The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) provides the following tips for travelers and list of relevant resources in light of today’s heightened travel security risk. NBTA members should feel free to use this information however they see fit.
Tips for Travelers (based on information available as of 8/10/06 4:30 pm ET)
- Check links below for latest updates on airline and government policies.
- Expect longer check-in times.
- Travel light; limit carry-on baggage as much as possible.
- Arrive early – plan on arriving at airport three hours prior to flight.
- Carry copies of prescriptions.
- Don’t carry liquids other than (i) baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby of small child is traveling, (ii) prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, or (iii) insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines.
- Travelers departing from or connecting in the UK should plan to check all luggage.
- Don’t buy drinks in the airport outside of security. Only buy drinks after passing through security if you plan to drink them at the gate.
- Be prepared to remove shoes, belts, jackets at security checkpoints.
- Make it easy for security personnel to search both checked and carry-on bags.
- Work with your company’s travel department or the travel agency of record. This will ensure:
- You are aware of current situation and security changes.
- You get the appropriate refund/change, if desired.
- Your company knows how to find you should a crisis occur.
- Be patient and flexible.
Note: NBTA was pleased to take part in a meeting today with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the current changes in air travel security policies. DHS officials conveyed a fact confirmed by several NBTA members – passengers may see variance in the way airline, airport, and airport security personnel implement the official policies outlined by DHS and its agencies. The variance is due to the rapid change in procedures made in response to a current threat. It takes time to disseminate information to the large number of people working in airports, and to clarify areas of policy that are open to interpretation.
Resources for Travelers and Travel Managers
News Resources
Government Resources
Airline Travel Policies