

Agne,

You know how this works for us FF's. We HAVE to get back on the plane asap. I wish I were flying to Ireland today to kill the anxiety this causes for me. Get on the plane and it will get better!!

Agne

08-10-2006, 11:56 PM

Thank for all your responses. I will fly. :)

I'll call the airline tomorrow to ask for information on the security measures for my flight so I will know what I can/ can not carry on the plane. I only hope I can take with me some books and puzzles or I don't know what to do to kill time for 7 hours.

Once I find out what I can carry on the plane, I'm going to invent a new goody bag, an emergency goody bag for this "orange/red level" period.:cool:

(My favourite components of the goody bag were DVDs, iPOD, and...the forbiddens..things that I can not have this time). I hope I can have a pen and some paper for the flight-report.

WillFlyToDisney

08-11-2006, 02:50 AM

Weather delays and cancellations so I am out on the 6am tomorrow - oh joy - then once I get home I have about an hour's worth of work then I get to drive 3 overexcited kids to Florida (6 hours drive plus stops if I am lucky).

I thought of that exact same thing, Ken. This whole liquid thing is pointless when you can just walk thru with anything liquid on your person. I am sure Terrorists are smart enough to figure out that only the SSSSed people are patted down.

The HUGE pain in the butt with all of this was something that happened tonite. I flew in with 2 carry-on bags but no checked luggage. Because I had liquids I had to check my rolling bag so when my flight was delayed to the point that it was pointless for me to go as far as ATL tonite and I wanted to just stay the nite then I had to wait almost 2 hours for my checked bag to come off the plane. Ugh.

ALSO another thing that annoyed me was that now I am forced to pay the Airport prices for bottled soda or water if I want a drink once I am past security. What shocked me was that they had signs up all over that you had to finish your beverage in the boarding area and that you could not take your drink that you had just bought onto the plane!

StPeteMark

08-11-2006, 03:14 AM

Now, liquid medications are one of few exceptions. I don't know if that means prescription drugs only. Having a doctor's script for overcounter drugs may help. I saw several people being patted down today in Tampa.
.

WillFlyToDisney

08-11-2006, 03:22 AM

Oh I almost forgot about the News reporter at the airport tonite - she approached me while I was waiting for my bag to be pulled off the plane and asked if I was inconvenienced today on my flight. She was very sad to hear that I haven't flown yet and the only true inconvenience was due to the weather.

LeslieDEN

08-11-2006, 03:46 AM

My flight out of Las Vegas's McCarran airport today:

Heard the news this morning about no liquids being allowed in carryons. Bummer. I had packed very light for my trip so all I had was a little under-seat carryon. Sounded like I was gonna have to check it. Oh, well, not the end of the world.

I got to the airport at around 12:15 for a 3:53 flight and made it in plenty of time. I was very impressed with the way McCarran handled this. The lines were long but well-organized and moved quickly. I was through check-in in 40 minutes, then through security after another hour, and at my gate by 2:00. Not bad, considering that the security lines snaked all the way around the airport. The lines were intimidating to look at, but they moved so quickly that by the end of it, it seemed like only a minor inconvenience.

I've got to credit McCarran for this. I don't know about other airports, but it seemed as if they'd been ready for something like this and had their system ready to go into action immediately. They even had little stations at various points along the security line where airport volunteers handed out cups of cold water to passengers. Much appreciated!

No one was grousing. Everybody cooperated and most comments I heard were actually positive. More than one person said that the terrorists will NOT succeed in stopping us from flying. One look around that airport today, where zillions and zillions of folks marched quietly in multiple long lines, confirmed it.

I know I'm on the verge of sounding mawkish here, but after the flight and some conversation about the airport experience, the woman next to me said, "We're a resilient people." Despite its self-aggrandizing tone, I really liked that. I might not be very resilient myself, but I was pleased to be among such folks and consider today's experience a positive one.

