[senior citizen]

US issues worldwide travel alert due to al Qaeda threat - World News

We've all seen this on the news already, but is the United States domestic travel included???

It says "world wide" but then basically names the countries in the middle east, etc.

We have a young friend who works in an embassy abroad, now transferred from West Africa to Egypt.

Worried about what might happen. She never worries. I'm worried.

We also have family members flying several times this month domestically.....coast to coast. To me, world wide means the entire world.

[buggyone]

I would imagine that security will be ramped up at airports in the US and it will probably take a bit longer to get through security lines.

Of course, there will be those who will gripe about long lines, "being groped", and small kids being searched.

Small price to pay for being safe.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

US issues worldwide travel alert due to al Qaeda threat - World News

We've all seen this on the news already, but is the United States domestic travel included???

It says "world wide" but then basically names the countries in the middle east, etc.

We have a young friend who works in an embassy abroad, now transferred from West Africa to Egypt.

Worried about what might happen. She never worries. I'm worried.

We also have family members flying several times this month domestically.....coast to coast. To me, world wide means the entire world.

Domestic flights I would not worry (much) about. Flying to the Middle East I would be more concerned. I agree that getting through security may take longer for the next week or maybe somewhat longer. I believe August is prime season for many Europeans to take their vacations -- what a coincidence that this is happening now. If we worry a lot about flying within the U.S. or to Canada and Europe then the terrorists have won. Just my 2 cents.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

US issues worldwide travel alert due to al Qaeda threat - World News

We've all seen this on the news already, but is the United States domestic travel included???

It says "world wide" but then basically names the countries in the middle east, etc.

We have a young friend who works in an embassy abroad, now transferred from West Africa to Egypt.

Worried about what might happen. She never worries. I'm worried.

We also have family members flying several times this month domestically.....coast to coast. To me, world wide means the entire world.

Typical of the inefficiencies of our government, the State Department Travel warnings website has no reference at all to this latest warning.
Worldwide Caution

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

US issues worldwide travel alert due to al Qaeda threat - World News

We've all seen this on the news already, but is the United States domestic travel included???

It says "world wide" but then basically names the countries in the middle east, etc.

We have a young friend who works in an embassy abroad, now transferred from West Africa to Egypt.

Worried about what might happen. She never worries. I'm worried.

We also have family members flying several times this month domestically.....coast to coast. To me, world wide means the entire world.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States

Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PrintEmail
August 02, 2013
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula. Current information suggests that al-Qa�ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August. This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013.

Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.

We continue to work closely with other nations on the threat from international terrorism, including from al-Qa'ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens Traveling abroad enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website attravel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Monkei]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

Domestic flights I would not worry (much) about. Flying to the Middle East I would be more concerned. I agree that getting through security may take longer for the next week or maybe somewhat longer. I believe August is prime season for many Europeans to take their vacations -- what a coincidence that this is happening now. If we worry a lot about flying within the U.S. or to Canada and Europe then the terrorists have won. Just my 2 cents.

Your 2 cents are worth a lot more. The Terrorist I think have won. They changed the US forever. The acts of Congress went overboard in protecting us, it was almost like they used it to achieve alternative motives and harsher bills invading our privacy, long held as something we could all be proud of.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

Domestic flights I would not worry (much) about. Flying to the Middle East I would be more concerned. I agree that getting through security may take longer for the next week or maybe somewhat longer. I believe August is prime season for many Europeans to take their vacations -- what a coincidence that this is happening now. If we worry a lot about flying within the U.S. or to Canada and Europe then the terrorists have won. Just my 2 cents.

I'm a bit surprised by this comment. The worst terrorist attack in history happened with three domestic flights.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

Typical of the inefficiencies of our government, the State Department Travel warnings website has no reference at all to this latest warning.
Worldwide Caution

What they do have is so old........thanks for posting that.

We have a young friend/neighbor who was posted as a Vice Consul to an embassy in West Africa. She's now in an embassy in Egypt last we heard about a week ago.

Our son and his family are flying in from Colorado with a two year old and an eight month old.......a week from today. Plus, our son flies several times a week on business. Can't be avoided.

