Tuesday, May 11, 2017

Alert – U.S. “Likely” to Expand Airline Laptop Ban to Include Some European Countries

According to multiple reports, the Trump Administration is poised to expand its ban on laptops to include at least some European countries. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will meet with key airline industry officials to discuss security issues. Reuters is also reporting that the Trump Administration is reviewing “how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair” – something that would be required should the ban be expanded.

Reuters reports:

The Trump administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.

Any expansion of the ban could impact U.S. carriers such as United Airlines (UAL.N), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) and American Airlines Group (AAL.O). Six U.S. and European officials said they expect the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make an announcement but declined to say when.

DHS officials plan to meet with airline industry officials on Thursday to discuss security issues, two people briefed on the matter said. Also on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues are expected to be discussed, a congressional aide briefed on the matter said.

In March, the U.S. announced laptop restrictions on flights originating from 10 airports including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey because of fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken onto aircraft.

Britain quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes. One European official acknowledged that the expanded ban could affect flights to the United States from Britain.

DHS spokesman Dave Lapan said Kelly “hasn’t made a decision but we continue to evaluate the threat environment and have engaged in discussions with airline representatives and other stakeholders about the threat.”

Some U.S. airlines have been making plans in the event of an order to require them to bar passengers from traveling to the United States without larger electronics in the cabin, airline officials briefed on the matter said.

The U.S. laptop ban and on other electronic devices larger than cell phones has affected direct flights to the United States by Royal Jordanian Airlines RJAL.AM, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

One issue under discussion is how to ensure that lithium batteries in any large collection of devices stored in airplane holds do not explode in midair, officials told Reuters.

European regulators have warned placing what could be potentially hundreds of devices in the hold on long-haul flights could compromise safety by increasing the risk of fire from poorly deactivated lithium-ion batteries.

Peter Goelz, a former managing director at the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States, said a significant expansion of the in-cabin ban on larger electronics “is going to represent a major logistical problem for airlines.”

Goelz said more money needs to be spent to improve screening.

“It is very difficult to determine whether a dense object is actually a battery or a plastic explosive,” Goelz said.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that a United Nations agency has begun an effort to craft global guidance for the use of laptops and other portable electronics in passenger aircraft cabins after the bans upset airline passengers and Middle Eastern carriers.

The International Civil Aviation Organization met on Tuesday to debate the issue after the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and other countries complained their airlines had been unduly penalized by the decision, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Airports and airlines in Europe have already been working on plans for a possible extension of the ban since the U.S. announced the first restrictions on larger electronic devices in the cabin, according to several industry sources.

Issues that need to be resolved include how best to inform passengers of any new restrictions to keep disruption at airports to a minimum. On the operational side, measures such as stopping online check-in for U.S. bound flights or ensuring U.S. flights depart from a dedicated part of terminals are among ideas being mulled, although no decisions have yet been taken.

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May 10, 2017

The U.S. State Department has revised its Travel Warning for North Korea, in order to update the number of U.S. citizens who have been detained.

According to the Travel Warning:

The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens not to travel to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). U.S. citizens in the DPRK are at serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement. This system imposes unduly harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered crimes in the United States and threatens U.S. citizen detainees with being treated in accordance with “wartime law of the DPRK.”

Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government has no means to provide normal consular services to U.S. citizens in North Korea.

At least 16 U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past ten years. North Korean authorities have detained those who traveled independently and those who were part of organized tours. Being a member of a group tour or using a tour guide will not prevent North Korean authorities from detaining or arresting you. Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of U.S. citizens in the DPRK have not been successful.

Numerous foreigners have been held in North Korea for extended periods of time without being formally charged with any crimes. Detained foreigners have been questioned daily for several weeks without the presence of counsel and have been compelled to make public statements and take part in public trials.

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May 9, 2017

Police were called the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport last night due to irate passengers on canceled Spirit Airlines flights.

The Miami Herald reports:

Canceled flights led Spirit Airlines passengers to scream, shout and throw punches at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Cellphone video shows a crowd of riled-up passengers swarming the ticket check-in counter for Spirit Airlines Monday evening after nine flights were canceled, leaving hundreds stranded. In one clip, at least two women start swinging at the Broward sheriff’s deputies. Another video shows one of the woman being led away and someone held on the ground by deputies.

According to CNN:

About 300 Spirit flights have been canceled over the past seven days leaving thousands of passengers angry. The airline says its own pilots are behind the cancellations and is suing them in federal court.

Passengers across the country faced hours-long delays and flight cancellations for days. By Monday night, some travelers in Florida had enough.

USA Today explained what led to the altercation:

Spirit Airlines filed a suit Monday against its pilot union, alleging “an unlawful job action by Spirit pilots.”

