New THAI security arrangements for UK & US flights

[JimboPSM]

[quote]THAI Increases Special Security Arrangements for Flights to the United Kingdom and the United States of America

Because of the plans for terrorism on board aircraft, uncovered in England on 10th August 2006, there was a temporary closure of service at every airport in the United Kingdom, and strict additional security procedures have been introduced.

Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, Board Director, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, has announced that THAI is adding more special security arrangements for passengers on every THAI flight to the United Kingdom and the United States of America to follow regulations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States of America and British Airport Authority (BAA) in the United Kingdom, established for airlines departing for the United Kingdom and the United States of America as follows:

Security Arrangement for Passengers

1. Passengers are restricted from bringing carry-on items, but these may be transported as checked baggage

2. Passengers can bring personal belongings or items listed by security which have to be contained in a plastic bag that can be seen clearly as follows:

2.1 Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (e.g. money, credit cards, identity card), but not the handbag (applies only to UK flights)

2.2 Travel documents essential for journey such as passports, traveling tickets

2.3 Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger

[Prenders88]

[quote="JimboPSM"][quote]THAI Increases Special Security Arrangements for Flights to the United Kingdom and the United States of America






A few thoughts about the impact of this:

Bigger and longer queues both at check in at departure airport and at the carousels of the arrival airport - it will be almost impossible now for anyone not to have checked baggage. Just think, a 747 will have about 450 more checked bags each flight so 450 more bags on the carousel

Mobile phones to go into checked baggage

[JimboPSM]

I have a Blackberry and a Laptop I would not risk them in checked baggage. The way luggage is thrown around, it would not do the Laptop any good being subject to shock.

Does that mean you would not take them with you or would you just give up travelling until (hopefully) some sanity is restored?

[izzix]

can you checkin 2 bags ? main big one and a hand baggage ? total 37kilos as the regular allowance?

[JimboPSM]

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, information from THAI website:

How much luggage am I allowed to check?

The luggage allowance for Royal First Class is 40 kg. (88 lbs.); for Royal Executive Class passengers: 30 kg. (66 lbs.); and for Economy Class passengers: 20 kg. (44 lb.).

Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members are entitled to check an additional 20 kg. (44 lbs.). Royal Orchid Plus Silver Card members can check an additional 10 kg. (22 lbs.) of luggage.

Infants (not occupying a seat) are allowed 10 kg. (22 lbs.) excluding one fully-collapsible child stroller, pushchair, or infant-carrying basket.

For travel To/from Canada and the U.S.A., the following regulations apply:
Passengers in all classes of service, from First to Economy, are allowed two pieces of luggage. The sum of the three dimensions (length + height + width) for each piece cannot exceed 158 cm. (62 inches) and the weight of each piece cannot exceed 32 kgs. (70 lbs).

A Child (2-12 years) occupying a seat is entitled to the same free luggage allowance as an adult passenger.

An Infant (not occupying a seat) is entitled to one piece of checked luggage, the sum of whose three dimensions does not exceed 115 cm. (45 inches), plus one fully-collapsible child stroller or pushchair or infant-carrying basket.

How many pieces of carry-on luggage am I allowed?

Each passengers may hand-carry one piece luggage the sum of whose dimensions (length+ height + width) does not exceed 115 cm. ( 56 + 46 + 25 cm) (44.85 inches, i.e. 21.5 x 18 x 9.75 inches) and which does not weigh more than seven kg. (15.4 lbs).

Pieces exceeding these dimensions must be checked in at the Check-in counter prior to departure. A woman is allowed to carry a purse as well.

Nothing to do with thread, but I was intrigued by this on THAI site

Recommendation for Obese Passenger
For your travel comfort, the obese passenger is recommended to travel in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class where seat is big enough for your accommodation. Should you prefer economy class, however, additional seat should be purchased for your accommodation as well.

THAI appear to believe that obese people are also rich

[Paul]

I have just returned from Bkk Airport this evening - and its pretty much as stated above. My relatives were told at the actual check in (after standing in the que for almost an hour that NO hand luggage is permitted on flights to the UK. They were given a clear plastic bag to put in their passports and wallets/purses and everything else had to be x-rayed, sealed and put in the hold. Excess allowance accordingly was given.
It was strange that the passengers who were alighting in the middle east (connecting flight) were allowed to carry normal hand luggage)

What was annoying too was that when they had stowage baggage x-rayed, the staff did not inform them that ALL bags would need to be checked through - hence there was an enormous backlog of people re-checking what they thought was going to be allowed on board, and then there was no word from airline staff that hand luggage was not allowed - until they were stood in front of the check in desk. Had they been informed earlier (whilst standing in the que, it would have saved much time - instead it took 20 -25 minutes to check in, once they reached the check in desk.

Needless to say the flight was delayed and I have no idea what time they actually departed (if at all).

Everyone agreed though that a few extra checks are better than the alternative !!!!

Upon enquiring about duty free - after passing through immigration, they were told NO LIQUIDS at all.

The only advice I could give was to make sure (before they left the airport) that the cameras, video camcorders and all souvenirs are not damaged. I know only too well how baggage is treated once its left your person.
I am not sure what I would have done if they had insisted on putting a laptop or similar in the hold - by all accounts it was do as they request or you dont fly!

For anyone flying in the next few days - check in early.

Domestic flights were not affected (well Udon-Bkk wasn't)

There was certainly a marked security presence in Bkk airport. Dogs, armed soldiers etc.

Sad times for sure.

[Dakoda]

The only advice I could give was to make sure (before they left the airport) that the cameras, video camcorders and all souvenirs are not damaged. I know only too well how baggage is treated once its left your person.

think you will be lucky to ever see these items again So don't worry about damage

Everyone agreed though that a few extra checks are better than the alternative !!!!

ya right either way you still have a 50/50 chance of arriving