Homeland Security dismisses immediate carry-on ban
The Department of Homeland Security has ruled out a ban on taking carry-on luggage on planes for the time being, but may consider it again in the near future.
Speaking to CNN, DHS secretary Jeh Johnson said the ban is not being considered ‘at this time’.
It follows reports that counter-terrorism officials had advised the TSA to ban carry-on bags on aircraft due to threats of mid-air terrorism in the run up to the Christmas and New Year holidays.
"Our counter-terrorism efforts and concerns continue to focus on aviation security which is the reason why we directed certain enhancements at airports overseas, in our screening of people before we get on airplanes," said Johnson.
"We continually evaluate whether more is necessary without unnecessarily burdening the travelling public," he added.
"I am not at all discouraging people from travelling this holiday season. I think people should continue to do that and have a happy and safe holiday but we continue to be vigilant and we continually evaluate whether more is necessary, based on the latest threat streams."
An earlier comment by DHS spokesman S.Y. Lee said the TSA did not anticipate any immediate changes to airport screening policies but ‘will make necessary adjustments to its security protocols to meet an ever-evolving threat’.
Should a carry-on ban be implemented, which would likely include having to check in personal devices, the airline industry would strongly oppose it.
"Airlines know this will depress people from buying tickets," said Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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