WillFlyToDisney

08-11-2006, 04:19 AM

Oh man, I love foosball. I challenge anyone here to a foosball match!

kallieb

08-11-2006, 01:10 PM

Agne,

Once I find out what I can carry on the plane, I'm going to invent a new goody bag

That is such a positive attitude, and a big leap forward in progress for you. You are stepping out of your "comfort zone" with a big more ease than what you were able to do before. Good for you.

I guess this is one of those "silver lining" examples.... (it's an odd English expression so it might not be familiar to you). What that means is that within every challenge, something good or positive will come out of it.

Letting go of our "must haves" can be very liberating in terms of our gradual movement forward on that continuum of scary to comfortable flight!

Please let us know what you *new* goody bag is!!!

Agne

08-11-2006, 01:49 PM

I emailed KLM (apparently there's no phone number apart from the one for reservations and each request has to be emailed) to ask what I can or can not carry on board. They haven't replied yet but I imagine that they're receiving thousands of e-mails like mine. The security advice for passengers travelling from/to the USA on the KLM page says we can't carry liquids or gels, but it says nothing about iPOD or cameras or other items like books.

I must confess, I was very negative this morning. I felt sick and annoyed. My hands were freezing cold and I spent every minute thinking about the flight. I imagined terrible scenes and I imagined myself on the plane, the local news and my friends and my aunt crying. Well, I think that Anticipatory Anxiety is back (I didn't have it so strong in the last few flights).

To change subject for a second, what's foosball?

noflyingfan

08-11-2006, 02:07 PM

Foosball is this (http://www.foosball.com/content.php?page=239).

Agne

08-11-2006, 02:13 PM

glamtart

08-11-2006, 02:52 PM

kallieb

08-11-2006, 03:08 PM

Hi Agne,

I know this is really impacting you because it feeds directly into the core of your fears AND it has resurfaced just when you are about to take a transatlantic flight to... of all places .... New York City.

That huge ball of anxiety is probably making you nauseous right about now.

How's this for a suggestion.....can you divert your thinking away from the bad things that may have happened, and replace it with thought-stopping/delay.

Keep telling yourself... Flying is safe. It is safer now to fly than it has ever been before. There is no real risk right now... it is just anticipatory anxiety (emphasis on the word *just*).

This ol' AA monster just wants to take over right now. Consider what works for you to push it back and do that right now.

I know you are worried but I also believe you will get through this.

Barb-SAN

08-11-2006, 03:09 PM

Glamtart, And if that checked bag gets lost, you will have the perfect excuse to go SHOPPING in London, and pick up some fetching little outfit!:D

Barb-SAN

08-11-2006, 03:18 PM

Well, I don't want to panic but according to the Evening Standard the date of the attack was August 16th, that's also the date of my flight to the US. I won't fly via London, but it was my first choice. Then I realized that the connection was impossible because we had to change airport in a short time, so we booked with KLM via Amsterdam. I'm shocked.:shocked:

Agne, didn't you have something like this happen once before for a trip to the U.S.? I can't remember exactly when...seems like it was awhile ago...but it was related to signs and dreams and changes of plans for which airline to take.

I too get the physical, gut reactions with the anticipatory anxiety, and always get to the airport extra early (bathroom time, sigh)...and then walk the concourse for at least an hour, wearing my backpack to increase the exercise value. That usually helps burn off some of that adrenaline. Then I eat a banana, then hang out by the gate and try to have a quick word with the pilots when they come to pick up their paperwork (an hour before the flight).

I also carry the little booklet that comes with the tapes for FF on Anxieties.com that has a lot of relaxation tips, and I browse through Ray's book while waiting to board.

Have you read all the information on Fear of Flying on Anxieties.com? There are a lot of good ideas there for quick calming techniques...breathing,etc. It might be helpful to print out some of that and take it with you, as an on-the-spot reminder of ways to quickly diminish your anxiety if you feel panicky.

