The Unofficial New Flight Security Rules, thus Far
Thanks to the latest attempt to blow a U.S.-bound flight out of the sky, air travel has once again had security tightenedto a higher level and the rules for flying changed. As of this writing there has been no official procedure announced. But we do have the scuttlebutt as to whats going on and where.
News agencies are reporting and speculating on changes but nothing official as of yet has been released. However, there are a few things that are for certain, if your flying there are no concrete rules changes as of yet, so what you hear or read from the grapevine about airport security at your local airport may not be the situation at another.
The Transportation Security Administration wrote in a press release here, that “These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.”
News agencies are reporting that the toughest measures are being enforced on flights entering the U.S. from abroad. Sources tell us that some carriers are posting new rules on their web sites, changes such in bound US flights passengers will have to remain seated during the last hour of a flight, a few airlines are saying travelers will not have access to their carry-on baggage, and cannot have anything on their laps to include pillows and blankets. Some travelers have reported pat-down searches and more thorough bag checks.
Again our sources tell us travelers and carry on bags will be screened at all security checkpoints and gates, no exceptions. As for domestic flights the only thing we can tell you is the only predictable element is unpredictability. As for our beloved gadgets, it sounds like their permitting use to use them only between liftoff and landing. Where as some flights are allowing the use of electronic items up until the last hour, a few are the last thirty minutes.
Jetblue announced there will be no in flight entertainment system; “no movies, no tv, no xm radio, the system is required by federal government to be shut down.”
Note: Just in via Gizmodo, TSA security directive confirms a ban on in-flight Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and access to any and all carry-on luggage or devices one hour before landing.
Have you flown since Friday’s incident? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Here is that leaked TSA security directive spelled out for us below
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security AdministrationAviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
via Lifehacker and Gizmodo
Sounds like there is a business opportunity here. Introducing “Nudist Airlines”. The safest airline in the world. All passengers must fly naked and no carry-on items are permitted.
It may come to flying this way sooner than later so hurry to start it up before it’s too late.