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As a result of the Dec. 25, 2009, attempted terror attack on a Detriot-bound plane, new rules and regulations have been put into effect by the Transportation Security Administration.

We are thankful all passengers on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 are safe, but as a result of this incident, the TSA has put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. These rules are for domestic and international travelers.

1. TSA has increased airport security and recommends all travelers, regardless of their destination, arrive at the airport at least two hours early. NBC news reports pat downs of passengers at airport security and physical inspections of all carry-on bags at the gate are just a few of the immediate changes.

2. Passengers flying into the United States from an international destination can expect to see additional security measures at international airports, including pre-boarding gate screening, pat-downs and bag searches.

3. Gadling.com is reporting that airlines are restricting passengers’ access to overhead bins and carry-on items during the last hour of inbound, international flight. In addition, no electronics or lap items are allowed, including reading material. Rumor has it the in-flight entertainment systems (the seat-back TVs on some planes) will also be turned off.

New official TSA haven’t been put into place according to the TSA website, there are no set time frames for raising or lowering the current threat level. However, we advise all passengers traveling in the next few weeks to be patient, allow plenty of time and listen to your flight and crew members.

About the author

Pleasance CoddingtonPleasance is a British travel writer and online content specialist in travel. She has written for numerous publications and sites including Wired, Lucky, Rough Guides and Yahoo! Travel. After working for six years on content and social media at VisitBritain, she is now the Global Content and Social Media Manager for Cheapflights.

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