Stricter safety measures delay UK flights to US

UK travellers experienced flight delays after airport security was increased following the unsuccessful terrorist attack in the US.

Passengers of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester flights going to the US saw their schedules delayed for at least three hours. In Scotland, where lesser airlines fly to the US, delays were reported as well but were shorter compared to other major UK airports.

It still remains uncertain how long the travel precautions would last and whether they would be implemented to other destinations. Therefore, airlines urge travellers to come early at the airport for the lengthy procedure.

As part of airports’ new security policy, passengers can only carry one piece of hand baggage. After the usual check-in and body scan, travellers will then have their hand bag checked and body patted down at the departure gate before boarding the plane. Moreover, passengers will be asked to remain seated, will be barred from placing items on their laps, and will not be allowed to use the lavatory or get things from the overhead lockers during the final hour of the trip.

Airport operator BAA stated that travellers departing for the US should expect that their airline would implement additional inspection prior to boarding. Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways had already posted new contents on their online sites about the revised security guideline.

About 100 US-bound lights depart from the UK everyday. In Scotland, two scheduled flights to New York were late as effect of the newly introduced security measures.

A spokesperson from Edinburgh Airport informed that the Continental Airlines flight arriving from New York was delayed for an hour and its outbound trip departed two hours late.