Here’s what airline passengers can do about terrorist warnings: not much

A rash of government travel warnings about imminent terrorist attacks in Europe raise a “so-what” question. So what in the world can travelers do about it?
 

The answer: not a lot
 

The alerts do not advise Americans to call off trips to Europe. Rather, the US alert urges citizens to "take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling."
 

What does this mean in practical terms?
 

“Basically, use a little extra common sense,” says USA Today. For example:
 

—If you see abandoned luggage in a train station alert security or police.
 

—You might want to avoid subway systems during rush hour, if at all possible.
 

—Walk or take cabs when practical or affordable.
 

—Pay attention to those around you when visiting crowded attractions.
 

—Avoid any public demonstrations or civil disturbances.
 

—Refrain from discussing travel plans with strangers.
 

—Americans (who may be particular targets) should not use luggage tags identifying their nationality, advises the US State Department.
 

—Also consider registering any European travel plans with the consular section of the US Embassy via its web site (travelregisation.state.gov) so if any dangerous situations arise, the American government can more easily locate them.
 

If you do want to skip or reschedule your trip, keep in mind that airlines are not waiving their change or cancellation fees because of the alerts. Typically airlines only waive fees when a “travel warning” is issued.
 

The US, so far, has only issued a “travel alert,” saying "Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. “
 

The main goal of the "travel alert" is to remind Americans traveling overseas to be cautious. It falls one step below an official U.S. "travel warning," which would advise American citizens against certain foreign travel altogether.
 

State Department Undersecretary Patrick Kennedy called the situation "a relatively short-term condition that poses a serious risk." The State Department opted against issuing a travel warning because the information available didn’t warrant it, he said.
 

He added that Americans traveling to Europe should continue with their plans, but take precautions.
 

That’s not the only alert, however.
 

The British government updated its travel advice for citizens going to France and Germany, raising the terrorism threat level to "high" from "general."
 

Japan issued a travel alert for visiting Europe. And the Canadian government is also cautioning Canadians to be vigilant in European travel.
 

The US alert followed a probe that started in August, when US intelligence officials picked up nonspecific threat information from multiple sources, The Wall Street Journal reported.
 

The probe has prompted a search for a suspected hit team that may be planning a commando-style attack similar to the one seen in Mumbai, India, in 2008.
 

So far, the traveling public has been slow to respond to warnings, say travel providers.
US-based airlines report no noticeable increase in ticket cancellations, says the Vancouver Sun.

But they also said it was too early to predict a response.
 

Longer range, there are fears that European tourism could be harmed.
 

By David Wilkening