Security measures from Continental and Northwest

To assure air travellers of a safe travel, airlines have implemented strict security measures, especially on luggage concerns. Here are the measures implemented by Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Continental is adhering to recent heightened security directives. Authorities have implemented increased security measures at all airports. Customers should be aware of new security screening requirements and the possibility of longer-than-usual screening delays at security check points. Continental encourages travelers to do the following to expedite security screening and to adhere to screening requirements:

• Passengers should arrive at the terminal at least three hours before departure in anticipation of security screening delays.

• Minimize carry-on luggage

• Do not pack any liquids or gels of any kind on carry-on baggage. Additional restrictions apply for flights departing the U.K., and specific informations can be found at continental.com. Continental is revising ticket-change rules for customers travelling to/from the U.K. Travellers who are ticketed to travel on these routes on/before Sept. 1, may alter their travel dates, based on seat availability, without penalty. Meanwhile, effective Aug. 10, 2006, the U. S. Transport Security Administration(TSA) has informed Northwest that travellers are not allowed to transport any liquids, gels, lotions or similar items in their carry-on luggage. This includes items such as beverages, hairspray, toothpaste and shampoo. Customers are advised to transport these items in their checked luggage. Security will remove these items from customers' carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints. Allowed on carry - on luggage are the following:

• Baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is travelling. Other TSA policy exceptions include prescription medicine with a name that matches the name on the passengers ticket, insulin and nonprescription medicines, but these items must be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint.

• Expect to be asked to remove all shoes at security checkpoints. While this is a common occurrence, you can expect these checks to be nearly universal.

• Northwest Airlines will not accommodate unaccompanied minors or pets connecting through its Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul or Memphis hubs on flights scheduled Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006.

• Follow all directives from Security personnel. This is a developing situation and protocols may change as new information becomes available.

• Leave extra time to transit the airports. We encourage domestic customers to arrive two hours prior to departure and three hours for international destinations. For more current updates, it will be posted on the TSA's Web site at www.tsa.gov or www.nwa.com/ph. For next Sundays' issue, watch for the Enhanced Security Measures for Cabin Bag Restrictions to various destinations. For your comments, you can reach me at Delmar Travel & Tours, Inc. Tel. (32) 2536561 & 2536571 or by email at: marilou@delmartravelphils.com.