I think you will do fine...you can consider it a "challenge" flight...each time you successfully complete a flight that is harder than normal, it builds confidence for the next time.:thumbsup:

Also...you might want to consider turning off the TV and not reading the newspapers and Internet news before your flight. If you're worried about missing something important, maybe a friend could fill you in on anything critical. It seems to me that the media has been concocting a lot of "what-if" scenarios with disastrous endings. Perhaps their intent is to "inform", but there is a byproduct of producing fear, at least in some people, which is one of the goals of the terrorists.

kallieb

08-11-2006, 03:50 PM

Agne,

I know you are worrying and wondering about what you can/cannot take with you when you depart Schiphol Airport for your flight to NYC.

I've included a link to a page I found on the Schiphol site which provides a list of banned/allowed inflight and checked luggage when flying to the USA. You have to scroll to the bottom of the page to find this list.

It doesn't provide a date stamp that indicates if this is the newest version or not, so maybe one option - rather than trying to call KLM - is to contact the airport directly. They are, after all, directly managing the Security details for departing passengers. A phone number for Schiphol Airport is referenced in the page I'm sending you, and it also is near the bottom.

Hope this helps.

http://www.schiphol.com/_vertrekken_vanaf_schiphol/portlet/Veiligheidsregels_hand_ruimbagage.jsp?PORTLET%3C%3 Ecnt_id=10134198673763590&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395729234&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302572241&VIRTUAL_TEMPLATE%3C%3Evt_id=10134198673766954&bmUID=1155308077130

p.s. This might be a bit more current. I found this page with a google search. It is dated today, from the "Mercury News" ?? what/where ever that is?? but it does pose some questions/answers that you might find helpful. Of importance to you, it is saying that you can bring on electronics so long as your flight is not connecting in the UK. Anyways, here is the link for this page. I

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/15250155.htm

And if you want a direct link to the site that makes these rules, here also is a link to the TSA site. Sorry for my limited knowledge of american government services, but I believe this organization establishes some of these rules. At least, the original list of banned items (for travel out of the USA) is listed at this link:

http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/tsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php

If knowledge is power, then go forth and empower yourself Agne!!!! I do hope this helps.

WillFlyToDisney

08-11-2006, 04:11 PM

I'm taking a flight out of DFW tonight. I think I have everything banned out of my carry on... at the most, I will have to throw away my lipstick. We're going to try checking a bag with our toiletries, so I'm crossing my fingers that it actually gets on the plane. I have a small backpack that I'm carrying all of my clothes in, and I'm carrying that on... so if the checked bag does get lost, at least I'll have something to wear.

You can take your lipstick unless it is liquid lipstick. :thumbsup:

I just went thru security yet again today for my flights home and again no line at security and not one thing different in the TSA screening procedure. They didn't even ask about liquids.

Hugs, Agne. I would be nervous as well but take a deep breath and realize that security is BETTER now than it would have been if this hadn't come to light. Right now is the safest time to fly I think because everyone is looking out for everything! :thumbsup:

Barb-SAN - I think the last time Agne was going to fly that was when the plane over in Russia or Greece or somewhere crashed b/c of the language barrier between the Capt and FO or something like that...

Kelley

tabbygirl

08-11-2006, 05:25 PM

Interesting to hear that McCarran kept things moving despite the big lines. Maybe that's why the reality seems so different from what the media is portraying - that the airports were ready for this kind of surge?

The news here was warning that SeaTac was mobbed and lines were out to the parking garage - and indeed a picture on the front page today seemed to bear that out. But I know 2 people who came in through SeaTac yesterday and said it didn't look crazy at all. One friend had come from San Francisco and took about 1.5 hours to get through - about the usual.

I find that I'm still not too frightened to think about flying - but I have been feeling extra emotional and I finally realized it's because this whole thing tapped into my 9/11 emotions. Dammit.

I also confess to being annoyed that I, the carry-on queen who can meet or beat British Airways and their 13-lb. limit, will have to check my tiny duffel bag when I go to San Jose next month for 2 days. Sheesh. I could practically pack everything in my PURSE. Then again, I'm not living in the war-torn Middle East so I should just shut up and count my blessings.

