Travel Safety, Article 2

Airline Safety:

A disturbing trend is occurring in the airline industry; the outsourcing of major maintenance to third parties - including many overseas vendors known as foreign repair stations. In a Senate floor speech, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) said in part, "Airlines such as Northwest send some of their aircraft as far as Singapore and Hong Kong for heavy maintenance. We have one major carrier, JetBlue, that sends a large portion of its all-Airbus fleet to be maintained in El Salvador, Central America. America West Airlines, now merged with US Airways, does the same thing."

In 2005, the following airlines had over 50% of their major maintenance outsourced:
  • Alaska
  • Hawaiian
  • US Airways
  • Northwest
  • America West (merged with US Airways)
  • Continental
  • JetBlue
  • Southwest
  • Air-Tran
  • Frontier
  • United
The FAA has begun using an electronic surveillance system called the Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS). It relies more heavily on computer modeling and less on actual inspections. We think that is a mistake. Often, third party repair centers employ non-certified mechanics. In fact, one such company, TIMCO, had 27 undocumented workers employed as aircraft mechanics performing major maintenance such as flight systems overhauls and engine change outs. Immgration agents arrested them in March of 2005. And it's perfectly legal as long as the work is signed off by an FAA licensed mechanic.

The problem, as we see it, is two fold. First, reducing on site inspections as outsourcing grows is not in the best interest of airline safety. While overall safety in this country remains good, red flags are being raised across the industry. Secondly, as repairs increase in third world countries, overall security is compromised.

We understand that airlines are struggling to recover in the aftermath of 9/11 and outsourcing is one way to reduce their overhead in terms of maintenance expense. If the same rules were in place for outsource vendors that apply to airline employees then we would have far less concern about the quality of repairs being made. We also believe that more FAA inspections, particularly with domestic and foreign outsource vendors, should occur.

What can you do as a consumer? Voice your opinion to the airlines and to your elected officials. You might also want to do business with companies that don't outsource their maintenance. ATA, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has one of the lowest percentages of outsourcing of all the major airlines; about 18%.

Despite recent events, air travel is still far safer than travel by car. There were 41,800 autombile deaths in 2000 compared to 755 deaths for general aviation, airlines, and all other commercial aviation combined (there were 738 deaths from bicycles that same year!) Even so, there are a lot of things you can do to improve your chances of survival should an accident occur and to make getting through security as painless as possible.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative:
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration's proposed plan to implement this mandate. What does that mean for you?

Travel by Air:
ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

Travel by Land or Sea:
ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Safe and efficient air travel begins at home. If you frequently fly, then you may be interested in the Registered Traveler (RT) program. Under RT, travelers who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent resident aliens, or nationals of the United States volunteer to undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-conducted security threat assessment (STA) in order to confirm that they do not pose or are not suspected of posing a threat to transportation or national security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cost is currently $28 per year. Once you are registered, you are entitled to:
  • Modified airport configuration to minimize RT passenger wait times, including dedicated or integrated lines and lanes;
  • Enhanced customer service for RT participants, such as divesting assistance, concierge service for luggage, and parking privileges;
  • Discounts for service or concessions
At present, the following airports and airlines are participating in the RT program. You can contact one of them for additional information on enrolling:
  • British Airways (operating out of Terminal 7 at JFK)
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
  • Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Safety starts before you make reservations. If you are planning to travel out of the country, we recommend you check the State Department's web site for any warning related to the country of your destination. You can do that on their Travel Information page.

Consular Information Sheets are issued on every country in the world and offer advice on a wide range of subjects such as health conditions, the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and a lot more.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation; Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad.

Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information about foreign medical care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.

For information related to immunizations and disease for a particular country, you can visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health page.

Many airlines now allow you to choose your seat when you make reservations on the internet. Choose an isle seat near an exit for the quickest evacuation.

