Due to the uncovering of a terrorist plot this morning in Britain to blow up US-bound commercial airliners in mid-air, the US Department of Homeland Security has raised the terror threat level to Orange (High). Because of the Code Orange alert, the Transportation Security Administration has banned certain items from being taken aboard carry-on luggage on All flights operating in or to the United States:

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE.

This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Exception: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.

Please check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you should arrive at the airport.

A good rule of thumb would be to utilize check in luggage and minimize carry luggage for more efficient check-in.

All flights between the United States and the United Kingdom:

Nothing may be carried in passengers' pockets. Also, handbags i.e. women's purses, laptop bags, camera cases and similar items are not allowed for carry on.

Passengers may only take through the airport security checkpoint, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag the following items:

• pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (money, credit cards, identity cards, etc.)
• travel documents essential for the journey (passports and travel tickets)
• prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (a diabetic kit for example), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
• spectacles and sunglasses, without cases
• contact lens holders, without bottles of solution
• for those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (wipes, creams, disposal bags)
• female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed
• tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
• keys (but no electrical key fobs)
• There will be no liquids or gels allowed to/from the UK. Duty free from the UK will not be allowed, however, duty free onboard will continue.

All UK transiting passengers will be required to check any carry-ons they bring to the airport regardless of origination. For passengers who have already left the US and will be connecting in the UK, they will not be allowed to use the transit area in the UK airports and will be routed back to the ticket counters to check their carry-on luggage.

Because of the increased security, delays of two hours or more are being reported at most major US airports.