U.S. government warns women of risks in India

Thinking of travelling to India? You should be aware that Western women are facing an increasing risk of harassment and sexual assault. The widely-publicized rape and murder of British teen Scarlett Keeling in Goa and other known cases are highlighting the need for better safety practices and cultural awareness. The issue is prompting warnings in government travel advice for India.

A recent update to the Country Specific Information page for India (from the U.S. Department of State) includes new advice on how women can protect themselves while they travel. Here’s what the advice had to say:

“U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Western women continue to report incidents of physical harassment by groups of men. Known as ”Eve-teasing,” these incidents can be quite frightening. While India is generally safe for foreign visitors, according to the latest figures by Indian authorities, rape is the fastest growing crime in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas underline the fact that foreign women are also at risk and should exercise vigilance.

“Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding using public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions; restricting evening entertainment to well known venues; and avoiding walking in isolated areas alone at any time of day. Women should also ensure their hotel room numbers remain confidential and insist the doors of their hotel rooms have chains, deadlocks, and spy-holes. In addition, it is advisable for women to hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially during the hours of darkness. It is preferable to obtain taxis from hotels rather than hailing them on the street. If women encounter threatening situations, they can call 100 for police assistance.”

Of course, the advice is not exclusive to U.S. women, and the precautions mentioned above are good advice for travel in many countries. The latest news and advice for India can be found on our India Travel Advisory page.

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

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.

How to pack a hockey stick

Cycling through Europe? Golfing at your resort? You’ll want to check with your airline about luggage restrictions, packing instructions and extra costs you might face on your trip. Many items are oversized, and if packed separately will count as excess baggage. There are even limits to how an item can be packed.

For instance: most equipment must be packed in hard shell containers. Golf bags can contain no more than 14 clubs, 12 balls and a single pair of shoes. Skis and boots should be packed together to avoid additional fees. Scuba equipment can be especially tricky as each piece (empty tank, harness, safety vest, etc) are considered individual items.

Your best bet at avoiding hassles and expenses? Find out all you can from your airline, but keep tabs on changing policy. Air Canada, for example, requires passengers to register their sports equipment for travel after January 7, 2008. British Airways banned some sports items in November 2007, causing some confusion as to what was allowed. Information on what items it allows (and will carry for free) can be found on their website.

A little know-how can save you time and spare you hassle at the airport.

Packing the TSA way

Did you know those pies and cakes may be subjected to additional screening at the airport? That gravy, cranberry sauce and creamy dips must be packed in checked luggage? Or that disorganized packers make life more difficult for security screeners?

This holiday season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to educate travellers on how to pack for the holidays. The reason? To “simpliFLY” the security screening process and prevent delays during the busiest travel time of the year. According to a recent press release, TSA is asking travellers to become “active partners” in the security experience by knowing about luggage restrictions and being more organized.

TSA's recommendations reiterate carry-on restrictions applying to liquids and gels (especially where holiday foods and gifts are concerned), and emphasize that travellers should pack neatly – preferably in layers – to facilitate the screening process. “Loose” and “cluttered” items make x-rays more difficult to read – and more likely that TSA may have to pull bags aside for a search, reports USA Today Travel.

Some of the advice is drawing jokes and scepticism from many sources. You be the judge: visit TSA's How to Pack Food and Gift Itemsand SimpliFLY for more information.

Watch out for extra holiday weight!

According to a note on TravelPress.com, November 1 marks the date of Air Jamaica’s new luggage restrictions for the holiday travel season. The new measures mean that passengers are limited to two bags weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Bags that weigh over 50 pounds (but less that 70) will be subject to a USD$50 fee.

In additional, traveller should watch out for a ban on excess baggage during certain periods, such as the month of December for some routes or Dec. 16-26 for others.

The article advises that anyone who needs to travel with excess baggage need to make arrangements with Air Jamaica Cargo well ahead of time. For full details, see the article here. http://travelpress.com/NEWS/index.php?sid=3018.

Serious risk or innocent mistake? When to let airport security decide.

Today’s travelers and security personnel are more vigilant than ever. Compiled from various government sources, here are three situations where you should contact security immediately:

1. If you see unattended luggage. Travelers are warned to never leave their luggage alone, so an unattended bag is automatically suspicious whether it's in an airport, at a hotel or on a bus. It could be an innocent mistake, but that's for someone with security training to decide.

