According to Reuters, disclosure this week in the U.K. of the alleged plot to smuggle bombs on aircraft disguised as beverages immediately brought extreme new security measures and chaos at airports on both sides of the Atlantic. People flying between the U.S. and the U.K. must be prepared for an extensive search and screening process. You must arrive three hours prior to your flights.

On August 13, British Airways cancelled one-third of its flights from London’s Heathrow airport in an escalating argument with airport authorities about how to handle tougher security.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re travelling to London in the immediate future. According to the U.S. State Department website:

“There are approximately 106 flights per day between the United Kingdom and the United States. Although numerous arrests have been made in the U.K. to disrupt and neutralize this threat, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking a number of heightened protective measures to ensure the continued safety and security of our international and domestic air travel.”

As you have undoubtedly heard, absolutely no liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on luggage, but they may be placed in checked baggage. This includes beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, lotions, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions:
1) baby formula and breast milk, but only when a baby or small child is traveling;
2) prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and
3) insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.

Some measures will not be visible to the public. In light of the elevated threat level, the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS) will provide expanded mission coverage for flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. DHS and its components have coordinated closely with the air carrier industry, airports, and state and local stakeholders to implement these significant, but necessary, security measures. The traveling public can assist these agencies in carrying out their important security duties by:
• Packing lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening.
• Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you should arrive at the airport.
• Cooperating with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates because TSA Security Officers will be checking carry-on baggage at the gate.
• Being attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity.

Websites for both United Airlines and American Airlines’ specify what you can and cannot carry on the planes between the U.S. and the U.K. From the U.S. to the U.K., no liquids or gels are allowed in carry-on bags and approved electronic devices are allowed. From the U.K. to the U.S., carry-on bags must be checked and electronic devices must be checked (including iPods, cell phones, and laptop computers). Both airlines are waiving excess baggage charges through mid-August – up to two excess pieces. Check for confirmation before leaving for the airport.

When returning to the United States, you must obey the following new regulations for carry-on items. You must put your items in one clear plastic bag, and nothing may be kept in your pockets. The allowable items are:

• pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (money, credit cards, identity cards, etc. but not handbags or purses)
• travel documents essential for the journey (passports and travel tickets)
• prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (a diabetic kit for example), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
• eye glasses and sunglasses, without cases
• contact lens cases (saline solution is NOT allowed)
• if traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (wipes, creams, disposal bags)
• female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed
• tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
• keys (but no electrical key fobs)
• non-liquid/gel items purchased at duty-free