Security Rules Change

Yes, security rules change from time to time. We were getting used to the rules that have been in place for the last several years, when, suddenly, there is another terrorist “incident”.

Someone has managed to get through the checks that have been implemented, and the security rules change… they have to change, because terrorist tactics change.

When this happens, it throws things into chaos for a few hours or days. The first time this happened to us was on 9/11…. yes, THE 9/11. We had just arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. We went ahead with our safari, but we knew when we flew home, the rules would be different.

The security rules changed again when someone tried to take a bomb onto a plane… now we were restricted to the size of liquids, creams, and gels we could take on the plane.

It’s happened again in December 2009. Explosives in your underwear? Be prepared for more searches.

Governments and officials move on security rule changes when they encounter these incidents.

You may not be allowed to carry on your luggage. That happened when we returned from Africa back in 2001, and it’s happened again recently with some airlines or governments restricting carry-on luggage on flights to the United States. As of this writing, there is no official rule change on this, but even temporary rules instituted by airlines must be obeyed.

You may have to remain in your seat for the last hour or half hour of your flight. That happened for a while flying into Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington DC. It happens when flying into Tel Aviv, Israel. It’s unclear if this recent change will remain or not.

The TSA says, “You may be asked to follow flight crew instructions such as stowing personal items, turing off electronic equipment… during certain portions of the flight.”

You may encounter more full-body scanning machines, and or “pat-downs” at security checkpoints.

You will see additional screening at the gates even after you have gone through airport security screening. This is especially true if you are flying on an international flight into the United States.

There is no telling how long new rules will stay in place. Security measures may be strengthen or loosened as officials figure out what works best. The only thing that is certain is that they will change…. as needed.

In these days of sometimes turbulent world events, travelers have to stay alert to what is going on around them. Just because that’s not the way it was last time you traveled…. even if it was only yesterday…. it may not be what you have to do today.

Just don’t say you’re never going to travel again. travel is too important to us all. In the long run, we think travel brings us all closer together. Just stay aware of what is going on in the world, and if security rules change…. go with the flow.

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