Choose the Right Luggage:
There are two considerations to make for luggage. The first is total number of pieces and the second is the weight of each piece of luggage. Most airlines will allow two pieces of checked luggage and one carry on per person.

Increasingly, airlines are reducing the weight of luggage they will carry for free and charging extra for every piece of luggage that exceeds their restrictions. If you arrive at the airport with three pieces of luggage for check in and one is over weight, you can expect to pay a hefty fee for the extra piece and an additional charge for being overweight. You may want to check the fine print as well. Many airlines accept excess baggage on a "space available" basis meaning it may not arrive the same time you do. In most cases it will but you need to understand your airline may have an exclusion on excess bags.

Charges are generally per flight, not round trip. If you change airlines during your trip, you can expect to pay excess fees to both companies. Check with your airline's web page or call them with questions concerning luggage size and weight requirements as well as the fees they charge for excess or overweight bags and if those bags are flown on a "space available" basis.

Checked baggage is subject to being hand searched so if you want to lock your luggage, use a (TSA) approved lock. Approved locks can be unlocked by TSA screeners and relocked. You can purchase TSA approved locks at the airport or most travel shops. Many national retailers such as Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Meijer and Lowes also carry them.

If you don't want a screener handling your personal items, place them inside a clear zip top bag. That way the screener can see what the item is. By the way, if you use a lock that is not approved by the TSA then they assume no liability for any damage that results to your luggage when they open it.

Make certain all luggage is clearly identified with your name and address.

Watch how you dress:
You may want to be comfortable or professional looking during your flight but sandles and high heels will make it very difficult to evacuate an aircraft in the event of an accident. Be smart! Wear slacks, a long sleeved shirt and sturdy foot wear. Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They are less flamable.

Many items of jewelry or clothing are likely to set off the security alarm. Things like body piercings and underwire bras may not be given a second thought but could result in further delay. You may even be asked to remove you body piercing in private. Remember, if you set off the alarm, you will undergo screening that could include wanding or pat down so reduce metal objects on your person before you get there. You can relocate metal objects such as watches and keys to your carry on luggage long enough to pass through the security screening.

Shoes, Coats and Jackets:
Your shoes will have to pass through xray so wear something that you can easily remove and put back on.

Coats and jackets must also pass through xray. If you can pack them in your carry on until you get through the checkpoint, all the better.

When packing, adhere to the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) rules on banned articles. You can check the TSA's web site for the latest list of banned items.

Keeping you and your fellow travelers safe is a tough job and one they take very seriously so make it easier on yourself and them and educate yourself on what you can and cannot take on board the aircraft and what can not be packed in checked luggage.

Read their information carefully. Bringing banned items to the security check point is illegal and can result in your arrest!

According to TSA, "more than 3,000 firearms have been intercepted since TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation's 450 airports in February 2002. Nationwide, ammunition is intercepted more than 2,000 times each month. All firearms and ammunition must be declared to airline ticket agents and properly stored in checked baggage."

Adhere to their 311 rule for carry ons:
  • 3 ounces or smaller of gel or liquids
  • 1 one quart size, clear plastic, zip top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers
  • 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin
Check with your airline to determine how soon you need to check in before flight time and always check each leg of your flight schedule before you leave to ensure it meets the information you have and that flights are departing on time.

Things You Must Have With You:
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport (passport is required for international flights), and your boarding pass. You can obtain your boarding pass by:
  • Going to your airline's ticket counter at the airport
  • Using curbside check-in
  • Using your airline's self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby, or
  • Printing the boarding pass from your airline's website
You will need to have both your ID and your boarding pass available until after you pass through security. Children under 18 do not need photo IDs for domestic flights, but the adults checking in with them will.

If you are not traveling but need to assist someone with a medical condition that is traveling, check with your airline for the proper documentation you will need.

