In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. DHS is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the United Kingdom. At the time the plot was discovered, the nation's threat level was raised to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, the threat level has been raised to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.
The intent of this message is to alert potential air travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature of the elevated threat level, encourage them to take proactive and necessary steps to alleviate potential adverse impacts, and provide connections to further information and assistance.
The following quotes are extracted from DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff's press conference earlier yesterday:
"In light of the nature of the liquid explosive devices which were designed by the plotters, we are temporarily banning all liquids in carry-ons in aircraft
cabins. That means no liquids or gels will be allowed in carry-on baggage. Any liquids or gels have to be checked have to be checked as part of baggage
to go into the hold. There will be exceptions for baby formula and medicines, but travelers must be prepared to present these items for inspection at
the checkpoint, and that will allow us to take a look at them and make sure that they're safe to fly."
"Today, air traffic is safe. And air traffic will remain safe precisely because of the measures we are adopting today. People should be patient, but they need not cancel their travel plans. They simply need to be aware there may be some delays and they may want to check with their carriers to see whether they ought to adjust their arrival times at airports."
Overall guidance to travelers with disabilities is located on the web site of the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration at: http://www.tsa.gov/. This guidance includes disability/medical conditions specific tips.
TSA's Checkpoint Security Screening Procedures for persons with disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature have not changed as a result of the current threat situation.
All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continued to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.
Items permitted beyond the checkpoint include: wheelchairs; scooters; crutches; canes; walkers; prosthetic devices; casts; support braces; support appliances; service animals; any and all diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies; orthopedic shoes; exterior medical devices; assistive/adaptive equipment; augmentation devices; ostomy supplies; medications and associated supplies; hearing aids; cochlear implants; tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly; personal supplemental oxygen; CPAP machines; respirators; O2 personal oxygen concentrators; baby apnea monitors; Braille note takers; slate and stylus; tools for prosthetic devices; and any other disability-related equipment.
Current restrictions prohibit liquids, gels, or lotions (except baby formula/milk and medications) through the security screening checkpoints and onboard the aircraft. This includes common items, such as, but not limited to: beverages, perfume/cologne, shampoo, shaving cream, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gels, saline solution. Such items are recommended for transport in checked baggage.
It is also recommended that those with medications only take the amount of medication essential to sustain them until arrival at their final destination. Additional medication can be placed in checked baggage or mailed to their final destination. This will help speed up the screening process and avoid additional delays.
Travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature may want to consider the following:
- Arriving at the airport well in advance, 2-3 hours prior to flight
- Following all published rules on carry-on items and medications
- Viewing TSA website tips for persons with disabilities and medical conditions and other TSA screening advisements located on TSAs website under "Our Travelers"
- Bringing documentation on medications, devices, medical condition where possible. This is not a requirement and will not exempt a passenger from the screening process.
- Packing medications in a clear bag separate from other carry-on items/bags
- Exercising patience with the lines, delays, and stringent screening procedures
For additional information on transportation security:
TSA Website
http://www.tsa.gov/
TSA Contact Center 1-866-289-9673
E-mail: tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
For concerns about potential rights violations:
TSA Office of Civil Rights 1-877-336-4872, TTY 800-877-8339
E-mail: tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
For information about overall air travel accessibility:
DOT Air Carrier Access Hotline 1-800-778-4838
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/
airconsumer@ost.dot.gov
