The Lollipop Road

As a result of the events onboard Northwest 253 on December 25, 2009, the TSA has issued additional security directives to airlines, impacting family air travel.  These new directives are in place for ALL flights to the United States (including flights from San Juan and the USVI).

1. Secondary screening is being conducted at the gate, which includes a search of carry-on luggage and individual pat down
2. Use of wireless internet and satellite phones are prohibited onboard for the entirety of the flight
3. The crew is not allowed to provide position reports to passengers and any in-flight map features must be disabled
4. All passengers must remain seated for the last hour of the flight
5. All carry-on luggage must be stowed and may not be accessed for the last hour of the flight

Certain airlines are also reporting a restriction of one carry-on per passenger.  It is unclear if this is as a result of a TSA directive or is solely an airline generated response to ensure quicker screening and adequate space for carry-on luggage that now must be stowed where it cannot be accessed during the final hour of the flight.

The TSA directives limiting passenger activities during the final hour of the flight will impact families the most.  You should bring pull-ups for your potty trained toddlers and an extra change of clothes for your school-aged kids in case of “emergencies” during that final hour.  You’ll also need to keep a few things handy in your seat back pocket like wipes, a diaper, change of clothes, medicine, snacks, small toys etc. 

Nothing will be allowed in your lap or on the seat next to you during the last hour of the flight (we presume lap infants are the exception).  The reading of newspapers, books and magazines have been expressly prohibited during the last hour of flight, but it is unclear as to how other items such as toys and food will be handled.  It is also unclear as to whether airlines are allowing carry-on luggage to be stowed under the seat, but in any event, it cannot be accessed during the last hour of flight, so don’t take a chance.  This directive also applies to blankets, pillows and jackets, so be prepared to wear your jacket if you need it.  Finally, each airline may implement these directives slightly differently, so be flexible and ready to adapt.

Also consider the potential impact of the PTV system being disabled on your flight.  Some carriers have had to disable the entire system as the integrated seat-to-seat messaging and/or map features cannot be disabled alone.  All electronic devices must also be stowed one hour prior to landing, so there is a potential for having no entertainment during the last hour of the flight.

While these temporary measures are in place, limit carry-on luggage, prepare one or two plastic bags with your necessities that you can keep in your seat back pocket.  Don’t rely on electronic forms of entertainment, pack cards and small toys to keep the kids busy during the last hour of the flight.  Most of all, give yourself plenty of time to get through security, expect flight delays and plan for a potential missed connection.

We’ll keep you updated as conditions change.  If you have a holiday travel story to share, please leave a comment.

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