Discuss the special issues related to international travel

The impact of September 11, 2001, on travel ◦Event details  8:45 a.m.- hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into north tower of the World Trade Center  9:03 a.m. - hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into south tower of the World Trade Center  9:43 a.m.- hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon  10:10 a.m.- hijacked United Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Effects of September 11, 2001  Increased security and activated the US Department of Homeland Security to ensure the security of the transportation system for the movement of people and goods and to support the National Security Strategy  Initiated the war against terrorism  Soft economy. Business and domestic spending was severely depressed because of security concerns and war.  Travel industry changes. 25% of jobs lost in the United States were in the travel industry. (In 2002, Congress appropriated $50 million for the Department of Commerce to promote travel into the United States.)

The development of the US Department of Homeland Security ◦President Bill Clinton created The National Security Council’s Critical Infrastructure Working Group as a result of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Presidential Decision Directive 63 was issued on May 22, 1998 to achieve and maintain the capability to protect our nation’s critical infrastructures (cybersecurity.) ◦In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the Homeland Security Act on November 26, 2002 and nominated Governor Tom Ridge to serve as Secretary of the new United States Department of Homeland Security. (For further information and remarks made by President Bush, see the White House website at ◦Ready.gov website was designed for the use of Americans in assembling and developing a family communications plan against terrorists.

The role of the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs/American Citizen Affairs ◦Issues travel warnings from every country of the world and recommends which countries to avoid ◦Provides information through public announcements about terrorist threats and other significant risks to the security of the American traveler ◦Provides consular information sheets that outline the location of the US Embassy or Consulate, entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties

Airport security/screening procedures developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

◦Passenger security procedures  Baggage checkpoints  Passenger checkpoints  Gate screening ◦Access requirements  Boarding pass  Ticket  Ticket confirmation  Gate pass or other authorization issued by the airline  Employees with valid ID

◦Food and beverage policy  All food must go through the x-ray machine. Food is not allowed at the security checkpoint unless it is wrapped or in a container.  Beverages and other liquids in a paper or Styrofoam container may be carried through the metal detector. All other containers must go through the x-ray machine. Containers sent through the x-ray machine must have a spill-proof top. ◦Electronic items such as laptops, CD players, and cell phones will be subject to thorough searches. ◦Passengers are not allowed to carry anything on board for anyone. ◦Passengers are urged to report any unattended items to authorities. ◦No guns, knives, sharp objects of any kind, baseball bats, golf clubs, pool or hockey sticks, or ski poles are allowed on board the aircraft.

Issues and precautions related to international travel

◦Terrorism: The unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives (as defined by the FBI). Precautions include  Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports. Example: Bangkok  Be aware of what you discuss with strangers.  Minimize time spent in the public area of an airport, which is less protected. On arrival, leave the airport ASAP.  Avoid luggage tags, dress, and behavior that may identify you as an American.  Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases.  Avoid places where Americans are known to congregate.

◦Hijacking/hostage situations. The U.S. government’s policy is firm. The U.S. government will negotiate, but not make concessions. When Americans are abducted overseas, the host government is responsible under international law to protect all persons within its territories and bring about the safe release of the hostages. The most dangerous phase of a hijacking or hostage situation is the beginning. Survival tips include  Remain calm and alert. This is extremely important.  Avoid resistance.  Talk normally.  If questioned, keep answers short. Do not volunteer information.  Do not be a hero.  Eat what you are given.  Think positively.  Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity.  Avoid direct eye contact.

◦Health concerns  “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it” is the classic formula for avoiding Montezuma’s revenge, diarrhea.  Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which was first reported in Asia in February, ◦Travelers needing special drugs or medications should pack sufficient quantities of their prescription medicine and have the necessary paperwork to present customs to prove medicine is legal.