A Message to the Less Frequent Flyer: Pay Attention to Travel Advisories

Due to the potential for strong anti-American sentiment because of U.S. retaliatory actions taken in Afghanistan, U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world are at risk. As a result, the U.S. State Department has issued numerous travel warnings.

The State Department urges Americans to “review their circumstances carefully and to take all appropriate measures to ensure their personal safety.” When traveling abroad, Americans are urged to monitor local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

Consult the State Dept.’s Website

U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should go to http://travel.state.gov/ to consult the State Department ‘s Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Fact Sheets, and regional travel brochures.

American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. Additionally, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the State Department at 202-647-5225 or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.

Review the New FAA Rules

On October 8, 2001 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued new guidelines to help air travelers meet heightened security measures implemented since the September 11th attacks.

For starters, air travelers are now limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e., briefcase, purse). And nail clippers, safety razors (including disposable razors), and tweezers are now permitted in your carry-on bag. For more information, go to http://www.faa.gov/.

Business Travel Will Recover — Slowly

Due to the additional one to three hours needed to satisfy new airline security requirements, coupled with many travelers’ fear of flying, business people are traveling less often. According to a September 18th survey cited by the Conference Board, a global research organization, 58% of corporate travel managers said their companies would reduce travel. Some of the travel reductions are a side effect of slower economic growth.

Foreign travel is down as well. Reported on November 11th, British Airways profits were down 85% from the previous year, KLM profits were down by 77%, and SAS profits were down by 250%. As a substitute to overseas travel, more companies are becoming more familiar with videoconferencing.

New Security Proposals May Increase Travel Confidence

A proposal to make air travel safer while reducing waiting time incorporates technology designed to scan a passenger’s iris, hand or face. This information is compared to the data on the passenger’s ID “smart” card and sent through an FBI watch list. According to the Financial Times, Boston’s Logan Airport has announced plans to introduce facial recognition technology.

About The Author John Manzella [Full Bio]

John Manzella, founder of the Manzella Report, is a world-recognized speaker, author of several books, and an international columnist on global business, trade policy, labor, and the latest economic trends. His valuable insight, analysis and strategic direction have been vital to many of the world's largest corporations, associations and universities preparing for the business, economic and political challenges ahead.




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