You thought travel was bad now?  Wait until the new rules take effect.  It is amazing how much air travel has changed.  More and more security is making the whole experience tiring and frustrating.

Travel tips for new regulations

Transport Canada and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration have tightened security and travel regulations at airports across Canada and the States in the wake of a foiled Christmas Day terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.

New procedures for domestic and U.S.-bound flights have increased wait times and caused delays at security checkpoints since, while holiday travellers underwent enhanced screening, including security checks on electronic equipment and random, threat-based screening of travellers.

Arrive early at the airport to allow time for extra screening measures and follow these 10 tips from CheapFlights.ca to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

1. Pack compact: If your bag can’t fit in the overhead compartment or has wheels, you can’t bring it on your U.S.-bound flight. Canadians flying domestically can still bring two pieces of carry-on onboard. Transport Canada states: “U.S. bound passengers are not allowed to bring carry-on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions. Passengers may carry with them the following items: medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags.”

Many airlines, including Air Canada, are waiving fees for extra checked baggage for U.S.-bound customers. CheapFlights.ca recommends putting your essentials in a small carry-on bag and checking the rest when you arrive at the airport.

2. Prepare for pat-down: Transport Canada and the TSA have authorized gate crews to perform a pat-down of all passengers before boarding a flight, as well as to check every carry-on item before you even sit down. Have your bags open and ready for checking.

3. Sit in an aisle seat: Some airlines are actively enforcing a rule which states all passengers must be in their seats at least one hour before landing. If you know you’ll need multiple bathroom breaks, choose an aisle seat so you can get to the bathroom before the restriction begins.

4. Dress in layers: Some airlines are asking travellers to stow all items during the flight, including blankets and pillows. Dress in layers so you can keep warm without these extras.

5. Expect delays: Be prepared for longer than usual wait times on U.S.-bound flights. Bring a book, charge up your laptop before leaving home, and be patient at your airport gate.    –more

Image via Wikipedia

It is very concerning that a bomber was able to board a plane and almost ignite his bomb.  Unfortunately the new rules do very little to prevent future terrorists from setting off bombs.  All this will do is make for more uncomfortable flying.  There are other ways of detecting bombs before they board the plan that do not take away rights from passengers.

TSA Measures After Pants Bomber Defy Logic

Perhaps we should prevent passengers from sitting in window seats, because the man who attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253 sat in a window seat. Or at least keep people from sitting in window seats one hour before landing.

That silly notion seems to make as much sense as some of the “security” steps taken in response to the Christmas Day terrorism attempt. We all want air travel to be safe, no doubt. To ensure that, we need rules that are smart and effective. The Transportation Security Administration may be trying to reassure the public that it is on the job and thwarting terrorists, but turning off the route-tracking maps on airplanes and keeping people buckled up without blankets just seems ridiculous to most frequent fliers.

A review of some of the new rules, which, travelers should hope, are temporary:

• Everyone must stay seated one hour before landing on international flights. (This assumes, of course, that nothing happens at all while the plane is cruising.)
• No blankets or pillows or items in laps in the last hour of a flight. (Will baggy clothing, sweaters or hoodies be next?)    –more

Related TSA articles

• TSA Wants You To Keep Your Seat, and Your Hands In Sight (tech.slashdot.org)
• New Restrictions to Add to Air-Travel Headaches (abcnews.go.com)
• TSA: The Stupid Agency (professorbainbridge.com)