After last year’s failed terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound DeltaAirlines jet, changes to airport security have been coming fast and furious. Multiple security initiatives have been released, modified and retracted by the Department of Homeland Security, so many that it can be confusing to sift out what the real rules are when headed to the airport.

Fear not, for at Suitetrip we’ve distilled the full battery of initiatives into this current state of airport security.

What’s important to first point out is that all of the new in-flightrules only apply to flights bound for the United States. Any flight
operating domestically or leaving US soil will not be subject to any in-flight security changes.

Those of us that are flying into the states are subject to additional security screening at the airport (though the Department of Homeland Security wont disclose what that is), especially if departing from a country that is a state-sponsor of terrorism. Onboard, passengers may be prohibited from keeping items in their laps up to an hour prior to landing and may further be asked to remain in their seats during this time. The DHS has lifted their requirement for mandatory compliance on these rules and has left enforcement up to the crews though, so each flight may be different.

Additionally, some carriers are reducing the number of carry on items that passengers are allowed to bring onto the plane, though this will vary with class of service and elite status. It’s best to check with your airline carrier prior to heading to the airport to verify this, as these rules will surely change in the near future as well.

Further, as of mid-January, all passengers on flights from Canada are not allowed to bring ANY carry-on bags, though laptops and purses are permitted.

Domestically, no significant changes have been made to in-flight operation – passengers can (usually) still bring one carry-on and one personal item, can use electronics and can socialize as they see fit while in flight. The only effect that travelers may see is enhanced screening at the security checkpoints. And as a result, this can lead to some very significant waits in the ticket and security lines, especially in the New York area.

In general, make sure to factor in some extra time if you’re flying anywhere in the coming months. It’s likely that you wont notice
anything different throughout your entire experience, but it’s better to be early and bored than late and stranded.