(Maybe I'll just carry everything and buy toothpaste once I get there. I know the hotel will help me out with shampoo, etc. :) )

I just remembered something: on the news last night, an official was quoted as saying that these new security measures would be in place "only as long as is necessary." ?????????????

kallieb

08-11-2006, 08:13 PM

LeslieDEN

08-12-2006, 03:29 AM

Well, thanks Les. I had to look up what aggrandizing meant. I've never heard of that word. I would have just said "boastful".:D

I think "boastful" is a little different because it means bragging about verifiable facts: "I own a Mercedes Benz" is boastful and annoying to listeners but verifiable. "Self-aggrandizing" means attributing qualities to yourself that may or may not be true, or are exaggerated or misleading (I think).

The reason I included the term "self-aggrandizing" is that I didn't want readers in our western ally countries to read it as a "Go USA" line. I didn't want to imply that we in the U.S. are under more of a threat, or are more resilient, than our brethren in Canada and Europe, who face the same threat and show the same resilience.

Agne

08-12-2006, 09:36 AM

Agne, didn't you have something like this happen once before for a trip to the U.S.? I can't remember exactly when...seems like it was awhile ago...but it was related to signs and dreams and changes of plans for which airline to take.

Right ! I had to fly to Orlando on Martinair-KLM (via Amsterdam) but the flight was overbooked and they put us on Virgin Atlantic (via London). I had had a dream a few weeks before in which I was on a Virgin Atlantic 747 to Orlando. In the dream there was smoke and fire in the cabin. That didn't happen, fortunately. :)

Barb-SAN - I think the last time Agne was going to fly that was when the plane over in Russia or Greece or somewhere crashed b/c of the language barrier between the Capt and FO or something like that...

Right!

I flew to San Francisco one year ago, a few hours after the Air France incident in Canada. While I was in California, 3 planes crashed (the Greek plane was one of those). I posted from an internet-cafè at Pier39 telling that I didn't want to fly home.

Also...you might want to consider turning off the TV and not reading the newspapers and Internet news before your flight. If you're worried about missing something important, maybe a friend could fill you in on anything critical. It seems to me that the media has been concocting a lot of "what-if" scenarios with disastrous endings

Good idea. I am spending too much time watching the news. It's like a magnet: I am hooked on the news these days. And I spend hours jumping from SKYnews to BBC to CNN to FOX and then SKYnews again and so on. Then I turn on my pc, and read the news on the Internet. I should go out for a walk, or shopping.

Agne

08-12-2006, 09:56 AM

Agne,

If it helps at all, here is the flight you are scheduled to take in a few days. Calmly making it's way across the pond to it's destination. FYI, the only flight tracker that gave me a real-time image of your flight was flytecom. the link to the page is: http://www.flytecomm.com/cgi-bin/trackflight

Might I suggest that you track your flight between now the your departure date. It might reassure you that the plane is doing what it does every day, get to and from it's destination in a safe and predictable manner.

p.s. The plane today is a Boeing 777-200, in case you are curious what kind of plane you might be one (which leads to another really helpful technique - watching flight videos!!!)

I started to track my flight last week, and also to watch videos (see my blog) but after the news I forgot to continue. Thanks for reminding me, I'll start again from today.
Thanks also for the useful links you gave me in your previous post!

The latest news is that we can carry on a hand luggage, but it should be as small as possible. NO liquids allowed. I'll take a prescription for my meds (that are not liquids, but ..you never know).

I think my goody bag will be very simple: a couple of books, crosswords, a notebook, a pen. Even if there are no specific limitations for iPOD and cameras I think I will put them in the luggage, to avoid eventual problems when I go through security and to make their job easier.

I'll post a list of what I am bringing on board.

Agne

08-12-2006, 10:06 AM

Well, kid, looks like we have work to do. I've always been so-o-o-o proud of my Goody Bag Suggestions, and here they go, ripping it out from under us.

And since YOU'RE the next to do this big trip, I think we should give you the assignment of what can/not go on board with you.

