Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in an airport that has a history of poor safety practices or is in a high-risk
area. Even in the continental United States there is a wide disparity
between the levels of security from airport to airport. The recent legisla-
tion federalizing the position of airport security screeners may address
and correct some of these disparities, but this remains to be seen.
Moreover, there are still many problems even in some of the larger
airports in the United States. Most former El Al security specialists are
stunned when they pass through metal detectors in U.S. airports. The sen-
sitivity settings here are far lower than is generally used in Israel or in any
El Al terminal. In many airports the settings are geared more toward keep-
ing the flow of passenger traffic moving and less on keeping potentially
dangerous weapons off planes.
In most countries, with the notable exception of Israel, most airport
lobbies are open to the public and are not secure. The secure area is
beyond the screening booths; theoretically, no one should be in that area
unless he or she has a ticket and has passed through the metal detector.
Once you check in, move directly to this part of the airport. Virtually all
of the terror attacks at airports have occurred in the unsecured common
ticketing area. The recent attack at the El Al counter in Los Angeles also
fits this pattern.
THE FLIGHT
Finally, you are ready to get on board the plane and fly off to begin your
new life. You feel excited as well as apprehensive. While you are traveling,
there are several things to consider to ensure that your trip is not only
safer but more convenient as well. We are assuming that you have packed
correctly and have utilized some of the travel checklists provided in this
topic's website to do so.
Check-In
At the airport, expect to experience the usual long delays that have
become associated with international air travel since the attacks of Sep-
tember 11. Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your
flight. Watch your luggage and carry-on bags at all times. You will have
to put your bag through the X-ray machine before you get to the board-
ing area. Pay particularly careful attention to your bag now. Teams of
