Aug 11, 2006 6:21 am US/Eastern
Passengers React To New Airport Restrictions
Call 1-800-PHL-GATE For Flight Information
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Passengers at Philadelphia International Airport arriving early Friday were met with long lines and tighter security.
CBS
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The scene at Philadelphia International was anything but smooth Thursday as passenger arriving to travel learned of the new security measures.
CBS
Passengers in Philadelphia and across the United States are coping with heightened security and flight cancellations after authorities in London uncovered a major terror plot aimed at airplanes traveling from Britain to the U.S.
British officials arrested 24 suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists Thursday. The terrorists were planning to pull off midair bombings on up to 10 jetliners bound from England to the United States.
Specifically, the airlines included United Airlines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc., two counterterrorism officials said Thursday.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the plan was in the "final stages" and another official described the alleged plot as "mass murder of unimaginable scale."
Authorities said the terrorists planned to pull off a dry run within the next two days with the real attacks planned several days later.
Sources say the terrorists planned to use 'peroxide-based bombs' made with liquid household items which can be detonated by power from items such as cameras or CD players.
In response to the terror plot, the U.S. government raised its threat warning to the highest level for commercial flights from Britain to the United States. The alert level was raised to high for all flights coming or going from the U.S.
The Transportation Security Administration said new security guidelines would require liquids and gels to be thrown away or placed in checked baggage.
A statement from the T.S.A. read:
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No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage. Such items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
"Exceptions: baby formula and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint."
In order to avoid historically long lines at the airport, officials caution passengers to arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and at least 3 hours in advance of international flights.
Because most flights were departing on time from the airport, many passengers stuck in long lines were forced to reschedule flights.
"It compares to 9/11 for the amount of people in checkpoint lines. Even when we have weather conditions, I have never seen this amount of people," said Philadelphia International Airport spokesman Mark Pesce.
The situation was returning to relatively normal conditions at the airport by late Thursday evening.
Before arriving at the airport, travelers are advised to check the status of their flight by calling
1-800-PHL-Gate or visit
www.phl.orgFor more information on liquids that are banned from flights, visit
3 On Your Side: Restricted Travel ItemsFor flight delay information, visit
Federal Aviation Administration.
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
British Police Foil Airplane Bomb Plot
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