Of course, you can have a pen and notebook. You'll be expected to be writing down everything you feel; everything you do. Tell us every minute detail. How long the line to check in was; same for security; attitudes of personnel. And then when you board the airplane and meet the crew, how did they seem to you?

Write down everything during the flight. Look around at how the other passengers are; what they're doing to bide the time without their personal iPods, DVDs, etc.

Personally, Agne, I'm truly glad it's you going. You've been with us here for a long time. You know us. And we know you well enough to boss you around and give you a JOB!!!

I've got a lot of faith in you. Everyone's pointed out that the AA is kicking you around right now, so I won't add to that. But you know what it is, and you know how to deal with it.

Now, get out there and buy a notebook and make yourself an outline of how you're going to handle this assignment!

:hug:Deb:hug:

Ps - We're with you EVERY step of the way. Know that in your heart.

Oooooh I like this JOB ! :)

I'll write down EVERYTHING. (and when I come back, be prepared for a LONG trip report :coffee: )

Thank you for all your support. I'm really glad I found you guys. :hug: :grouphug: :hug: :grouphug:

Barb-SAN

08-12-2006, 03:10 PM

Good idea. I am spending too much time watching the news. It's like a magnet: I am hooked on the news these days. And I spend hours jumping from SKYnews to BBC to CNN to FOX and then SKYnews again and so on. Then I turn on my pc, and read the news on the Internet. I should go out for a walk, or shopping.

I find the TV news most "problematic", as you are getting both the visuals, and the urgent voice of the newscaster imprinted in your brain. Internet news you can skim quickly and get the main points, and move on...you don't have to sit through things you don't really want to watch while waiting for the story you do want, like on TV...or wait until 11PM for the full story...which then will reappear in your dreams. I think it's been more than a year since I've watched any TV news...and I feel calmer because of that.

Your ideas of walking and shopping are great...exercise plus change of focus (the real world vs. semi-imaginary TV...at least what it is showing most likely isn't happening where you live).

Another project I like is photography, which I know you do as well. Taking photos, organizing, editing, printing, and emailing them...all are intensely visual activities that help to fill that part of your brain with images you personally find interesting and pleasing. Perhaps it will help to override some of those more fearful images. Even if playing with photos is just a mental break for an hour or two, it still helps in becoming more peaceful.:thumbsup:

StPeteMark

08-12-2006, 08:09 PM

Of course, it helps that it's Saturday and a light travel day.

Since we wanted to keep the $40 of toiletries we had to replace from Thursday, we decided to check our larger carry-on bags. Many others were doing the same.

Took all of 5 minutes to check bags and another 5 minutes to get through security. Seems like a normal day at the airport.

I'm giving this report to help ease concerns for those flying soon. For me, I'm back in the air Monday for a biz meeting in Miami.

Keep the faith! No need for extra worrying!
.

Passenger Mark

08-12-2006, 10:20 PM

Keep the faith! No need for extra worrying!
.

Exactly Mark!

BTW... A question I have, and no I am not worrying about it :D Just was wondering if the airlines have increased the number / weight for checked baggage?

LeslieDEN

08-13-2006, 04:37 AM

What shocked me was that they had signs up all over that you had to finish your beverage in the boarding area and that you could not take your drink that you had just bought onto the plane!

At McCarran, they told you that when you bought the drink so you could decide whether you wanted to buy it or not. I tell ya, McCarran had its act together.

CaptainStark

08-13-2006, 04:39 PM

Pardon for the thread creep but,

I came home and tried to get caught up on the board but I kept getting stuck on Kallie's posts. Both my kittens were smitten by her cool animations. This shot is of Cuga watching the bird... Same response by her sister Hazel. :ray:

Barb-SAN

08-13-2006, 05:01 PM

Capt.Ray, That photo is terrific!!:lol: :lol:

Agne

08-14-2006, 03:05 PM

:) I love that picture.

