Increased Security Measures implemented

[Darren Wheeler]

quote:Originally posted by firsttimer
Quick question for virgin crew/staff.

What happens if someone has a medical condition (previously advised to special assistance and also carrying a dr's note) and needs to have their medication on themselves at all times, not stowed away in their hand luggage which they can't access.

Thanks


A real indication that this is a knee-jerk reation with little, if any thought.

On the hand baggage issue, fine it's in the overhead, but in Y, how much is under the seat? Hardly out of reach is it.

quote:Originally posted by virginboy747
Also not allowed mobiles / laptops or any other electrical device!


Sorry - a bit confused - is that throughout the whole flight? So no IFE (or just a sequence of films screened without any v:port etc) - and you're not allowed to watch films on your own laptop/dvd player, or work, or ... whatever...?

What about flights FROM the US to the UK?

Am now dreading my trip to JFK in 2 weeks... and am wondering whether I'd be better off saving my miles and downgrading from upper to economy - and dosing up on valium to get me through the trip. Hey - if they're going to suck all the enjoyment out of the journey - may as well be drugged to the eyeballs down the back as opposed to bored to death up the front!

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
quote:Originally posted by firsttimer
Quick question for virgin crew/staff.

What happens if someone has a medical condition (previously advised to special assistance and also carrying a dr's note) and needs to have their medication on themselves at all times, not stowed away in their hand luggage which they can't access.

Thanks


A real indication that this is a knee-jerk reation with little, if any thought.



Exactly, if someone can obtain explosives it's hardly going to be a problem for them getting Dr Terrorist to give them a medical note!

-Steve

Would the naked scanners have picked this up? I assume they're good for metal and things but a plastic syringe sewn into someone's undercrackers? Would having a BAA staff member stare at a naked man for a second, pick this up?

That said, now this method is known, the next attempt will be different. It seems these security measures are only put in place to catch the known ways to conceal explosive ingredients. Some of the old methods don't seem to be checked much now either. Shoe scanning was compulsory, then phased out it seems. Is there really no counter-intelligence on these new methods that terrorists are coming up with? I am sure we're kept in the dark about a lot of this but would be comforting to know that MI5/6/CIA/Spooks has forecast some of this and changed security measures before an attempt is made.

I do welcome measures to protect us, but this does make me wonder why I go back to the US on holiday, especially as I get treated like a freak for travelling alone and get repeatedly questioned for it.

Maybe POTUS could attempt one of his next trips on AF1 with one piece of hand luggage and no sat phone and see how he copes? [:?]

[HighFlyer]

Wasn't this guy on a watch list anyway?

Thanks,
Sarah

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
Wasn't this guy on a watch list anyway?



Well yes, and you'd expect there to be a lot of passing of lists between US agencies at least. He got a Visa, which I assume he applied for, vetted and then received, so it's not like the VWP we get approved in minutes, though you'd hope the same lists are used to check details on.

What I haven't heard about is something happening in the US to sort their side out, just more security for the pax. Even if someone is deemed to be a risk but not so much they are on a 'no fly' list, they should get extra screening, but that's not very PC is it, as there's little evidence to warrant it, or the agencies can't or won't share what they have for good reason. Is there such thing as a greylist? Or is this something only airlines like El-Al do successfully?

It really is becoming a major pain in the backside travelling to the US, mainly because their own internal departments just dont communicate. This guy on a watch list for 2 years and informed on by his own father to US security was still allowed to gain a visa and board a flight. Unbelievable!

The other thing that worries me is that yet another terror attack has links to Amsterdam Schiphol.

Time to start sailing across the pond for the forseable future i think.

As for making people sit for the last hour, what the hell are the airlines and security agencies going to do if people just start doing their business in-seat as it were?

To all those travelling soon, good luck I dont envy you and if you can change your plans I would seriously consider it.

[HighFlyer]

quote:Originally posted by locutus
What I haven't heard about is something happening in the US to sort their side out, just more security for the pax.


Exactly my thoughts. I would greatly welcome profiling, though I know the US will never do it.

Thanks,
Sarah

[buns]

Taken from the TSA Website:
quote:DHS Secretary Napolitano Statement on Northwest Flight 253
December 26, 2009
1:00 p.m. EST

'I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place- for all domestic and international flights- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on flights.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in.'

Emphasis added - Irrespective of the Airline, let us hope that those empowered to interpret the wishes of the Department of Homeland Security seek clarity before implementing measures


buns

[fozzyo]

For ref ... if your an iPhone user, that has to go into checked baggage! So no phone calls while in departures or until you get your bag back at the other end.

I really feel sorry for the crew at the moment.

Mat

[buns]

quote:Originally posted by fozzyo
For ref ... if your an iPhone user, that has to go into checked baggage! So no phone calls while in departures or until you get your bag back at the other end.


Mat


Mat

Do you have a link to where VS have stated this??

buns

quote:Originally posted by fozzyo
For ref ... if your an iPhone user, that has to go into checked baggage! So no phone calls while in departures or until you get your bag back at the other end.


Worth checking your insurance policy that it covers you for valuables placed in the hold.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
On the hand baggage issue, fine it's in the overhead, but in Y, how much is under the seat? Hardly out of reach is it.

Carry-ons will not be allowed under the seat. All items to be in the overhead locker or elsewhere out of reach..

Part of the reason for single small bag.

This may well be permanent

[Darren Wheeler]

The other confusing part is this talk about pat-downs.

