gulf_slf
9th Jan 2004, 18:19
Absurd!! I dont really want to visit the USA anymore if this the level of thinking that we are now reaching........
US bans long haul lavatory queues
By Paul Marston, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 08/01/2004)
Passengers on transatlantic flights may need to drink less in future following an American security demand that queuing near lavatories should be prohibited.
On Christmas Eve, as the current air terror alert began, the US Transportation Security Administration notified all airlines that passengers should no longer be allowed to "congregate in groups" by toilets on flights into American airspace.
The agency said that aircraft captains should warn travellers of the restriction before take-off, then make reminder announcements.
Flights from Britain to cities on America's west coast can last as long as 12 hours. In the economy cabin, as many as 300 passengers might share six cubicles, virtually guaranteeing queues after a meal or at the end of a film.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic refused to comment on the American demand. However, it is understood that neither airline feels obliged to implement new procedures unless ordered by the UK Department for Transport.
Last night DfT officials were still considering how to respond to the request.
The Australian carrier, Qantas, said it would adopt the new rule on flights to the US but expected that implementation would "not be a significant issue".
Warren Bennett, the chief executive of Australia's board of airline representatives, criticised the proposal. "On one hand, passengers are advised to move round an aircraft during flights for health reasons. Now they are being told not to congregate. It doesn't make any sense."
The US move is thought to be prompted by fears that terrorists seated in different rows could use the appearance of waiting for the lavatory to assemble before a hijack.
David Kayser, a spokesman for the TSA, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security, said it would be up to cabin crew to distinguish between passengers "politely waiting" and those gathering in a suspicious manner.
:mad:
US bans long haul lavatory queues
By Paul Marston, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 08/01/2004)
Passengers on transatlantic flights may need to drink less in future following an American security demand that queuing near lavatories should be prohibited.
On Christmas Eve, as the current air terror alert began, the US Transportation Security Administration notified all airlines that passengers should no longer be allowed to "congregate in groups" by toilets on flights into American airspace.
The agency said that aircraft captains should warn travellers of the restriction before take-off, then make reminder announcements.
Flights from Britain to cities on America's west coast can last as long as 12 hours. In the economy cabin, as many as 300 passengers might share six cubicles, virtually guaranteeing queues after a meal or at the end of a film.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic refused to comment on the American demand. However, it is understood that neither airline feels obliged to implement new procedures unless ordered by the UK Department for Transport.
Last night DfT officials were still considering how to respond to the request.
The Australian carrier, Qantas, said it would adopt the new rule on flights to the US but expected that implementation would "not be a significant issue".
Warren Bennett, the chief executive of Australia's board of airline representatives, criticised the proposal. "On one hand, passengers are advised to move round an aircraft during flights for health reasons. Now they are being told not to congregate. It doesn't make any sense."
The US move is thought to be prompted by fears that terrorists seated in different rows could use the appearance of waiting for the lavatory to assemble before a hijack.
David Kayser, a spokesman for the TSA, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security, said it would be up to cabin crew to distinguish between passengers "politely waiting" and those gathering in a suspicious manner.
:mad: