New Laptop battery rules for flights - do not put them in checked luggage!

Yes, it's true - there are even more new complicated rules from the TSA. It's not even clear this relates to any terror issues but they are restricting lithium batteries in carry on luggage:

New Laptop Battery Rules from TSA

If you'll be travelling by air in 2008 be sure to review the new rules for carrying batteries on airplanes. The new battery rules are here at TSA's websiteOn new rule is that you are NOT allowed to pack lithium batteries in your *checked* luggage, though you *are* allowed to have them in carry on baggage in clear plastic bags.It's also a good idea to review the 3-1-1 rule here at TSA:3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

UK Airports Restricting Cars at Terminals

Recent terror threats in the UK have led to more restrictions on vehicles throughout the UK and at other airports around the world. UK Terminal restrictions from Sunday Times. Check BAA.com for major UK Airport details.

CNN reports on the heightened security at US Airports in light of the attack in Glasgow Scotland Airport (GLA).

Tracking Germs on Flights

Purdue University (USA) has been working on a system that will track contaminants using mathematical models and sensors on aircraft. The idea is to isolate/locate infectious or dangerous chemicals and identify the passenger who could potentially cause problems.

In addition to the great value of stemming the movement of contagious viruses or explosives, this type of approach has a potentially troublesome downside in terms of privacy since the Government screening agency is going to be secretly collecting critical information from law abiding citizens. However as with most of these things you need to balance the benefits with the costs.

Security Tips from TSA

Buried in the bloated TSA Website is this key rule for carry-ons at Airports.
Note that the rules for liquids follow, but even simpler is this:

Carry-on ONLY tiny liquid bottles in a SINGLE, clear, quart zip top bag.


This is the TSA's instruction set for liquids on planes:

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.