See the MEC e-lines below. In PHL, since about mid morning, the flight attendants have been allowed to go through security with their cosmetics and shampoos, but it has been hit and miss at the different terminals. A West terminal hasn't been as consistent as B terminal. There still are some airports that are not exempting crews. Seattle is one that we know of. If any of you have problems, let us know and we will investigate and put out an e-line warning flight attendants of the problems.

Please be vigilant when flying and keep your eyes open for anything that is unusual.

Laura Albert
LEC President
PHL Council 70
302-331-7544
lalbert@afausairways.org

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Dear Members,

We will continue to keep you informed as events develop.

(AFA EAP is available for assistance to Flight Attendants. Call 1-800-424-2406 for assistance.)

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Dear Members,

AFA US Airways' Safety, Health Committee, and your MEC is working with US Airways to keep you abreast of security concerns and procedures. All crews should continue to remain vigilant and observe our security procedures and be aware of any modified security procedures at the airport. 

Due to the developments in Great Britain late night, the Security level in the US has been raised to orange, and to red in Great Britain. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally are prohibited from carrying any liquid, gels or creams in there carry on baggage. Working crew members in uniform are exempt from this requirement on domestic trips. Crew members working international flights may be subject to the stricter policy and may be prohibited from carrying the above mentioned items in their carry on luggage. 

The most current information being distributed by the company is- crew members departing GB will be subject to the stricter policy, therefore, crew scheduling is in the process of contacting crew members scheduled to fly trips to Great Britain and advising them not to carry liquids, gels, creams, on their trips.  Stations in Great Britain will provide RON kits containing the basic amenities, such as, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. 

This situation developed early this morning and initially crew members were NOT exempt and some crew members had personal items confiscated by TSA. The company will provide for reimbursement for the confiscated items as well as necessary items purchased during your trip. The Company is currently developing a form for this purpose and will have it in all crew bases later today. Please save your receipts. 

Passengers are allowed to bring prescription medication in a liquid form and baby formula, but those items will be subject to inspection. Crew members flying trips to Great Britain will be allowed to do the same. 

There were also instances this morning where crew members were late for check-in due to the increased security, and the company will not consider those instances as a dependability event. Obviously security lines will be long for the foreseeable future even at those airports that may have crew security lines. The company is asking that you keep crew scheduling informed if you suspect that you may be delayed. 

There have been rumors that some of our flights were targets, but the TSA and the Dept. of Homeland Security have not released any specific targets. 

We will continue to keep you informed as events develop.

(AFA EAP is available for assistance to Flight Attendants. Call 1-800-424-2406 for assistance.)

Thank You

Your MEC

Background from news media: British police say they've foiled a terrorist plot to simultaneously blow up several aircraft in mid-flight between the United Kingdom and the United States. The plan was to smuggle liquid explosives in hand luggage onto as many as 10 U.S. flag carrier flights, officials said Thursday. Police arrested 21 people in London, High Wycombe and Birmingham and searches were continuing in a number of homes.

"We are confident that we have disrupted a plan by terrorists," London Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Stephenson told reporters.

London's Heathrow Airport was closed on Thursday to most incoming flights not already in the air, while security was increased at all British airports. Security was raised to its highest level in Britain and carry-on luggage on all trans-Atlantic flights was banned. Passengers were only permitted to take aboard essential items, such as passports and wallets, and only then in a transparent plastic bag.

Meanwhile, massive crowds formed at security barriers at London's Heathrow Airport as officials searching for explosives barred just about every type of liquid except baby formula. Both the U.K. and U.S. have stepped up security, causing severe delays at airports following the announcement of the plot, which a police source said was believed to involve a "liquid chemical" device.

In an effort to continue the investigation, extensive information about the intelligence acquired by officials is not being released to the public. We encourage all crews to remain vigilant to our safety and security procedures. AFA is working with US Airways and the Transportation Security Administration to ensure the safety of all crews and passengers.