Things You Need to Take With You in Your Carryon:
  • Change of clothes
  • Medications
  • Contact lens/Glasses
  • Personal care products
  • Small flashlight
Airports and Your Car:

Drop Off:
Security requirements can vary by airport but in general, vehicles are permitted to park curbside in front of the terminal for ACTIVE unloading ONLY. Vehicles left unattended for any length of time can be ticketed and/or towed. If security or police request you to move your vehicle, do so. If you will be accompanying someone inside the terminal then it is best to utilize short term parking and remember that you will not be permitted past security unless you are assisting someone with a medical condition.

Long Term Parking:
Following some simple vehicle safety precautions will ensure your return home is both safe and enjoyable.
  1. Never leave items in your vehicle that can melt under the hot sun or freeze during cold winter nights.
  2. Never leave valuable items in plain sight. Leave them at home or place them in the trunk.
  3. Park under a light if you are departing or returning at night.
  4. Always know where you parked. Know WHICH lot you parked in and where you parked within that lot. Many lots are sectioned off by alphabet or color and post large signs on the light standards. Park near one or locate the nearest one and remember where you parked.
  5. Turn your lights off, pocket your keys, then lock your car.
You can either check you bags at the curb (if available) or the ticket counter or you may choose to carry your bag on board with you (if it meets carry-on criteria). Either way, keep a sharp eye on your bags at all times. They can disappear in only a moment. If you have to set a bag down at the ticket counter or food vendor's kiosk, then place your foot on the carry strap and stand on it. If your bag doesn't have a strap, wedge it between the wall of the counter and your leg. Thieves look for an easy mark and they will spot your efforts to protect your luggage and, hopefully, move on.

If you've followed our recommendations then your trip through security should be quick and uneventful. Move your metal objects such as keys, PDA and cell phone to your carryon luggage. Have your identification and boarding pass out and available for review. Once you reach the security checkpoint, remember that all laptops must be removed from their bags and placed in a tray along with any jacket or coat and your shoes as well as the zip lock bag of liquids and gels if you brought one.

Follow any requests the TSA officer makes and you should be through security in no time.

Once you board the aircraft, the most important thing you can do in the event of an accident is to have a plan.
  1. Take note of where you are seated in relation to the nearest exits. Count the number of rows between you and the two closest exits. If an accident occurs and smoke fills the cabin you may not be able to see the exits. Instead, you may have to count the number of seat backs to reach the exit.
  2. Study the aircraft safety card in the seatback in front you and listen to the flight attendants as they give their safety talk. We know it's mundane and no one pays attention to those things but each aircraft is different and knowing what to do in advance could be the difference between life and death.
  3. Use your seat belt. Keep it fastened while you are seated and move about the cabin as little as possible. According to the General Services Administration (GSA), nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10 year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened.
  4. Stow your carryon under the seat in front of you rather than in the overhead bin. Leg and feet injuries can occur during an accident as they fly forward. Having your carryon under the seat will help stop forward movement of your legs and feet.
  5. Remove pens and other sharp objects from you pockets.
  6. Follow the instructions of the flight attendants.
In a recent study spanning the years 1983 - 2000 (the latest data available), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found the overall accident survival rate was 95.7%. 1

Certain devices used on board the aircraft, both on the ground and in-flight, may radiate electronic pulses affecting the aircraft navigational or communications equipment. Devices that cannot be used on board an aircraft:
  • Radios - AM, FM, VHF, battery or cord operated TV sets, TV cameras
  • Electronic games or toys with remote control, except those installed on the aircraft
  • Cordless computer mouse
  • Portable Global Positioning System (G.P.S.)
Once you arrive at your destination, carefully check your bags to ensure you are retrieving the correct ones.

Check on real time airport delays or track a specific flight at Flight View.com.

Well, that's it for airline safety. For a look at Rail, Bus and Ship Safety.

1NTSB (2001) Survivability of accidents involving Part 121 US air carrier operations, 1983 through 2000. Reference NTSB/SR-01/01,PB2001-917001. Washington, DC.



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