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Volume 6, Issue 37, September 17, 2008 |
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The British government is looking into whether new technology could make airports’ security ban of liquids obsolete, according to British newspaper The Independent. The discussions with security companies and airports come the same week as convictions for three men on charges of conspiracy to murder in the foiled 2006 attack that triggered massive worldwide security changes at airports.
London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 has technology to detect liquids on carry-on bags, and scientists are testing whether the scanners can determine which liquids are harmful. If it works, such technology could lift security screening that has drained travelers’ energy and sapped airport operation budgets for more than two years.
Current U.K. Department for Transport rules mirror those of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which restrict liquids to three-ounce containers or smaller. The liquids also must be packed in one single clear, quart-sized zip-top bag per passenger.
The liquid ban was implemented in reaction to a foiled August 2006 plot to transport homemade liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks in carry-on luggage on flights from London to the United States and Canada.
On Sept. 8, three of the eight men on trial for the incident were found guilty of conspiracy to murder. One defendant was acquitted, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict for the other four charged. None were convicted on charges of plotting to bomb trans-Atlantic airliners. Seven admitted to conspiring to cause a public nuisance by making videos threatening bombings.
British airlines, including Virgin Altantic, and BAA, owner of the three largest U.K. airports, recently asked for a relaxed security ban due to the complexity and cost of enforcement. The government maintains that liquid explosives remain a threat to security. 
No, airport police aren’t swarming the airport. The officers clad in dark-blue uniforms and metal badges are with the Transportation Security Administration. The new look, which debuted Sept. 11, is more in line with other federal agencies. TSA made the change to underscore its law enforcement emphasis, similar to when it changed workers’ job classification and title from “screener” to “transportation security officer” in October 2005.
Shoe shoppers — begin salivating now. Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York is offering the Ultimate Shoe Lover Experience. Shoppers get a sneak peek at the upcoming fashion season with a Bergdorf Goodman style expert during a private after-hours party for six, including Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, at the shoe salon. After shopping with a personal team, slipping new purchases in a limited-edition Bergdorf Goodman signature shoe bag and picking up a signed copy of a Manolo Blahnik book, guests will have their packages delivered by a Trump attaché to their three-bedroom suites at the hotel. The $6,325 rate also includes, among other perks, a $250 Bergdorf Goodman gift card and in-room spa pedicure.
A manufacturer’s strike has delayed delivery of three Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Emirates, which plans to put those planes on daily routes from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). As a result, Emirates will stagger routes from the cities but stick to the original start dates of Oct. 26 for LAX and Dec. 15 for SFO. Until the aircraft are delivered, Los Angeles service will initially be on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; San Francisco service will be Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
A Boeing 777 became the largest and final American Airlines aircraft to sport a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer awareness and research. Eight aircraft now showcase the airline’s partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer grassroots organization. American Airlines has pledged $1 million annually to Komen for eight years, a number significant because one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease during her lifetime. The 36-pound decal on the 777 adds $2,200 in annual fuel cost.
Plush pillows and blankets, white-tea-scented towelettes and mints, and SuperFoods-inspired beverages are among the perks for United Airlines passengers on first- and business-class flights between New York (JFK) and California (LAX and SFO). The luxury service is part of United’s partnership with Westin Hotels and its Heavenly Bed collection.
With two carry-ons, one checked bag and a line of about 16 people, I had a swift and easy 10-minute check in with Continental, as each counter was occupied with an attendant. An LG flat-screen suspended from the ceiling kept me updated on the latest news while I waited at my gate. The only discomfort was the early morning chill in the waiting area. Luckily, I had brought my scarf.
Boarding began about 8:10 a.m., starting with business and first class. I was quickly boarded for economy through the general boarding aisle. The aircraft was a Boeing 757 with a 16/159 configuration and overhead TV monitors. Complimentary breakfast and a movie were both included on the flight. Breakfast was an unsavory-looking but exceptional-tasting cheese omelet stuffed in pita bread, mixed fruit, yogurt and a muffin. The movie starred Patrick Dempsey and was as cheesy as its punned title, Made of Honor. In this particular instance, I would rather be charged for my choice of movies than exposed to an abysmal free romantic comedy. Luckily, I brought books with me and was able to comfortably read and sleep most of the way.
Service was up to par with only one flight attendant looking mildly disheveled. I would have entrusted my life with the disheveled attendant, however, as my other option was the head attendant, who had a frighteningly fraudulent smile while she uttered rude comments between her gritting teeth when dealing with inpatient passengers. Appearance is without a doubt important at 35,000 feet, but the overall impression left on the passenger lasts much longer.
By the end of the flight, I was pleased with the service and the comfort I felt while in the air with Continental. We landed 25 minutes earlier than expected. I even heard a few chuckles during the movie, which led me to believe that Dempsey pulled through somewhere along the plot.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
Delta Air Lines’ one-way helicopter service with US Helicopter between its hub at New York JFK and Manhattan is now $45; the eight-minute ride is usually $159. The reduced fare is offered to Delta economy-class domestic and international passengers, and is valid for tickets bought Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. Among the perks: Customers will land inside a secure area at JFK, eliminating the need for a TSA security screen again inside the airport.
Priority Club Rewards members can rack up double points or miles now through Dec. 15 — and have a chance at winning 25,000 points from Oct. 1–25 — with stays at any participating global InterContinental Hotels Group member, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts or Holiday Inn Express, beginning with the second stay. Extended stays at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites earn double points or miles with the first stay. The giveaways honor the Priority Club’s 25 th anniversary.
Passengers flying economy class on Continental Airlines have an added incentive to pack lightly. The airline will charge $15 for customers’ first checked bag on tickets purchased on or after Sept. 6 for travel on or after Oct. 7 to flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Second checked bags will cost passengers $25, a policy that began with tickets purchased on or after April 5 and now includes economy-fare travelers to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America (excluding Brazil). The service fees will not affect EliteAccess customers — including First and BusinessFirst customers and active military personnel on official orders — and their companions.
Expedia has drafted quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks and Jason Campbell of the Washington Redskins to play in its “Go Like Pro” program, which offers travel pointers and deals to and from NFL cities, including Honolulu, site of the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl. The deals aren’t just for fans. Business and leisure travelers can score hotel deals, including 50 percent off Waikiki Resort Hotel in Honolulu, a 40 percent discount at The Edgewater in Seattle and 30 percent off Washington Suites Alexandria in Washington, D.C.
American Airlines will launch Brazilian routes including Salvador, Recife and Belo Horizonte in November, with special fares to all three through May 2009 and double AAdvantage miles through mid-February 2009. Daily flights from Miami (MIA) to Salvador (SSA) and Recife (REC) begin Nov. 2. Flights from Miami (MIA) to Belo Horizonte (CNF) will depart three times weekly starting Nov. 4.