KLM said:

NO: liquids, electronic devices like camera, iPOD, laptop

YES: cell-phones (but aren't they electronic devices?)

DON'T KNOW/MAYBE: books and magazines

glamtart

08-14-2006, 04:07 PM

Here's an update from the British government advising what is allowed when flying out of the UK.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_612280.hcsp

I'm really hoping our airline adopts these new measures before we come back next Monday. We're still planning on leaving Thursday night for London and coming back next Monday. I'm so glad some of the restrictions have been lifted (while security is still remaining tight - that's obviously important to me too).

We flew to south Texas this weekend to visit my husband's family, and there were really no issues. We checked a bag so that we could bring toiletries and whatnot, and other than the inconvenience of waiting for it, everything went smoothly. If I hadn't known that security was tighter and new measures being taken, I wouldn't have been able to tell. Everything progressed normally at DFW and MFE. Maybe there's hope that it's going to get easier!

I'm still mighty mad at the terrorists, though.

Falcon

08-14-2006, 09:26 PM

From London England. All is well. I have to remove my shoes and belt and be fed throught the Xray machine head first, but there is no cause for alarm. All is well.

CaptainStark

08-15-2006, 01:40 AM

You are a pilot and, as such, the LEAST trusted individual at the airport! :rolleyes:

All is well.:fuming:

tabbygirl

08-15-2006, 04:43 PM

I just have to say I'm in love with Capt. Ray's kitten. Get 'em started young on the "internets."

Very pretty coat, too - like a tabby but no stripes, just the agouti pattern. NICE.

CaptainStark

08-15-2006, 05:31 PM

Hence the little Cougar (Mtn Lion) name -Cuga'

She has the wild coloring of a hare. She and her sister were from feral pairs. Maybe her dad was a rabbit? Or a real cougar! ("In your dreams Ray." :tongue: )

:ray:

tabbygirl

08-15-2006, 06:51 PM

I like it.

For coming from the feral life, it seems like they're adjusting really well. Computer-literate, no less. :) You must have acquired them really young.

GORGEOUS!

Agne

08-15-2006, 07:37 PM

Update on my goody-bag:

I have tried to reduce my hand baggage as much as possible. Instead of my usual backpack, I'm taking a smaller bag.

My new goody bag:

-One book, cheap edition because KLM said they don't know if I can carry a book on board

-A note-book for the trip report

-Crosswords

-Meds and prescription with my name on it

-A pen

-A pencil in case they don't let me take the pen

-Sunglasses without their case

-Passport + hotel and car reservations

-Wallet

:)

EyesSkyward

08-15-2006, 08:50 PM

KLM said they don't know if I can carry a book on board
Because you certainly wouldn't want a book to fall into the wrong hands...

Hijacker [suddenly standing up in the aisle]: Everyone remain calm! As long as my demands are met, no one will have to suffer.

Passenger #1: Oh my God! He's got a book!

Flight Attendent: And it's... Finnegan's Wake!

[The passengers collectively gasp]

Hijacker: This is no joke. I'll read aloud from it if I have to!

Passenger #2: No, please... I have a wife and two kids!

Passenger #1: I think he's bluffing...

Hijacker [turning to page one]: "riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend of bay, brings us by commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle..."

Passengers [together]: Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

- Jeff

MarcoAviator

08-15-2006, 10:26 PM

Because you certainly wouldn't want a book to fall into the wrong hands...

Hijacker [suddenly standing up in the aisle]: Everyone remain calm! As long as my demands are met, no one will have to suffer.

Passenger #1: Oh my God! He's got a book!

Flight Attendent: And it's... Finnegan's Wake!

[The passengers collectively gasp]

Hijacker: This is no joke. I'll read aloud from it if I have to!

Passenger #2: No, please... I have a wife and two kids!

Passenger #1: I think he's bluffing...

Hijacker [turning to page one]: "riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend of bay, brings us by commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle..."

Passengers [together]: Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

- Jeff

Oh gosh ... thank god it wasn't a book of Vogon poetry!!