TRAVEL ALERTS (Updated April 21, 2008):
Travel Alerts
On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, Amtrak announced the deployment of its new specialized Amtrak Mobile Security Team to patrol stations and trains and randomly inspect passenger baggage. This is in supplement to ongoing patrols already in place by Amtrak to enhance the safety and security of passenger rail travel to minimize the rist of terrorist threats. The procedures will not affect train schedules, as inspection is a quick, minimally intrusive process that typically takes less than a minute.
Initially introducted throughout the Northeast Corridor, the Mobile Security Teams will ultimately be deployed nationwide. Most importantly, these new measures are not in response to any new or specific threat and are in full coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. Keeping passengers and employees safe remains Amtrak's priorty.
To view Amtrak's press release, visit www.amtrak.com and click on News & Media at the bottom of the home page.
NEW PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS
Effective January 8, 2007: The US Department of Homeland Security will require all US citizens who travel by air outside the continental US to carry a valid US Passport, this will include all travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Effective June 1, 2009: The US Department of Homeland Security will require all US citizens who travel outside the continental US by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean to carry a valid US Passport.
US GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ALERT AND AIRLINE GUIDANCE
On August 13, the U.S. Government announced an adjustment in the nation’s threat level from Red (Severe) to Orange (High) for flights originating in the U.K. bound for the U.S.. The U.S. threat level remains at Orange (High) for domestic and international flights.
Learn more about the threat level change
In addition, the TSA announced slightly revised airport screening and security measures, including a clarification regarding the ban on all liquids, gels and lotions from those originally announced on August 10. These security procedures are intended as a precautionary measure, following the overseas arrests of a number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.
The most significant changes to the security measures include the following:
- Shoes removal required at airport security checkpoints so they may be X-rayed with the passenger's carry-on bags.
- Small doses of non-prescription liquid medications (up to 4 ounces) are now permitted through the airport security checkpoint and onboard airplanes.
- Low blood sugar treatments including glucose gel for diabetics now permitted.
- Clarifications include: aerosols prohibited, solid lipstick and baby food permitted.
These refinements afford the same level of security that has been in place since last Thursday, August 10, but is intended to minimize the impact on travelers.
The TSA recommends travelers review the list of banned substances found on the "Our Travelers " section of the TSA website, as well as the full list of prohibited items available on the site.
Because it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list of prohibited items, travelers who have questions or doubts about whether an item is prohibited are encouraged to err on the side of caution and place those in checked baggage.
Travelers will continue to see an increase in visibility and use of canine detection teams. Random gate inspections and bag searches will continue. More information and further clarification on the ban will be offered via updated airport signs and in
TSA and the Department of Homeland Security will continue to evaluate the current security measures and will further adjust as necessary to assure our aviation system remains secure.
Travelers are reminded to contact their individual airlines for information on airport arrival times.
For more information, visit:
The Threats and Protection section of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Website, www.dhs.gov
and
The "Our Travelers " section of the TSA Website.
Hotel Updates & Closings:
No updates to report at this time.
