Travel Update-Weekly Edition

February 8th, 2008

Airline News

 

Boston Logan International Airport - JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines will start charging a $2-per-bag fee for luggage checked in curbside at the Boston airport.

 

London Heathrow International Airport - Heathrow Airport introduced a new security system for some of its passengers Friday, requiring them to undergo iris scans and be fingerprinted before boarding their flights. The biometric data will be taken at Heathrow's Terminal 1, which has separate domestic and international lounges. The information is only required for domestic passengers at the terminal who want to visit the larger international lounge before boarding their flights, or passengers who arrive on an international flight and transfer to a domestic one, said a spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport owner BAA PLC. In addition to the photo ID and boarding pass that all passengers must produce at their boarding gate, these customers also will be identified with the iris scan and fingerprint, the spokeswoman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with BAA's regulations. The biometric data are destroyed within 24 hours, she said. Domestic passengers who do not want to visit the international lounge at Terminal 1 are not required to provide such data, the spokeswoman said. She said the test program is designed to improve security at the airport and to test technology needed to collect biometric information. She said that British Airways may use a similar security system when it opens its large, new Terminal 5 at Heathrow in March. The terminal will only handle BA customers, on domestic and international flights.

 

Montreal-Trudeau Airport, Canada - In a move that could speed some U.S.-bound travelers more quickly through Montreal-Trudeau, US Airways next month will start letting passengers attach routing tags to their own bags. For security reasons, self-tagging of checked luggage isn't allowed in the USA. The Transportation Security Administration requires domestic passengers to hand their bags to airline agents for inspection and handling. Montreal is the only airport in Canada where passengers are allowed to self-tag their luggage for U.S.-bound flights. The airport has more than 70 self-service kiosks that dispense bag tags. Other Canadian airports allow self-tagging only for domestic flights.

 

New York Airports - Travelers on a kosher diet will get more options later this month at New York-area airports. Kosher Vending Industries, a Valley Cottage, N.Y.-based company, has a contract with New York John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty airports to install kosher-food vending machines at their facilities. At JFK, it will install four machines at Terminal 4 in the presecurity area. Two will sell Nathan's Famous hot dogs. Two other machines will sell a variety of items, including mozzarella sticks, potato knish, vegetable cutlet, pizza rolls and onion rings. The company says Newark Liberty will also get two machines this month.

 

 

 

Miscellaneous

Afghanistan - On February 6 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against American and other western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qa'ida network, and other groups hostile to NATO-led military operations continue, with the heavy involvement of U.S. forces. There is an on-going threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of citizens and visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. "Terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue. Kabul in particular has seen a rise in militant attacks, including rocket attacks, vehicle borne IEDs, and suicide bombings. The number of attacks in the south and southwestern areas of the country continues to be high as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity, but no part of the country is immune from attacks. "Foreigners throughout the country continued to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminality. "Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur, often without warning. American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Carjackings, robberies, and violent crime remain a problem. American citizens involved in property disputes -- a common legal problem -- have reported that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. Americans who find themselves in such situations cannot assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy will be able to assist them."

 

Belgium - On February 6, the U.S. Embassy in Brussels issued the following Warden Message: "Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Belgium from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Upcoming demonstration information follows: "According to the local police, a demonstration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 9 on Schuman Square and the EU Parliament, between 1:00pm and 3:00pm hours. The demonstration is being organized by the Rwandese Community for the stabilization of Rwanda. The demonstration will encompass approximately 1,000 protestors. This warden message expires on February 10, 2008."

 

Chad - On February 3, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens about serious safety and security concerns in Chad. On 2 February 2008, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family members of American employees and non-emergency American employees at the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena. Emergency Embassy employees have relocated to the N’Djamena Airport. There have been reports of gunfire and looting in the capital. The U.S. Embassy is temporarily unable to receive phone calls."

 

China - On January 31 the U.S. Embassy in Beijing issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is to advise Americans of a carjacking incident that occurred near the Yosemite expat housing area on Sunday afternoon, 27 January. The Chinese police are investigating. The incident occurred when a Chinese national exited her car after being struck from behind. Three assailants forced her back into the vehicle, which they commandeered and drove off. The woman was later released without having suffered serious physical injury. We take this opportunity to remind the American community to review their safety and security procedures when driving. "Americans are advised to: Keep a cell phone and charger in your car at all times. In the event of an accident call the Police at 110. Keep your car in good repair; the gas tank should be at least 1/2 full at all times. Use gas stations that are well lit and busy. Use well-traveled, well-lit roads whenever possible. Keep your doors locked while driving. At traffic lights, leave yourself room to maneuver. Keep your car in gear when you stop at a traffic signal. Park on well-lit streets with plenty of pedestrian traffic. Whenever possible, do not park at a location where you have to surrender your keys. Never surrender the keys to your residence to attendants or valets; keep vehicle and residence keys on separate chains. Place valuables or removable items in your trunk. When planning vacations, travel or making large purchases don’t discuss how much cash you have or how long you will be gone."

