I am sure that most of you, that need to travel, already made sure that their luggage will be done accordingly to the new regulations. But in case you haven't, here is some info we recieved from our company security departement.

Disruption to Scheduled Flights: Anticipate flight disruptions.  The terrorist threat to airlines is being reassessed in light of the recently uncovered plot in the UK   involving transatlantic flights and the use of hand luggage to carry out an attack. Because of this, the security alert process is very dynamic and could change the security procedures for various airlines or airports at anytime.  For a number of reasons related to such security alerts, airlines may delay or cancel a flight.  Travelers should check with their carrier to learn of the latest schedule for their flights.  It is likely that severe disruption will continue for at least the next 72 hours, as airports manage the backlog of passengers.

Security alerts: Further alerts are possible and much speculation remains around the arrests, including claims that some of those involved have not been arrested. Where relevant and appropriate information for disclosure is obtained Global Security will, of course, ensure employees are updated by posting such material on its website.

New Security Measures: No time limit has been provided, and all indications are that these are likely to be maintained for the foreseeable future. Travelers are advised to anticipate the intensive scrutiny of baggage. The new security measures apply to all airlines and flights to all destinations. The restrictions will also apply to passengers transferring between flights. New security measures include the hand-searching of all travelers and the X-raying of all passenger footwear.

For domestic US flights only, limited carry on hand luggage will be permitted.  Currently, travelers may take electronic items in their hand baggage if they pass security screening.  Otherwise they will have to be placed in checked baggage. This restriction would apply to Blackberry devices, cell phones, laptops, electronic keys and key fobs, etc. 

Items specifically banned by the new security measures in addition to the standard banned items such as; sharp objects, self-defense items, firearms, explosives/flammable items, sporting goods, and various tools, include:

·        Beverages of any kind

·        Shampoo

·        Suntan Lotion

·        Creams of any kind (hand cream, ointments, lotions, etc.)

·        Toothpaste

·        Contact lens solution (including small storage vials that soak the lenses in solution)

·        Hair gel

·        Any other liquid or gel at the discretion of the screening authorities

The only exceptions to the above banned liquids are: baby formula and prescription medications labeled with the travelers name on the container. 

  For International flights only, limited carry on hand luggage will be permitted.  Depending on the destination travelers may or may not take electronic items in their hand baggage if they pass security screening.  Travelers should check with their carrier to determine the latest screening guidance.  If electronic items are not allowed, they may be placed in checked baggage.  To avoid hassle and confusion, we strongly encourage travelers to avoid taking laptops with them if at all possible.  Please use USB storage stics or similar devices for electronic files you may need on your trip.  The USB storage device may have to be stored in your checked baggage.  

Additionally, the above list of recently banned items applies.

For Flights to and from the UK only, no carry on hand luggage will be permitted.  Only a small number of items will be allowed on board to be carried in a (preferably transparent) plastic bag; clear plastic bags are being distributed by airport staff.

The only items allowed aboard as carry on items include:

·        Passport and other travel documents

·        Essential medication sufficient for the flight

·        Glasses or contact lenses (removed from their cases)

·        Pocket-sized wallets or purses (not handbags)

·        Unboxed sanitary items, tissues and handkerchiefs

·        Keys (not electronic key fobs)

 Travelers will not be allowed to take any liquid or electrical items into the aircraft cabin. Mobile (cellular) telephones, handheld devices, cameras, laptop computers, CD players and similar items should all be placed in checked luggage.

If you are concerned about the security of your valuables placed in hold luggage, reconsider what you do take, or at a minimum ensure your luggage can be locked. You may lock your luggage.  But if it must be opened for security screening it is likely authorities will break the locking device to do so.  A suggested simple "locking device" is a plastic tie wrap, which can be purchased at any hardware store.  The tie wrap can be cut (indicating the bag has been entered) and can later be replaced as necessary.

Additionally, please also consider previous advice on transport of your laptop. This advice is posted on the Global Security website and pertains to protecting your laptop from potential damage due the frigid temperatures of an aircraft hold baggage area.   

Q&A for RSA SecurID and other electronic devices

 In response to heightened security due to recent events, RSA Security has provided the following answers for customers   concerned about carrying an RSA SecurID Authenticator aboard an aircraft:

Q: Are RSA SecurID Authenticators and other electronic devices banned from aircraft?

A: As of Friday, August 11, 2006, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reported key information directly to RSA Security regarding RSA SecurID tokens and the current security measures affecting air travel.

All electronic items, even ones that do not emit radio signals such as RSA SecurID tokens and digital watches, are banned from carry-on luggage on all RED Alert flights only. RED Alert flights are currently those only between the U.S. and the U.K., as well as those that depart from the U.K. or transfer flights at a U.K. airport.

More specifically, RED Alert Flights include an electronic key fob ban. If traveling on a RED Alert Flight, RSA Security strongly advises that you pack your RSA SecurID Authenticator in your check-in baggage. If you do not do this, and you proceed to the boarding area with it in hand, you might be asked to dispose of it before departure.

In the case of RED Alert Flights, if you do not have your laptop on board, you will also not need your RSA SecurID token with you on the aircraft.

For Orange Alert Flights - which are currently those that cover all other U.S. flights - RSA SecurID tokens are not prohibited from carry-on luggage. In other words, the company is currently being advised that it is acceptable to place your RSA SecurID token in your carry-on baggage if you are traveling on an Orange Alert Flight.

Q: What are considered electronic devices?

A: In the U.S., laptop computers, cell phones, and iPods are currently considered electronic items. The U.K. authorities are also including electronic key fob devices, such as those that lock and unlock your automobile.

Q: Are RSA SecurID Authenticators different from electronic key fobs for automobiles?

A: Yes, electronic key fobs for automobiles contain an RFI (Radio Frequency Interface), and RSA SecurID Authenticators do not. However, U.K. officials will not make the distinction between the two devices. The concern is that any electronic device with an RFI could be used to trigger an explosive device.

Q: How do I know if these rules and regulations have changed?

A: RSA Security is continuously monitoring the situation, is in contact with the TSA and will provide updates as they become available.

It is recommended that those intending to travel should regularly check for updates, e.i airline prior to commencing their travel. You may also check the DHS-TSA website via the following links:

DHS : http://www.dhs.gov

TSA : http://www.tsa.gov