DHS Secretary: “There’s No Ban on Carry-On Luggage at This Time”
Joe Cortez December 05, 2014
With rumors of a carry-on luggage ban swirling, Secretary of Homeland Security says: “No ban… at this time.”
The Secretary of Homeland Security left open the idea of a carry-on luggage ban, while reassuring flyers that a ban has not happened yet. During an interview on CNN’s “The Lead,” Jeh Johnson was asked whether or not he was considering the ban, to which he replied: “There’s no ban on carry-on luggage at this time.”
The comments come in the wake of an NPR report suggesting that a carry-on ban could be one means of combating a possible terrorist attack during the holiday season. Although American counterterrorism officials are not commenting on the potential threat, NPR reports ideas being discussed by international security staff include banning all carry-on items, or simply banning electronic equipment from the main cabin.
NPR reports that the fear is based around items that could easily be disguised as explosives, such as personal electronics. While Johnson definitively said there is no carry-on luggage ban at this time, the possibility has not been ruled out. Johnson stressed that aviation safety is still a focus for the Department of Homeland Security, and primary measures include screening inbound flyers from international airports.
“I think people should continue to [travel] and have a happy and safe holiday,” said Johnson. “But we continue to be vigilant and continue to evaluate whether more is necessary, based on the latest threat streams.”
Johnson also commented on preventing “lone wolf” attackers, both coming into and departing the U.S. As part of the enhanced security measures, Johnson said customs officers are asking more questions of flyers who don’t require a visa to enter the U.S.
[Photo: iStock]
And if we lose anything from our checked luggage, will the airlines reimburse with full amount + data cost?
Then don't forget that the new trend is LCC is to move away from supplying any entertainment at all... except streaming to your personal electronic device. We might have to start reading again!
And thanks in part to Jeh Johnson there's apparently little to no ban on illegal aliens at this time too.
Great strategy! If the terrorists have already built the device, they this measure will delay the attack until January 2nd. Total genius plan ...postpone doomsday by 3 more weeks..
"include banning all carry-on items, or simply banning electronic equipment from the main cabin." Ideas from the airport baggage handlers who can 'shop' at work while getting overtime for all the extra checked bags. Will the airlines waive baggage fees? Are we still vulnerable to a Lockerbie type event???