Spirit said the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and some of its members are “purposely and unlawfully disrupting the airline’s operations.”

In its suit, Spirit accused the union of being “engaged in a pervasive illegal work slowdown that has caused approximately 300 flight cancellations and has disrupted the travel plans of over 20,000 customers. … The Spirit pilots’ concerted refusal to accept junior assignments or pick up open time flying has dramatically impacted Spirit’s operations leading to cancellations throughout its system, and most particularly for flights departing from Fort Lauderdale, Chicago-O’Hare, Detroit, and Las Vegas.”

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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Alert: Philippines – U.S. Embassy Issues Security Message for Areas of Palawan Province

According to CNN:

There continues to be an active Travel Warning for parts of the Philippines and, today, the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a separate Security Message due to terrorist groups plotting kidnapping operations.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila:

The U.S. Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan Province, Philippines, to include Puerto Princesa City, and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. U.S citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as they make their travel plans and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

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Monday, May 8, 2017

Alert: Paris – Police Operation Underway at Gare du Nord Train Station

Paris police have launched an operation at the Gare du Nord train station, which is approximately six kilometers from the Eiffel Tower.

According to Associated Press:

Police poured into Paris’ Gare du Nord station early Tuesday, evacuating passengers from platforms and sealing off the area, a witness told The Associated Press.

French police said in a single tweet that there was an operation underway at the busy station, which is the terminus of a large suburban and national rail network as well as Eurostar trains from London.

The UK’s Daily Mail reports:

Armed police have stormed Gare du Nord station in Paris tonight hunting for ‘three dangerous men.’

It is understood some passengers are being kept on trains as teams of officers have been seen pouring into the station.

The exact nature of the threat remains unclear and much of the station has been evacuated.

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May 8, 2017

Starting on this Friday, May 12, after most flights have departed, 15 airlines are set to begin switching terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) because of Delta Air Lines’ desire to move to terminals 2 and 3 to be closer to its partner airlines. The terminal changes will be completed by the start of the work day on May 17. It will be crucial for travelers to understand which terminal they should be using. Airlines’ moves are scheduled as follows:

• • May 12 (after last flights of day) – Boutique, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Sun Country, Virgin America, Virgin Australia and Volaris. (Completion on May 13)
• • May 14 (after last flights of day) – Avianca, InterJet and Spirit. (Completion on May 15)
• • May 16 (after last flights of day) – Air Canada, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest (international flights). (Completion on May 17)

The Los Angeles Times has provided this Q&A on what travelers should anticipate:

A primer on what to expect when 15 airlines switch terminals at LAX

The biggest airline terminal relocation in LAX history begins May 12, a Friday night, and continues during Mother’s Day weekend and into the following week.

Here’s what you need to know about how it will alter the airport— and your navigation of it:

When will the work take place?

Beginning the night of May 12 and into the morning of May 13. For the most part, the relocations will take place when travelers are not around. The mega-move is scheduled to be completed by the start of the work day May 17.

How will I know when my airline is moving during that five-day period?

The airlines moving on May 12 after the day’s flights are over:

Delta, Allegiant, Frontier, Virgin America, Virgin Australia, Sun Country, Volaris and Boutique.

Completion will be May 13.

Moving on May 14 after the day’s flights are over: Avianca, InterJet and Spirit.

Completion is set for the morning of May 15.

Moving May 16 after the day’s flights are over: Air Canada, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest’s international flights.

Completion set for the morning of May 17.

How can I keep track of delays or changes in the plan?

LAX offers two websites just for that purpose: www.lawa.org and www.laxishappening.com. On Twitter, travelers can track #LAXontheMOVE, @LAAirportPD and @flyLAXairport

Is there a hot line to call?

No. If you’re not computer literate, there are few alternatives other than to call your airline, or seeing one of the many green-, red- or blue-vested guides once you arrive.

What’s the point of moving so many airlines?

Delta signed a lease last year to relocate to the other side of the airport, from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3. A total of 28 airlines were affected by the realignment. Fifteen of them will move in the May 12-17 period.

Why did Delta want to move?

To be closer to its partner airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and WestJet, and to eventually connect to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where other partners are.

The mega-move, paid for by Delta, bumps other airlines to Delta’s old quarters in Terminals 5 and 6.

Major upgrades are planned for Delta’s new space, including improved seating, traffic flow and concessions. The move does add some balance to the horseshoe-shaped airport, where heavyweights Delta, American and United had previously been clustered on the south end.

Did Delta pick up space?

Yes, seven extra gates.

What do Delta passengers need to know during the move?

Delta flights may operate out of as many as four terminals during the change-over: 2, 3, 5 and 6. Delta’s move is the biggest and may take multiple nights.

What airlines won’t be affected by the move?

