Apr
03

Passengers Entering The US Likely To Be Profiled

By oltravelblog · Comments (0)

It has been reported that the United States Department of Homeland Security is introducing a program that will begin profiling incoming passengers as a new initiative for air travel security.

The new measures to are planned for introduction in April 2010, and will replace the program of screening of all passengers from a number of Muslim countries that was introduced as a result of the “Christmas Day Bomber” event in Detroit.

These new security measures will apply to US citizens as well, and will apply a level of screening that will depend on how closely their personal characteristics of travelers matches intelligence information.

The Washington Post reported that these changes come after a three-month review of security protocols.

These changes should see a significant reduction in the number of passengers who are taken aside for additional screening, whilst concentrating on individuals that seem to match particular intelligence profiles.

Characteristics such as nationality, partial names, recently visited countries and the age of the traveler  will be taken into account.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano  is reported as saying: ”These new measures utilize real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen, to more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats” .

Categories : Air, Security
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Sep
14

Is the US falling behind as a travel destination?

By oltravelblog · Comments (0)

The International Herald Tribune has recently reported that the United States seems to be losing market share of the fast-expanding international tourist travel market.There is a widely held belief within the travel industry that many tourists are choosing alternate destinations because they feel that it is simply too much of a hassle to travel to the US since the events of September 2001.

The decline in incoming overseas tourist traffic is significant, and steps are now underway in an attempt to address and reverse this trend. One of the issues most in need of attention, according to many commentators is to make the traveler’s experience at the entry point into the US less stressful than at present.

For more details, please refer to the International Herald Tribune article:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/13/business/tourism.php

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Destinations, Security, Vacations
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Aug
21

Impacts of security restrictions on cruising

By oltravelblog · Comments (0)

The US Coast Guard seems to agree with cruise ship industry spokespeople that there is not a significant security risk for cruise ship passengers as a result of recent developments in the UK.

The major issue however relates to passengers needing to travel by air to meet a cruise ship.

If you are in this category, then  there are a number of tips to be considered:

  • Pack liquids and gels in your checked baggage and allow extra time to get through airport security.
  • Consider flying in the day before, to ensure that you don’t miss the connection.
  • Should you be unable to reach the ship in time to board before the cruise begins, contact the cruise line to see if you can board at the next “port of call”, and pick up the cruise there.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Sea, Security, Vacations
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Aug
21

Limited security implications for rail travel in US

By oltravelblog · Comments (1)

It is reported that US passenger train and cruise line operators are making decisions that are likely to have some implications for passenger security checks, but that it hasn’t triggered a major tightening of security procedures.

It seems that Amtrak is increasing the number of random inspections of baggage rooms and passenger waiting areas. Amtrak staff are bring kept aware of security issues, and report suspicious situations to the Amtrak Police Department.

Note that all baggage is required to be tagged to ensure carriage, and that identification must be provided when checking baggage.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com.

Categories : Rail, Security
Comments (1)
Aug
14

Will Security Restrictions Last?

By oltravelblog · Comments (1)

This is a difficult issue to address now, but you should be prepared for the likelihood that many of the security guidelines that have recently been introduced will be maintained for at least some time into the future.

It is unlikely that some of the additional security requirements will ease until a heightening of security technologies is able to overcome the risks, and this will not happen overnight.

Many are already predicting that the security measures already in place in UK airports are likely to be increasingly seen in other airports around the world. Perhaps we can all look forward to having nothing to read but the airline magazine, and nothing to listen to but the in-flight entertainment offered by our chosen airline!

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Security
Comments (1)
Aug
14

What do recent security changes mean for you?

By oltravelblog · Comments (0)

The issue of packing for either holiday or business travel must now be re-considered, since previous recommendations have specifically warned against including personal valuable items and liquids in your hold luggage. However, since you may no longer be able to carry these on board, then there may be no other alternative.

Issues to think about should include: more secure luggage, locks on zips, fasteners, etc, an external belt around the whole case.

In addition, all liquid or gel items should ideally be placed inside a sealable plastic bag to prevent leakage.

If you still feel comfortable about travelling by air, then we believe that you should continue to use this travel option. This helps to avoid any measure of success of the terrorism campaign, which of course is to cause disruption of travel plans at a very busy time of the year.

In terms of timing issues relating to your departure from airports affected by the new security guidelines, we cannot emphasise enough the need to allow significant extra time to go through check-in and security procedures. It is likely that carriers will need to schedule their departures as close as possible to the original time, and this could well result in passengers missing their flight if still caught in queues. You should maintain contact with the airport authorities and airline to ensure that you have allowed enough time.

Be prepared for lengthy delays and a higher than usual level of stress and anxiety amongst fellow passengers, airline and security personnel during this difficult time.

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Security, Vacations
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Aug
14

How to deal with duty free purchases post 10-Aug

By oltravelblog · Comments (1)

The situation regarding duty free goods, particularly perfumes and alcohol, is currently very confused. In the UK and USA, where passengers are prohibited from bringing and liquid or gel articles on board, the current situation is resulting in thousands of lost sales each day. Industry sources confirm that about one-third of duty-free sales are liquid, including $US 3.2 billion of sales in women’s fragrances and revenues from wine, beer and spirits, adding up to $US 4.75 billion.The CEO of the largest U.S. duty-free operator says the Transportation Security Administration is preventing his stores from selling any liquids at all, and that liquor and fragrances comprise three-quarters of his business.

A number of airports allow duty free purchases of perfumes and alcohol at the entry point, and this may possibly offer an alternative for those travelers hoping to carry some duty free goods in with them. More news as it becomes available!

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com


Categories : Air, Security, Vacations
Comments (1)
Aug
14

What you need to know about travel insurance after 10-Aug

By oltravelblog · Comments (0)

Potential travelers are very strongly advised to check up on the level and type of cover offered by Travel Insurance companies as a result of recent terrorism related security clampdowns.

Whilst almost all insurers have exclusions for terrorism related events, there is currently a variation in the definition of what constitutes a terrorism related violent action.

As an example, some policies define terrorism to include “violent acts, the treat of violence used by a person or organization to promote their cause or beliefs”, some even include military force used to combat terrorist acts.

Other policies are more specific, defining terrorism as “an act done with the intention of developing a political, ideological or religious cause, and with the intention of influencing by intimidation, the government of a country”.

Another issue relates to the standard exclusion of cover for personal valuable items such as cameras, computers, etc held in the hold of an aircraft. As a result of the new guidelines currently being enforced in the UK, where such items are prohibited from carriage in the cabin, you should check with your insurer to determine whether this clause has been temporarily removed.

Some commentators have suggested that less than half of travelers into and out of the UK are potentially likely to have claims as a result of the recent events for disrupted travel, hotel cancellations, etc honored by travel insurers.

This seems to relate to a very narrow interpretation of whether the delays are as a result of terrorism, or of attempts to prevent terrorism.

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com


Categories : Air, Security, Uncategorized
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