Continental, PAL issue travel advisories

Continental Airlines has announced a set of new security measures for its passengers on all its flights as part of recent heightened security regulations being implemented in all airports worldwide.

The tighter security measures being undertaken have resulted in delays at various airports. But Continental is conducting normal operations, although some flights have been delayed.

Passengers are adviced to be aware of new security screening requirements and the possibility of longer-than-usual screening delays at security checkpoints.

Continental encourages travelers to do the following to expedite security screening:

ð Passengers should arrive at the terminal at least three hours before departure in anticipation of security screening delays.

ð Minimize carry-on luggage.

ð Do not pack any liquids or gels of any kind in carry-on baggage.

Additional restrictions apply for flights departing the UK, and specific information can be found at continental.com.

The Airline is also revising ticket change rules for customers traveling to/from the UK. Those who are ticketed to travel on these routes on/before Sept. 1 may alter their travel dates, based on seat availability, without penalty.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has likewise implemented additional security measures on all its flights bound for points in the United States and Canada, in response to an emergency advisory of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Effective immediately, all North America-bound PAL passengers are advised not to bring liquids or gels on board the aircraft as carry-on items. These include beverages, shampoo, lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. Exceptions are allowed only for passengers carrying babies and their baby formula, breast milk or juice, prescription medicine with a name that matches the passengerfs ticket, and insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines.

PAL and airport security will thoroughly search passengersf carry-on baggage as well as their persons to ensure compliance. Any item listed above will be confiscated. To avoid this, passengers are advised to include such articles in their checked luggage.

Passengers are strongly advised to travel light, especially concerning their carry-on baggage, in order to expedite the screening process.

These measures are on top of ongoing security procedures on all North America-bound PAL flights, such as the removal and screening of footwear, and the exclusion of pointed, bladed and flammable items onboard.

Covered by this advisory are PAL flights from Manila bound for Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas (via Vancouver), Honolulu and Guam.