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

If you’re traveling from the US to the UK for the first time, the arrivals process at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are very easy and well-marked. After flying for up to twelve hours, and usually overnight, it may be helpful to know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

The plane you’ve traveled on usually empties quite quickly, as most people are anxious to get going on their journey (or to return home). There will be some walking involved, as many long-haul flights pull into gates far away from the terminals. If this will present a problem, be sure to arrange for a wheelchair in advance.

The first stop will be passport control. There are two separate lines - one for European Union (EU) and British nationals and another for everyone else. Make sure you queue up in the second line. The wait can be quite long, especially if several flights arrive simultaneously from the States. Security is extremely important, so as sleep-deprived and antsy as you may be, please be patient.

At the passport booth, an immigration officer will ask for your passports and documentation cards necessary for your visit, which you’ll have already received and completed on the plane. (The cards will ask for the name and address of where you’re staying, so be sure to keep that with you.) Your passport cannot expire during your visit – so it’s critical you update your passport before your flight if this is the case.

The next step is to pick up your luggage. The carousels are marked, and your bags are usually already waiting for you because of the wait at immigration. Carts are available free of charge.

Finally, you need to clear customs. Nearly everyone entering the UK for vacation will use the “green channel” (clearly marked) because there will be nothing to declare. If for some reason you are carrying goods for sale or anything over the allowance, check in at the “red point.”

You’re nearly done! There is last-minute duty-free shopping, in case you need it. Make your way to the arrivals hall, where transportation (taxis, rental cars, buses) and meeting places are clearly marked.

The greatest expenses for your London vacation will most likely be airfare and accommodations.  If flying in comfort and style are your main priority, there are many options amongst the airlines for traveling either in first or business class.  If you’re like the rest of us, finding the most affordable seats with the least amount of hassle is probably what you have in mind!   Here are five basics you need to know before you go:

1.  Do your homework.   If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to save some money immediately.   Since you’re already on the internet, start checking dates above and getting an idea for what your fare will cost.

2.  Peak vacation time is mid-April through mid-October, so you may be able to save money by flying in the off-season.

3.  London’s primary airport is Heathrow (LHR), just 15 miles west of the city center.  While Gatwick Airport (LGW) is twice the distance, south of London, it may afford you some savings on your air travel — but those savings could be easily eaten by ground transportation to and from the airport itself.   Check both, since better deals may be available to Gatwick from your hometown.

4.  Package deals (which include both airfare and hotel) may help you save money on your two biggest expenses.  You can inquire directly with the various airlines, or you can Visit Travelocity for London Deals.

5.  Take advantage of frequent flyer programs.  Even if you don’t have enough points for a full ticket, you may be able to purchase points from the airlines to cover the difference — so you end up with basically a discounted ticket.  Using American Express or airlines’ credit cards will help you earn miles faster on every day purchases, and these can add up over time.