American (Terminal 4) and United (Terminals 7 and 8) will stay put. Southwest will still operate out of Terminal 1, but Southwest international flights will arrive in the Bradley terminal.

When will the signs change?

It’s supposed to happen overnight, as the work progresses in three waves. LAX says 1,000 signs will be created or modified as part of the move.

How will ground transportation adjust?

Taxis, shuttles, Uber and Lyft will be updated on the new locations throughout the transition.

What if I find myself on the wrong side of the airport? Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

Green-wrapped buses that say “LAXontheMOVE” will shuttle passengers between terminals.

What other steps can passengers take before going to the airport?

Call the airline to confirm your flight’s gate and terminal. Upon arrival, double-check display boards to be sure there have been no changes. Print your boarding pass before arriving if possible, to avoid possible glitches with check-in kiosks. A carry-on bag will avoid delays in baggage tagging and handling.

A small army of staff members will be assigned around the airport, including some in neon-green vests. Guides will also be dressed in blue and red.

Will TSA be affected?

No.

Will TSA stop me from going to the wrong terminal?

No, because a boarding pass can be used at any LAX terminal.

How early should I arrive during the transition?

Passengers traveling between May 12-17 are advised to arrive three hours in advance of their domestic flights and four hours for international trips.

This occurs on Mother’s Day weekend. Couldn’t officials pick a less-busy weekend?

Actually, they examined all possibilities. Airline reps say Mother’s Day weekend is apparently slower than a typical weekend.

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May 8, 2017

On Sunday, a man and a woman were shot on a ramp in the valet area of Miami Beach’s famed Fountainbleau Hotel. The two were transported to a trauma center for gunshot wounds. The suspect in the shootings is still being sought.

According to Reuters:

Two people were shot and injured outside Miami Beach’s famed Fountainbleau Hotel on Sunday, police said. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot on a ramp and valet area which leads to the world-famous luxury hotel, and sought help inside the hotel, local media reported.

Police said both victims were transported to a trauma center for treatment for gunshot wounds.

The suspect was still being sought, and an investigation was ongoing. Pictures posted online showed the Fountainbleau lobby cordoned off by police tape and video showed helicopters hovering overhead.

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 Friday May 5, 2017

Alert: London – Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 Security Issue and Delays

Friday morning, flights from Terminal 3 at London’s Heathrow airport were temporarily suspended due to a security issue. Passengers have experienced long lines and delays as a result.

According to Reuters:

London’s Heathrow airport briefly suspended departures from one of its terminals on Friday due to what police said was a report of a luggage X-ray having found a suspicious item.

An airport spokeswoman said the suspension at terminal 3 had been caused by “a security issue” but did not elaborate.

“We are working with Heathrow terminal 3 after a report of a suspicious item detected by an X-ray of luggage,” London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Heathrow, which has five main terminals, is one of the world’s busiest airports and terminal 3 mainly services long-haul flights, although it also offers some European destinations.

The UK’s Guardian reports:

Flights at Heathrow airport were briefly suspended after a suspicious item was detected by an x-ray of luggage at Terminal 3.

Metropolitan police were still working with airport authorities after the discovery at about 8am on Friday triggered a security alert.

As flights resumed, passengers complained on Twitter about the subsequent delays and long queues.

A spokesman for Heathrow said: “Departures were suspended for a short time from Terminal 3 due to a security issue. We are very sorry to any passengers whose journeys are affected. The safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is paramount.”

The security alert comes the day after a man arriving at Heathrow on a flight from Turkey was arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related crime. There is no suggestion the arrest and security alert are related.

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May 4, 2017

The European Union (EU) has determined that citizens of the United States will not have to obtain visas for European travel.

The New York Times reports:

Right now, United States citizens generally do not need visas to enter any of the union’s 28 member nations, but citizens of five of those nations — Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania — need visas to travel to the United States.

That disparity has been the subject of a diplomatic dispute between Washington and Brussels that threatened to escalate in March, when the European Parliament asked the commission, the bloc’s executive body, to retaliate by ending visa-free travel to Europe for Americans.

The Parliament’s resolution was nonbinding, and the commission said Tuesday that it would not comply with the request. Doing so “would be counterproductive at this moment, and would not serve the objective of achieving visa-free travel for all E.U. citizens,” it said.

The commission added, “On the contrary, it would immediately result in retaliatory measures by the U.S., leading to the visa requirement being imposed on all E.U. citizens.”

NPR further states:

Explaining its decision, the European Commission said Tuesday that in recent months, “contacts with U.S. interlocutors at the political and technical level were intensified,” and the American government has committed to changing its policies once the five countries meet legal requirements.

Work on an agreement will continue at the EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting that’s set for June of this year, the commission says.

The European Union “will always choose engagement, commitment and patient diplomacy over unilateral retaliation,” the body’s commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said via Twitter today.”

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