This evening was the FIRST time they did mention the domestic airports, but said so far everything seems to be going smoothly........but still, we are concerned.

Thanks.......

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States

Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PrintEmail
August 02, 2013
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula. Current information suggests that al-Qa�ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August. This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013.

Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.

We continue to work closely with other nations on the threat from international terrorism, including from al-Qa'ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens Traveling abroad enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website attravel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

Many thanks.......appreciate that.

[kittygilchrist]

watch something besides US news. Just try BBC news for starters.
If we hear "God bless America" we think we've blessed ourselves.
and God bless Canada, Central America, and South America and the American islands too. really, good ole USA stole the word "America" just for ourselves?
Our self-aggrandizing, media trust and world ignorance revolt me, and I am sure I know very little of the world.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

watch something besides US news. Just try BBC news for starters.
If we hear "God bless America" we think we've blessed ourselves.
and God bless Canada, Central America, and South America and the American islands too. really, good ole USA stole the word "America" just for ourselves?
Our self-aggrandizing, media trust and world ignorance revolt me, and I am sure I know very little of the world.

Our adult kids listen to the world news....as you mention above.

I'm concerned about a neighbor girl, now an adult, graduate of Georgetown University and other universities in Cairo, Egypt , Jordan and Syria....she's always been a world traveler and usually plays down the threats.........she was a Vice Consul at an embassy in West Africa where her job description was to interview the young people applying for a VISA to enter the United States. Her embassy was in a really seedy part of the city which was noted for danger.

She just spent a brief hiatus back in Vermont and now is in Cairo Egypt at her new embassy post. She's traveled all over the Mideast during her twenties......with all the unrest, I'm sure her mom is a nervous wreck.

This young woman has never been ill at ease in these place. I don't know if that is a certain naivete on her part.......but she's a global citizen.

She used to be our morning newspaper delivery girl, then began working in our jewelry store as a teenager, continued on when she was home from college.......thus, we've seen her grow up from a 10 year old Girl Scout to an almost 30 year old woman. When my husband would drive her home to our neighborhood, she always would and could see the "opposing" views of what the U.S. stand was at the time.........so not surprising that she is now interviewing these young men for Visa's to enter our country.

[Meddick]

Living in India, we get these notices fairly regularly. They are a good reminder to us to maintain a level of concern. I travel through the Middle East about 4 or 5 times a year as it is usually the most convenient and economical means to get from India to the USA or Europe.

The level of security is impressively high. I go through screening in the Chennai airport and then again when entering the transfer terminal in the Middle East (usually Dubai or Qatar). For US bound flights they have an additional security screening prior to boarding the plane - it is usually as rigorous as at US airports. Then, if I have to make a domestic connecting flight within the US, I go though TSA screening at the US airport. It is surprising that I am not glowing in the dark by then.

I have no problem with this. Many airports outside of the US have used manual pat downs since the 90's. I find this non-objectionable and really do not understand why it causes so much concern in the US (just my opinion, please do not flame me).

[dotti105]

I commute from Salt Lake City, Utah to San Jose, Ca. every week for work and flew back into Salt Lake on Friday Aug 1.

I didn't see anything unusual in either airport.

Granted, San Jose is a small airport, but in the center of Silicon Valley. Salt Lake is the western hub for Delta.

I am hoping that I don't see major changes. Traveling is not much fun anymore, as it is..... I will see what my return next week brings.....

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by dotti105

I commute from Salt Lake City, Utah to San Jose, Ca. every week for work and flew back into Salt Lake on Friday Aug 1.

I didn't see anything unusual in either airport.

Granted, San Jose is a small airport, but in the center of Silicon Valley. Salt Lake is the western hub for Delta.

I am hoping that I don't see major changes. Traveling is not much fun anymore, as it is..... I will see what my return next week brings.....

You are absolutely right about that.......traveling is not much fun anymore.
We used to enjoy air travel with our children..........
Not so much at this stage in our lives..........

Stay safe............everyone. God Bless.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I'm a bit surprised by this comment. The worst terrorist attack in history happened with three domestic flights.

I'm hoping the security measures taken since 9/11/01 would prevent that from happening in the U.S. again.