 

Colombia - On February 5, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates and reminds American citizens of ongoing security concerns in Colombia. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia. While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas and cities. The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country. For additional details about the general criminal threat, please see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Colombia. "Violence has decreased markedly in many urban destinations, including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. Cali continues to experience more violence than most other large cities, and the level of violence in Buenaventura remains high. Small towns and rural areas of Colombia can still be extremely dangerous due to the presence of narco-terrorists. Common crime remains a significant problem in many urban and rural areas. "The incidence of kidnapping in Colombia has diminished significantly from its peak at the beginning of this decade. Nevertheless, terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other criminal organizations continue to kidnap and hold civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips. No one is immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. The FARC continue to hold three U.S. government contractors, having captured them when their plane crashed in a remote region of the country in February 2003. In January 2008, the FARC kidnapped six Colombian tourists from a beach on the Pacific coast in Chocó Department. Although the U.S. government places the highest priority on the safe recovery of kidnapped Americans, it is U.S. policy not to make concessions to or strike deals with kidnappers. Consequently, the U.S. government’s ability to assist kidnapping victims is limited. "U.S. government officials and their families in Colombia are permitted to travel to major cities in the country, but normally only by air. They cannot use inter- or intra-city bus transportation or travel by road outside of urban areas at night. All Americans in Colombia are urged to follow these precautions."

 

Guyana / Suriname - On January 31 the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Suriname of the increased security presence on the Suriname/Guyana border. Due to recent violence in Guyana, both the Surinamese police and the Surinamese national army have increased patrols in Nickerie along the border with Guyana. Authorities are thoroughly inspecting passengers and vehicles entering Suriname from Guyana. There are also reports of multiple roadblocks, both official and unofficial, along the road to Georgetown on the Guyanese side of the Corantyn River. American Citizens should use extreme caution and exercise discretion if using the over land/river route from Suriname to Georgetown. The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown is encouraging U.S. citizens in Guyana to maintain a high state of vigilance, consider security issues when planning activities within and outside of Georgetown, including to the airport, and to minimize movement when possible."

 

Kenya - On January 31 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "This Travel Alert is being issued to warn American citizens of the security situation following disputed elections in Kenya. U.S. citizens should strongly consider the risks of travel to Kenya at this time. The Travel Alert also advises American citizens that on 30 January 2008, the Department of State authorized non-emergency personnel and family members to relocate from Kisumu to Nairobi. "U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the cities of Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha, and defer all non-essential travel to the remaining portions of Nyanza, Western, and Rift Valley provinces. The situation in Kenya is volatile and subject to change on short notice. U.S. citizens should monitor U.S. Embassy Nairobi’s website at http://kenya.usembassy.gov for the latest security information. This Travel Alert updates the 11 January 2008 Travel Alert, supplements the 18 October 2007 Kenya Travel Warning, and expires 29 February 2008. "Although widespread violence, demonstrations, and looting have subsided, a recent outbreak of protests in Nairobi and violent civil unrest in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Naivasha demonstrates the potential for spontaneous violence in the current political climate. Several official Americans have been temporarily relocated from Kisumu to Nairobi. Americans in Kenya should be prepared for a large police presence and potential outbreaks of hostile clashes between police and demonstrators, and between rival groups of demonstrators. International and domestic airports are operating normally, but this may change on short notice. "Road travel in western Kenya remains unsafe. Sporadic illegal road blocks by gangs or criminal elements may make travel possible only with police escorted convoys. American citizens are strongly reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become violent. Americans should therefore avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings."

 

Sri Lanka - On January 31 the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued the following Warden Message: "The Sri Lanka Department of Elections has announced that elections for nine Local Councils in the Batticaloa District are to be held 10 March 2008. These elections are for positions located in areas formerly controlled by the LTTE, and include:
Municipal Council of Batticaloa
Munmunai West - Vavunatheevu Pradeshya Sabah
Manmunai Southwest - Paddipalai PS
Poratheevu Pattu - Vellaveli PS
Manmunai South & Eruvil Pattu - Kaluwanchikudy
Manmunai Pattu - Arayampahty PS
Eravur Pattu - Chenkalady PS
Koralai Pattu - Valaichenai PS
Koralai Pattu North - Vakarai PS

"Some pre-election violence has already been reported from the Batticaloa District, including extra-judicial killings, assassinations, and disappearances. The Embassy anticipates that more pre-election violence is likely, especially given the operation of various armed groups in the area. "The Department of State’s current Travel Warning for Sri Lanka advises against travel to the East due to the uncertain security environment there. American citizens who plan to travel to the East despite the existing Travel Warning are strongly advised to defer travel to these particular districts and to Batticaloa Town until after the Batticaloa District Local Council elections in March."

 

Previous Updates

February 1, 2008
January 24, 2008
January 17, 2008
January 10, 2008
January 3, 2008
December 27, 2007
December 20, 2007
December 13, 2007
December 5, 2007
November 29, 2007
November 21, 2007
November 15, 2007
November 8, 2007
November 1, 2007
October 25, 2007
October 18, 2007
October 11, 2007
October 4, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 20, 2007
September 13, 2007
September 6, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
August 16, 2007
August 9, 2007
August 2, 2007
July 26, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 12, 2007