AFA SAFETY BULLETIN

From The Master Executive Council

And

The Air Safety, Health and Security Committee

 

AFA-CWA                                     American Eagle

August 10, 2006

 

 

Aviation Security:

In The News

 

(reported on August 10, 2006 by CNN)

 

~The U.S. raised the terror threat level to "severe" for all flights leaving Britain for the United States. Britain raised its alert level to "critical."

 

~Besides banning liquids, British police are also banning passengers from carrying electronic key fobs, which have the potential to trigger bombs.

 

~A U.S. administration official said the plot targeted Continental, United, British Airways and American Airlines flights to New York, Washington and California.

 

~As many as 10 flights were targeted, and the plot may have involved up to 50 people, U.S. officials told CNN.

 

~U.S. and British officials said some suspects could still be on the loose and their investigations were continuing.

 

~Indications are that all of the 21 arrested were British citizens and some were of Pakistani ethnicity, a senior U.S. intelligence official said.

 

~Flights were canceled or delayed at airports across Europe and the United States as the new security measures produced massive lines at airports.

 

~In a sign of the heightened security, Chertoff said the U.S. was dispatching extra air marshals to Britain.

 

~Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney ordered the National Guard to Boston's Logan Airport, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered the National Guard to airports in his state.

 

 

 

 

 

Who Can You Call?

 

You can always reach us!

 

MEC Safety Chair

John Grace at

703-554-9798

 

And

 

MEC EAP Chair Jeffrey Myles at

713-447-2164

 

24 hours a day!

 

 

 

 

This bulletin was produced by the Association of Flight Attendants for its members at American Eagle.

 

 

Threat Level Orange

Threat Level Change for the Aviation Sector

In response to a serious terrorist threat to international aviation security, the Secretary of Homeland Security has elevated the Homeland Security Advisory System Threat Condition to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights from the United Kingdom to the United States, and to High, or Orange, for all other international flights and all domestic commercial aviation. 

There are approximately 106 flights per day between the United Kingdom and the United States.  Although numerous arrests have been made in the U.K. to disrupt and neutralize this threat, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking a number of heightened protective measures to ensure the continued safety and security of our international and domestic air travel. 

Protecting the Aviation System.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be implementing a series of security measures – some visible and some not visible – to ensure the security of the traveling public and the Nation's transportation system.  TSA is immediately implementing following changes to airport screening procedures:

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Exception: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines

WORKING CREW MEMBERS ARE CURRENTLY EXEMPT FROM THE LIQUID RESTRICTIONS

  • Beverages purchased in the sterile area must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
  • Passengers traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

Some measures will not be visible to the public. In light of the elevated threat level, the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS) will provide expanded mission coverage for flights from the United Kingdom to the United States.

These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant.  DHS and its components have coordinated closely with the air carrier industry, airports, and state and local stakeholders to implement these significant, but necessary, security measures.  The traveling public can assist these agencies in carrying out their important security duties by:

  • Packing lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening.
  • Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you shoudl arrive at the airport.
  • Cooperating with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates because TSA Security Officers will be checking carry-on baggage at the gate.
  • Being attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity.

Protecting U.S.Borders.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas including the use of advanced targeting tools, special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially-trained canine units, and explosive detection technology. 

Stay Informed

Here are links for more information

v     The Eagle AFA MEC Website

v     Jetnet

v     Transportation Security Administration

v     CNN

v     Bloomberg News

The Air Safety, Health and Security Committee hope that this information helps to answer your questions and concerns. Should any of you encounter any problems with the new security measures, resulting delayed flights, or any other safety/security concern – PLEASE LET US KNOW.

In Unity,

The Air Safety, Health and Security Committee

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