TENS OF thousands of passengers were yesterday hit by delays to transatlantic flights after new security checks and restrictions were introduced in the wake of the failed attempt to blow up a US-bound commercial jet.
All passengers on aircraft leaving UK airports heading to the US were being frisked and their hand luggage manually searched at the gate, leading to typical delays of two to four hours.
Security staff were unwrapping Christmas presents in hand luggage and passengers were being warned they would not be allowed to leave their seats in the final hour before arrival at US airports.
The new restrictions, which include taking only one piece of hand luggage, were criticised by aviation security experts as of little value, while industry analysts warned that airlines would be unable to sustain the costs if schedules were hit by long-term delays.
British Airways was advising passengers to arrive at the gate early and to check the status of their flights before leaving home. The airline, already reeling from threatened strike action and snow, said it had no idea how long the restrictions might be in place.
A spokesman said: “It has been a very challenging festive period, I think it is fair to say. We are experiencing delays due to the secondary screening process, which is time-consuming. Passengers should check in at the normal time, but arrive at the gate early with only one piece of hand luggage.”
Aviation analysts criticised the new restrictions: “To tell people they cannot stand up one hour before the end of the flight or have access to their hand luggage is ridiculous. If you were a real terrorist, you’d have done it beforehand anyway, over the sea,” said Philip Baum, an aviation security specialist.
– (Guardian service)
* Reuters adds: No device was found on or with an unruly passenger detained by US law enforcment officials after landing on Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. The passenger was detained on the same flight that a man two days ago was taken into custody after lighting an incendiary device. The US Transportation Security Administration said the aircraft was being held at a remote location at Detroit Metropolitan Airport for more screening after being met by law enforcement officials.