To be effective, you have to be intrusive, very intrusive. We're talking hands right up into the crotch, under breasts, insteps of feet, twixt bum cheeks etc. etc. Effectively a full strip search of every man, woman and child going through security, including crew, contractors/maintenance, management. In fact every single person who goes airside.

Also poses the question - Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodies?

quote:Originally posted by fozzyo
For ref ... if your an iPhone user, that has to go into checked baggage! So no phone calls while in departures or until you get your bag back at the other end.

I really feel sorry for the crew at the moment.

Mat


Is that one a new rule from today as it wasn't a rule yesterday?

quote:Originally posted by fozzyo
For ref ... if your an iPhone user, that has to go into checked baggage! So no phone calls while in departures or until you get your bag back at the other end.

I really feel sorry for the crew at the moment.

Mat

yet another excellent reason to have a Blackberry or any other phone than the overrated iphone then [:o)][:o)]

Yes the 'naked scanner' would have picked this up, whether or not the operator would see it is a diff question.
He was refused a Brit Visa last year
America grants a visa
He is on a watch list
So why not when he flies just single him out for additional checks.
Common sense I think

Iain

quote:Originally posted by iforres1
He was refused a Brit Visa last year
America grants a visa
He is on a watch list
So why not when he flies just single him out for additional checks.
Common sense I think

Xactly.

Howard

I am flying on the 31st. I agree that this is a total over reaction, probably from the people that missed the fact he was on a watch list. It feel like someone is trying to take the heat off themselves by insisting on these new measures.

And I never understand these anyway. Airline/Airport security only seem to be able to deal with what has happened; not what might be coming. I am sure there are many great minds out there thinking of the next way to attack. And you can be sure it doesn't rely on anything that has been banned here. So how effective are these measures?

I wonder if VS are allowing no fee cancellations? I am seriously considering canceling my trip - Not because I am concerned that I might be on an aircraft that is attacked, but becuase of these new restrictions. I bought a ticket that allowed me 2 pieces of Hand Luggage, A (non specific) mobile phone with a flight safe mode (my iPhone) and a number of other things. Now it appears I cannot use/take some of these; so there has been a unilateral change to my contract.

Whilst I agree pax shouldn't take this out on Crew, I wonder how many crew will use this as excuse to play god as I witnessed with some extremely poor service and downright rudeness towards pax from certain crew.

So anyway, how are they enforcing the iPhone rule? What if you are cabin baggage only and go straight through security? Are they specifically asking if you have an iphone? Or are they hoping the iphone will be spotted during security checks?

So what if a passenger lies and says they do not specifically have an iPhone? And then what happens if this is detected at the gate? Do they confiscate it?

I am almost 100% reliant on my iphone. I use it to communicate (at the airport) to receive flight updates, to post latest flight details to anyone meeting me at the other end mements before take off, as a media player on board. If it is correct that I am unable to take my iphone on board I will have to buy another media player and I won't be able to receive or provide flight updates and not to mention that I will be out of contact for somewhere near 15 hours from Baggage Drop off to Baggage Receipt. Some of you may jeer at this, but being in contact is EXTREMELY important to me.

To me the situation is ridiculous, mostly because as I state above, the person was 'known' (and should have been dealt with) and the likelyhood of a repeat is slight. Even so, these restriction will not stop someone with explosive sewn into their nut sack from detonating this wherever and whenever they choose.

I am stuck with traveling to the US at least for while, but I am taking my name of the list to be deployed there immediately and have already taken steps to remove my personal reasons for visiting the US.

Paul

Possible overreaction now occurring
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/27/ai ... index.html

[Darren Wheeler]

I assume that iPhone also means iPod touch too along with any other MP3 players that have built-in batteries.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
I assume that iPhone also means iPod touch too along with any other MP3 players that have built-in batteries.


It depends if they are doing it to stop terrorists messaging each other at 35000 feet. Though I'm unclear how getting you to remove your phone battery would help, unless they collect the batteries and hand them back as you leave? [:?]

quote:Originally posted by p17blo
I am flying on the 31st. I agree that this is a total over reaction, probably from the people that missed the fact he was on a watch list. It feel like someone is trying to take the heat off themselves by insisting on these new measures.

And I never understand these anyway. Airline/Airport security only seem to be able to deal with what has happened; not what might be coming. I am sure there are many great minds out there thinking of the next way to attack. And you can be sure it doesn't rely on anything that has been banned here. So how effective are these measures


Hi,

I've been lurking around for a couple of years and I'm flying on the 31st too (LAX, VS7) and I too have an iPhone but more worrying for me is that I carry-on (in my only bag) an expensive array of camera equipment (around 12,000 worth) and I'm pretty sure sticking my bag in the cargo hold won't cut it with the insurance company if it all goes south.

I've flown with Virgin 14 times in the last two years and it's been perfect but I am seriously concerned about the situation with carry-on luggage. The bag itself is not oversized and has been allowed everytime without any questions asked (it fits within the size regulations anyhow).

I too would gladly cancel my flight if I didn't have to be in the US in the first week of January for work. While I've been five times in the past two years I think this may be the last time I go for a while.

Also as a side note, for those in Upper what's going to happen to the bar?

Regards,

L

[fozzyo]

A friend has apparently been advised no iPhone by VS - i think that for the next few days its going to be all a bit of a mess while communications and policies are put in place. Best advice maybe to check any device queries at checkin.

Mat

[Darren Wheeler]

The bar will close one hour before landing when (I assume) the Fasten Seatbelt sign comes on. Prior to then, I see no reason for it to be closed.