United States


 

Safety and Security

Safety and Security has three sections;

  1. Security and our travelers
  2. Ensuring your safety and security as a traveler
  3. Traveling under increased security requirements

1. Security and our travelers

We recommend that we work with our clients' security group to implement procedures regarding international travel risks and security protocols. Our travel counselors have access to State Department Security Advisories and are required to advise international travelers of existing safety alerts to affected countries or regions when reservations are requested. We also offer security information, both tips and current news, in our communications to keep your travelers updated on and reminded of security situations.

We suggest that our travelers access the following:

  • Know the location, direction, and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy, available via the Internet at travel.state.gov/
  • Check current travel warnings by accessing the U.S Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
  • Another resource is the FAA Consumer Affairs Hotline at (800) 322-7873, which provides information on air travel to certain foreign countries.
Additional Safety/Security Recommendations
A recent survey indicated that women make up 44 percent of the business traveler population. Some safety tips that we can recommend in your traveler communications, especially for women, would include:
  • If arriving by car, use valet parking whenever available otherwise, park in a well-lit area close to the entrance
  • Do not leave bags unattended in the hotel lobby
  • Have the front desk staff write down your room number so that others do not overhear
  • Ask for a room near the elevators
  • If attending a convention or a trade show, do not wear a nametag with your full name or your home city and remove the tag as soon as you leave the meeting
  • Request a security escort to your room late at night, or whenever you feel it is necessary
  • If someone comes to your room to do work you did not request, have them wait outside the door while you verify with the front desk

For international travelers:

  • Carry backup documents. Make a photocopy of your passport photo page and any required visa documents. Keep the originals in a safe place and carry the photocopies on your person, to be used in the event you need the immediate assistance of U.S. embassy personnel and cannot access the originals. Many resources caution against carrying originals on your person due to the possibility of pickpockets and thieves.
  • Don't stand out. During these more challenging times, limit your visibility as an "American":
  • Avoid the use of designer luggage
  • Avoid openly displaying U.S. passport
  • Avoid the use of luggage tags that identify your company, title, or occupation
  • Limit the showing and use of U.S. currency abroad
  • Refrain from wearing logo or specialty apparel that indicates your citizenship or makes a political statement
  • Leave expensive jewelry at home
  • Limit presence at "American" activities and establishments
  • Be guarded with whom you discuss your business, including hotel personnel, taxi drivers, etc. In general, maintain a low profile.
  • Plan for extra time in airports. Increased airport security checkpoints may cause delays. Be patient, remember the extra security is for your benefit. Comply with standard airport security practices, keep your luggage close to you at all times, and never transport anything for a stranger. All travelers are encouraged to be alert for any suspicious, unattended bags, parcels, or other items.
  • Stay in touch. Be sure someone (in your office or at home) has your travel itinerary with contact telephone numbers, and knows when to expect to hear from you.

 

2. Ensuring your safety and security as a traveler

Domestic

  1. Call your air carrier several hours prior to the flight to confirm that it is still flying, determine any restricted items, learn their security requirements, and to find out when you will need to arrive at the airport prior to your flight.
  2. Reduce to a bare minimum the amount of metal on your person so you are not held up at the metal detector.
  3. After ticketing, move into the security screened area, as it is the safest part of the airport.
  4. Always familiarize yourself with emergency equipment and exit locations-wherever you are.
  5. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look for safe areas to move to if there is trouble, look for people paying too much attention to you, and watch for traffic. Remain alert and focused.
  6. Always secure your packages
  7. Always trust your instincts. If something doesn't look or feel right, avoid it.
  8. Never leave your luggage unattended after it has been packed.

International
As we have advised in The Traveler in the past, U.S. citizens can be potential targets for violence abroad. Ways to minimize that risk follow.
  1. Know the location and telephone numbers of your consulate or embassy at your destination.
  2. Always try to use pre-arranged transportation.
  3. Be careful of what you photograph. Don't photograph police, military, bridges, and communications facilities to avoid accusations of espionage.
  4. Don't display corporate logos on your luggage, briefcase, or clothing.
  5. Don't go anywhere near local demonstrations.
  6. Always have your passport and identification with you.
  7. Neutralize your attire; put cameras in bags when not in use.
  8. Be mindful of customs of the country you are visiting. Having this information before you pack and travel will help you avoid unintentional insults and misunderstandings from dress and etiquette. Consult the U.S. State Department's travel Web site or the destination country's tourism bureau for information on local customs..
  9. In general, be quiet and maintain a low profile.
  10. Hire a local driver rather than renting a car. He will know what areas should be avoided and can serve you well if you encounter a tense situation.

Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Los Angeles Daily News; http://monitor.airsecurity.com/

3. Adjusting to increased security after 9/11

In the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11 and the resulting long lines in airports due to increased security measures, only one word can offer the best tip for travelers: patience. Below are additional tips to guide you through the process.

How to pack
Change your mindset. Airport security screening procedures will be significantly more stringent than before. Items in your suitcase that may have passed through before may not be accepted on board aircraft today.

Complete a personal luggage inventory. Look at each item in your carry-on luggage and evaluate whether an object could be scrutinized and rejected by airport security. (This includes items found in manicure kits, disposable razors, and other sharp objects, etc.) Consider removal of anything that could be perceived as threatening, or they may raise suspicion at a security-screening checkpoint. No knives of any size will be permitted through security.

Check as much luggage as possible. This will save time in clearing security, and several airlines are now limiting the number of carry-on bags per person.

Anticipate having to open a bag for security inspection. Pack efficiently, placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid over packing so that carry-on luggage and checked suitcases open and close with ease.

Make sure that each suitcase has a nametag and that the spelling exactly matches your photo ID securely affixed to it.

Knives can be stored in checked bags only. Do not bring knives or cutting instruments of any kind (even nail files) on board.

Getting to the airport
Confirm flight status. Before proceeding to the airport, call your airline directly, or consult the airline's Web site to confirm the status of your specific flight. In the event of a cancellation, contact Carlson Wagonlit Travel to re-book.

Expect restricted airport parking. New security rules prohibit parking too close to terminals, so close-in parking spaces have been blocked off, forcing some passengers to use remote lots. At some airports, every car entering a parking garage or lot is being searched by security. Suggestion: take a taxi, or get a ride from friends or family. Curbside drop-off is allowed, but any unattended vehicles will be towed.

Arrive early. Most airlines are recommending travelers arrive at least two hours prior to domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights. Upon arrival at airport
V erify possession of a government-issued photo identification card or passport. Travelers will not be allowed to check in or access secured areas of the airport without proper identification.

Don't leave vehicle or baggage unattended. Aircraft security will be completing thorough sweeps of airport properties and removing any baggage that is unattended.

Proceed inside the terminal with luggage. Curbside check-in and off-airport checked baggage options are suspended indefinitely.

Plan carefully for delays. Keep extra food, medication or other vital items you need in your carry-on bag in case you are delayed or detained.

Keep paper documentation. Travelers can expect to be asked to show paper documentation (itinerary/invoice) of an electronic ticket transaction. Travelers should also keep checked baggage receipts for verification at destination.

Access to terminals
Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints. Visitors meeting arriving passengers should meet them in the baggage claim areas or the ticketing lobby. Exceptions are being made for people with special needs.

At the security checkpoint
Access beyond security restricted to ticketed passengers and employees only.

Have ticket paperwork available, along with photo ID. Prepare to empty pockets of coins, metals, etc.

Prepare to demonstrate operation of electronic equipment such as laptops, cell phones, etc.

Be patient.

Do not make jokes about security measures or possible threats.

Comply immediately with all security instructions.

Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches may be expected.

If carrying an open beverage, you may be asked to take a drink of it.

At the gate
Leave no bag unattended.

Maintain sense of awareness.

Expect to see law enforcement personnel and dogs.

Keep ticket paperwork and identification available.

Expect to see teams of individuals board the aircraft before general passenger boarding in order to sweep the aircraft as an added security precaution. These individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal building, or may enter and exit via jet bridge stairs.

Pay attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.

On board the aircraft
Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews, and equipment.

Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews are trained to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Be patient if departure is delayed. Passenger boarding and baggage loading are being carefully coordinated by ground handling crew.

Upon arrival at destination
Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties will be restricted to areas outside security checkpoints.

Have luggage receipts available when retrieving luggage for verification.

Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel; www.usa.com; www.cnn.com; www.smaterliving.com; FAA and airport Web sites.