Travelling in China? What you need to know about new luggage restrictions

Over the March 15-16 weekend, the Chinese Aviation Authority (CAA) began implementing a new restriction against carrying liquids aboard flights. Hand luggage is subject to increased scrutiny and is being searched more often. According to recent news reports, the move is causing a lot of confusion and delays at China’s airports, and frustration for unaware passengers.

Planning to travel in China soon? Here what you need to know to avoid problems:

• Liquids are now banned from being carried on board (but can be carried in checked luggage).
• Cosmetics are allowed – but only 100 ml (3 ounces) of each and each one must be carried in a separate, clear plastic bag.
• Anyone travelling with a baby must let the airline know ahead of time so baby food can be provided onboard. (The good news is the baby food is free)
• Liquid medications must be turned over to a flight attendant who will bring it on board.

According to the news reports, this restriction is the first of many security measures that will come into place before the 2008 Olympics in August. Keep your eyes open for future changes.

Sources:

ASI Hotspots

China View

The Other Holy Week Holidays

It’s Holy Week in many countries and regions that follow the Western Christian calendar. According to this calendar’s reckoning, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (which is based on a fixed date of March 21 and does not necessarily correspond to lunar cycles). In 2008, Easter falls earlier than usual.

So when are people celebrating and businesses closing down? It depends on the country. While many countries observe Good Friday and Easter Sunday as holidays, some also celebrate additional Easter holidays including Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday.

But not everyone is celebrating just yet: Due to differences in how the holidays are calculated, the Orthodox and Coptic Christian churches don’t celebrate Easter for another month -- April 27. Jewish countries and communities will be celebrating Passover (Pessah) from April 20 – 26th.

Source: AST Events Calendar.

Give a little (security) whistle

Following the murder of a Swedish tourist in Phuket, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism has announced new safety measures to keep tourists safe when they visit the island. According to an article in the International Herald Tribune, female tourists will be given safety whistles to wear around their necks. The whistles reportedly will be shaped like the traditional symbol to designate women: a circle and cross.

Increased security presence and safety manuals for tourists are also part of the plan. However, don’t expect to see the whistles and manuals just yet… The new plan will take a little while to implement. In the meantime, investigation into Hanna Charlotta Backlund’s daytime attack continues.

Attention runway runners!

Ever wanted to run on a runway? Usually any attempt would be considered a serious security breach, such as the man who was recently arrested after being caught on a runway at Heathrow Airport.

However, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is opening up one of its runways to the general public this spring to raise money for a local hospital. The event, called “Runway Run”, will take place on June 21. Proceeds from the run will go to the William Osler Health Centre’s Emergency Department at Etobicoke General Hospital.

For more information, check out the Greater Toronto Airports Authority Community Relations website.

More Black Diamonds coming soon to U.S. Airports

No, we're not talking about expert ski hills, but the familiar coding system will soon be visible in more airports across the U.S.

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) announced March 5 that it is expanding its “Self-select Lanes” pilot program to six addition airports by April 30. The lanes are designed to better meet the needs of different types of travellers based on their requirements, experience and knowledge.

Here are the three types:

• Expert (designated by a black diamond) – for business travellers who fly several times a month and often carry very little with them. The lane allows them a quicker and easier experience.
• Casual (blue square) for the average traveller with some knowledge of security procedures.
• Family/Special Needs (green circle) – This lanes allows extra time and space for families with young children, seniors and other people with special needs.

In its press release, TSA reports that the selective lanes reduce wait times and “a calmer checkpoint, happier passengers and significantly lower wait times for the most experienced travelers”, according to Salt Lake City Federal Security Director Earl Morris.

Currently the program is in place in Salt Lake City and Denver International Airports. No word yet on who will be next to get the program, but no doubt passengers will be watching with interest.

For more information, see the TSA press release.

International Women's Day coming up

First observed in 1911, this holiday highlights women’s rights and is now celebrated around the world.

But did you know…?

• It’s an official holiday in many countries including Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
• In some countries, the day is a holiday for women only.
• Because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, celebrations will still be held on March 8, but many countries will take a holiday in lieu on the following Monday.
• Hundreds of events are being held around the world – everything from small gatherings to large conferences.
• In many countries, it is customary for men and children to give gifts to the women in their lives.
• The 100th anniversary is coming up in 2011.

Want to know more? Check out the International Women’s Day website for more information and events happening in your area.

Canadians: Why your CCC won't get you in

Got a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship? You'll still need a passport for foreign travel, otherwise
you may face unnecessary delays and hassles, or be turned away at the border. While many Canadians have a CCC as proof of citizenship in order to apply for jobs, get a passport or obtain other official documents, the certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

Here’s the proof: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has recently been updating its travel reports to include the following warning:

“A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.”

Translation: Get a passport or expect trouble.

While the CCC can’t be used as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S., a birth certificate and driver’s license will still suffice at land and sea borders.

When in doubt, check the government advice to see what documentation you need.