COMING AND GOING
COMING AND GOING
U.K. Restrictions Remain
Sunday, October 1, 2006; Page P01
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GEL WATCH
U.K. Restrictions Remain
It's all very well that U.S. air passengers can now bring toothpaste, shampoo and other liquids or gels in their carry-on baggage , but don't take them on board if you're traveling through or departing from the United Kingdom .
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Although the U.S. Transportation Security Administration last week eased its ban on liquid and gels in carry-on bags, Britain, where the whole terrorism-in-a-bottle problem surfaced, has not followed suit.
The United States now allows travel-size toiletries, up to three ounces each, to pass through security checkpoints if they're contained in one clear, quart-size zip-lock bag, and passengers may carry on liquids purchased inside the airport's security zone. (For full details, see the TSA Web site, http:/
The Web site for London's Heathrow Airport ( http:/
SECURITY WATCH
Line Skipping: Unfair?
Pat Taylor of Washington was angry about waiting in a long security line in Salt Lake City's airport while Delta's first-class, business-class and elite frequent fliers breezed through a separate security line. "I consider it outrageous that those who buy more expensive tickets jump this taxpayer- funded line," said Taylor. She asked CoGo: How can taxpayers protest?
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which staffs the checkpoints, would seem the obvious place to complain. Not really, said spokeswoman Amy Kudwa. "How people are queued before reaching security is up to the airlines ," she said. The airlines employ the workers who check your boarding pass and ID before allowing you to proceed to TSA checkpoints.
But of course the government could ban the airlines from creating special lines en route to security checkpoints. CoGo, if incensed, would complain to Congress .
But CoGo isn't incensed. Extremely frequent fliers who pay first- and business-class fares keep the airlines afloat and make possible those money-losing leisure fares CoGo seeks. If a quicker line keeps them willing to pay exponentially more for a seat, bless 'em.
If you disagree, now is the time to fight , as the government moves closer toward elite lines -- that is, expedited service for "Registered Travelers" who agree to a background check, a $30 fee to the TSA and fees to private companies that administer the program. Best guesses are that they'll charge about $100 to sign up, plus a yearly fee. The TSA is accepting comments on its draft proposals for the "RT" program through Wednesday. Go to http:/
TRAVEL TICKER
A Maryland man wanted the chicken meal on American Airlines so badly during a flight from Zurich to New York last week that when he learned only beef was left, he punched the flight attendant. He was wrestled under control by passengers and crew members and upon landing was arrested. This apparently marks the first time in aviation history that someone felt an airline meal was worth fighting for . . . Watch the prices drop every 20 minutes by random amounts during an online American Express "reverse" auction. One destination a day will be featured at http:/
BARGAIN OF THE WEEK
Hamburg, With Relish
Emirates Airlines has inaugural fares and free hotel or car rental to mark its nonstop service between New York and Hamburg, Germany, set to begin Oct. 29. Fare is $425, including about $68 in taxes; fare on other airlines is about $580 with connections. Economy passengers get a free night at the Hamburg Marriott (worth about $306) or a three-day Audi car rental (value about $312). Buy by Oct. 15 travel Oct. 29-Nov. 30 or Jan. 8-Feb. 28. Info: 800-777-3999, www.emirates.com.
Reporting: Cindy Loose
Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By fax: 202-912-3609. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.
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