2. If someone asks you to carry a bag through security for them or to put something in your bag. While we hate to turn down someone who asks for assistance, chances are whatever they are asking you to transport isn't legal or safe.

3. If you notice evidence of luggage tampering. Check your luggage for signs of damage and broken locks or seals. If you suspect something has been stolen from (or slipped into) your luggage, you should notify security immediately to file a report. Having an inventory of your luggage contents can help when filling out insurance claims.

Holy water: miracle or security threat?

Surprised pilgrims discovered holy water is banned from their flight – even though the Vatican chartered the plane.

The Vatican recently launched its Boeing 737 charter flight service for pilgrims starting with Lourdes, France. Lourdes is home to the famous grotto where Catholics believed the Virgin Mary appeared almost 150 years ago, and many believe that water from this grotto has healing properties. Consequently, the water is available for purchase.

However, bottled water – holy or not – is not permitted on flights because it exceeds the three ounce (100 mL) security restrictions currently in place. Surprised pilgrims quickly found out that security officials would not make an exception. Any amount of liquid that exceeds the restrictions can be considered a threat.

According to various media reports, one woman had eight bottles of water – shaped like the Madonna – confiscated while another man drank his bottle on the spot rather than surrender it.

Reportedly, the Vatican predicted this problem would occur and offers complimentary bottles on board.

New restrictions “fore” improved security

Why are golf carts appearing at U.S. Congress?

It may look like U.S. Congress is opening up a golf course, but the fleet of golf carts set to appear on Capitol has little to do with recreation and more to do with security.

According to an article in Travel Weekly, new security regulations restrict tour buses from dropping off visitors on Capitol Hill. The measure, which Capitol Police say is a “precautionary move” rather than a response to a known threat, may make the distance from the bus drop-off location to the Hill a little too far for some people. The article reports that a fleet of golf carts will be brought in to transport people who may not be able to walk.

Should travellers be worried? Not according to the article: Capitol Police say the restrictions are a “precautionary move” rather than a response to a known threat.

Stay off your cell phone – for now

Traveling in the U.S.? Don’t plan on making any calls during your flight.

Despite other airlines such as Qantas and Emirates Airlines lifting their bans on cellular phone use, travellers on U.S. airlines will still have to keep their mobile devices turned off. According to NEWS.com.au, the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) announced in April that it will not be lifting its ban anytime soon.

The reason: Lack of research and technical information to prove whether or not cell phones and other personal electronic devices have an affect on communications and navigational systems.

The article reports than while many travellers are frustrated with the news, others oppose lifting the ban because cell phone users could disturb other passengers.

Tell it to the customs machine

Can an ATM do the job of a customs agent? Norway says yes.

Declaring extra alcohol or cigarettes at Norway airports is now as easy as withdrawing money from an ATM. According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, Norway is the first country to install automated teller machines as part of its customs. As of April 1, travellers can declare goods and even pay duty with their bank cards.

The move will free up customers personnel to deal with more serious incidents of smuggling.

Carry-on safety “measures” go global

Canadian and American travelers are already used to carry-on restrictions that limit the amount of gel, liquids and aerosols that can be packed in carry-on luggage. As of March 31, 2007 many other countries such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand will have these security measures in place. According to media sources, the new measures will likely cause confusion and delays for air travelers.

The new restrictions mean that travelers will be allowed to carry no more than 100ml of gels, aerosols or liquids and must present these items in a re-sealable plastic bag of about 1 litre in volume. This bag must be presented for screening separately from all other carry-on luggage.

Full details of the restrictions can be found at the Flysmart and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.

Where can you find information about terrorist activity?

With the threat of terrorism prevalent in governmental advice and new attacks constantly hitting the media, it can be difficult to understand the complicated conflicts occurring in some countries.

The Memorial Institute for the Prevent of Terrorism (MIPT) maintains an online resource called the Terrorism Knowledge Base (TKB). This site provides data about terrorist groups and incidents. The information includes the history, ideology, locations and tactics of various groups around the world.

The site is well worth a look for everyone concerned about terrorist activity in the countries to which they are traveling.

Do you know where to pack a snow globe?

Carry-on restrictions prohibit certain quantities of liquids, but what about snow globes?

Snow globes must be packed in your checked baggage, according to an update from the Transportation Security Administration. Size and documentation won’t exempt you from this rule.