New security measures on US bound flights

[Lyn]

We fly on 26th Jan and Virgin are advising that there is increased body searching at security and that all hand luggage will be chacked again at the gate. Due to allergies that make me have bad bouts of coughing I always need to carry water. We usually get rid of one bottle before going through security, then buy more after security, I don't know if this will now be taken away at the gate?

[steph_goodrum]

Lyn
I did see that any toiletries or drinks bought after security are ok when I was checking the Continental website.

[Dads_Taxi]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad

In flight entertainment being switched off for the first and last hour of flight (some airlines seem to be switching it off for the whole flight)
[/quote]

Now that one REALLY has me baffled, Has research shown that terrorists get into extremely bad moods when watching HBO comedies and heavily edited movies?

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Dads_Taxi
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad

In flight entertainment being switched off for the first and last hour of flight (some airlines seem to be switching it off for the whole flight)
[/quote]

Now that one REALLY has me baffled, Has research shown that terrorists get into extremely bad moods when watching HBO comedies and heavily edited movies?
[/quote]



It's to do with the maps within the systems showing the aircraft's location. It seems that it isn't possible to just switch that part off on some systems so the whole thing is disabled.

[Tonish]

I'm more concerned about getting back at the minute. We travel back via Philadelphia on New Year's eve but there's only 1 hr 11 minutes connection time.

Given that it took us 2 hrs to get through immigration and security at Philadelphia on the outward leg I have severe doubts we will make the trans atlantic leg on the return. I called US Airways to ask should I transfer to an earlier flight but the lady was very offhand - of course there's enough time, you're just moving from one gate to another, she said.

Hmmm. I suspect we may make it, but I doubt our luggage will. Will see. I assume we will be able to check the luggage straight through at Orlando, but who knows? If not, a day in Philadelphia might be OK.

[lafifille]

You're leaving the US, so your luggage is checked straight through. And the lady is right, you're just walking from one gate to another. Of course, depending airports, this can be quite a long walk, but Philadelphia is fine, and 1h11 mns is way plenty of time. You don't go through security again, unless you decide to leave the "secure" area: then you'd have to re-enter), but there's no reason for you to do that, I actually strongly advise you NOT to do it.

The only reason you would not make it would be a delayed first flight, there's not much you can do about it now or then, and there's a good chance it won't happen.

Now we all have horror stories about missed connections and lost luggage, I'll spare you mine, you'd go home swimming [msnwink]... but statistically chances are you'll be fine, and your luggage will make it. Have a nice trip home, and enjoy your last day in Florida!

[steph_goodrum]

I think Philadelphia has been one of the airports affected by snow so it's also worth keeping an eye on the weather, not that you can do much about it but if it does look bad sometimes it's worth keeping an overnight bag with your hand luggage in case you do get snowbound.

[Pookie]

We have returned today from Houston with Continental.

We dropped our bags at the desk and proceeded thru security where the only difference was cameras needed to removed from carry-ons and placed in the boxes.

Apart from a couple of announcements stating security was on Orange and TSA at the gate who I assume did randomly pick some people to be hand searched, that was it.

Regarding in-flight entertainment the only thing not available was the map all else remained on until after landing and no we were not strapped in for the last hour either.

So head away relax and enjoy.

Lynne

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Is the map switched off for the whole flight as that's the only thing I ever watch on the in-flight systems?

[Snapper]

Me too John!

It's a bit daft if you ask me. A hand-held GPS will tell you where you are to with a couple of metres. Bit daft to switch off the map! A classic example of the powers that be not really engaging their brains before thinking of how to react.