Passengers from “certain overseas airports” flying to the US are being told to have their mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices charged before they board the flight, online reports say.It is unclear at present what the situation is for passengers to and from the UAE, because the list of airports has not yet been published
All passengers flying into or out of the UK are also advised to ensure electronic and electrical devices in hand luggage are sufficiently charged to be switched on.Extra security checks came in at some UK airports last week for flights to the US, but these will now be extended. The government says the checks apply to unspecified flights to and from the UK. It comes after an apparent terror threat prompted the US to announce extra security checks last week. The Department for Transport (DfT) has now issued updated guidelines, saying: “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.
Approximately 1.8 million passengers pass through the USA airports every day. TSA has prepared the TSA Traveler’s Guide to help ensure passengers have the answers they need to common security screening questions. For travelers on-the-go, TSA has the “My TSA” mobile application for iOS (iPhone) devices, Android smartphones and mobile web users.
Etihad Airways will personalise its social media presence by offering potential customers direct travel tips, while hoping the campaign will attract more customers. It promises to respond within 10 minutes to queries on its Facebook and Twitter pages with suggestions for hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in dozens of cities worldwide – and then offer to make bookings via Etihad Holidays.A team of online scouts will respond to general travel-related posts on the social media sites, “surprising users” with tips related to their trip. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information
http://www.pcworld.com/article/218671/9_ways_to_keep_your_mobile_devices_secure.html
A number of countries have laws that require you to produce a password if requested by law enforcement officials. In some of these countries, refusal to provide the password can result in arrest and time in jail. USA and Canada Customs occasionally searches laptops when a traveler returns to the country. They have been known to retain laptops for further analysis if a traveler refuses to unlock the system. It is advisable to unlock the laptop when asked by the Custom officers.
There are some additional factors to consider if you are traveling internationally with encrypted laptops.
The USA and Canada government export regulations includes an exemption for the personal use of encryption technology on portable devices except if the travel is to one of the countries that the US and Canada has designated as supporting terrorism (i.e. Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria). You must remove any encryption technology if you will be traveling to these countries.
Some countries have their own regulations restricting the use of encryption. The most prominent are France, South Africa, China and Russia
Etihad also announced this week the addition of more than 1,400 of the airline’s weekly flights to Google Inc’s Flights service. Google Flight Search lets passengers in select territories in North America and Europe view live ticket prices for Etihad’s 103 destinations
Some useful websites: In addition to the well know Lonely Planet and Trip advisor sites these are also worth adding to your favourites
WORLDTRAVELGUIDE.NET: With information visa regulations, how much duty free you can bring back, what the main sights are or when the best time of year to go is, this site also lists contact details for embassies and tourist boards
TRAVEL.STATE.GOV: A US government website providing country specific information for every country of the world. Featuring information about whether travellers need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical considerations, drug penalties and localised hot spots. Similarly the UK’s website is FCO.GOV.
SIMONSEEKS.COM: Featuring travel guides and holiday reviews written by experts, enthusiasts and celebrities.
