US throttles back on its latest air security clampdown
SYDNEY – Just as Australia began to relax some of its regulations affecting items allowed to be carried onboard an aircraft, the attempt to blow up a US airliner last Friday has restored some of the hassles of airport and airplane security.
In the immediate aftermath of the botched attempt by a 23-year-old Nigerian to detonate a high-explosive device sewn in to his underwear, US authorities introduced stringent new security procedures for air travellers arriving in the United States.
These included the checking of every item of carry-on luggage, passenger pat-downs and a requirement to remain seated for the final hour of the journey.
The last measure meant that passengers would have to remain in their seats for the final hour of the journey, with no access to the bathroom or overhead lockers, and nothing on their laps.
That requirement has now been repealed.
“Overnight, the US government has re-issued its regulations of what is required of all passengers and they have lifted the ban that prevented moving around the cabin one hour before arrival,” a Qantas spokeswoman told The Age.
She said the information had come from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a division of the US Department of Homeland Security.
The TSA website does not confirm the relaxation of security measures, The Age reported.
The remaining new security measures remain in place but had produced no delays, Qantas said.
Northwest Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines have announced on their official websites that passengers will not be able to use cabin phone services at any time during the flight and additional checks on cabin baggage and personal property prior to boarding are now in place.
Canadian officials have banned most carry-on luggage for US bound passengers.
Transport Canada said on Monday passengers may only carry medical devices, small purses, cameras, laptop computers, canes, walkers, diaper bags, musical instruments and bags containing ‘life-sustaining items.’
Passengers traveling in Australia are now allowed to carry knitting needles, nail clippers and tennis racquets on board flights under new laws.
Dangerous items that remain prohibited include knives, firearms, letter openers, scissors, baseball and cricket bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks
Ian Jarrett
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