Stocks still steady
From PAUL FOUTCH

The stock market is still shrugging it all off -- the Dow is basically flat, in contrast to its recent volatility -- and even airline stocks have come back since the morning. AMR shares are back to even after falling as much as $1 earlier.

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Bargain-seekers could benefit
From BRENDAN M. CASE

The latest terrorist threat is bad news for the airlines, which have been clawing their way back to profitability thanks to strong travel demand.

But what’s bad news for carriers might be good news for bargain-seeking passengers, especially those thinking about flying to Europe.

Trans-Atlantic fares typically cost several hundred dollars less in the fall than in the summer, since there’s less demand.

This year, the fall discount could be even greater, said Tom Parsons, chief executive of Bestfares.com, a low-cost airfare site based in Arlington.

Because of heightened terrorism fears, the airlines may have to drop fares by more than usual to coax travelers back onto flights to Europe. Airfares next spring could be even lower, Mr. Parsons said.

“They’re going to throw the kitchen sink at us to entice to go back to Europe,” Mr. Parsons said. “They may get themselves into a position where they have to tweak their fares a little bit and bring them down to price points they didn’t want.”

List of prohibited and allowed items

From Charlotte-Douglas Airport Media Release

As of 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2006, the Department of Homeland Security has raised the national security threat level to Orange.

Airports have been directed to implement their standard security measures for this level, but have also been given some new initiatives:

•Specifically, air travelers will no longer be able to have liquids or gels of any size at the screening checkpoint or in the aircraft cabin. Passengers are advised to pack items of this nature in checked luggage or be prepared to surrender them at the checkpoint. Prohibited items include beverages (including packaged wine and liquors), hair gel, hair spray, perfumes, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste and other items of similar consistency. Shoe gel inserts are also prohibited.

•Travelers purchasing beverages or liquid or gel items inside the airport’s secured area will need to dispose of the items before boarding the aircraft. They will not be allowed in the aircraft cabin. Trash cans are located prior to the checkpoints and gates

•Passengers may have baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medication with a name that matches the passenger ticket; and insulin and essential non-prescription medicines. Passengers traveling during this time are asked to be patient and plan ahead. Additionally, all international passengers need to check with their airline prior to departure. Many international flights are expected to be delayed and or cancelled depending on their city of origin.

Security lines are moving efficiently, however, travelers may encounter delays as passenger loads increase throughout the day. Passengers will see an increased security presence at CLT. The airport is partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and customers will see officers throughout the facility. Airport volunteers and staff, the TSA, and airline employees are on hand in the Ticketing Lobby to assist with any questions. Information regarding the new security initiative is posted around the airport and available on parking shuttles.

Customers can continue to stay informed of further directives by visiting the airport’s website, www.charlotteairport.com or by calling CDial, the airport’s information phone line, 704-359-4910.

Delays possible at Charlotte-Douglas
From CORETTA ROBINSON

We talked to the Charlotte-Douglas' deputy director and he said these new restrictions could cause delays.

"Well I think there will probably be delays today for flights coming out of the UK because of their additional security measures. It's sort of just a kind of wait and see.
We're hopeful that delays won't be too bad and passengers getting here at a reasonable time," said Will Plentl.

Some passengers we talked to at Charlotte-Douglas airport were annoyed by the new and sudden restrictions, but others were happy to play it safe.

"I don’t mind doing anything as long as I'm safe. It is an inconvenience and a problem for everybody, but I'm just one who says let's get everybody there safely," said passenger Sarah Perry.

We checked and only found one direct flight from London to Charlotte. It is a U.S. Airways flight that comes in at 2:20 p.m. British Airways does fly to Charlotte, but connects in Chicago

Click here to check your flight status.

Links to airline web sites

US Airways

Delta

Continental

American Airlines

President Bush on the London terror plot

Click here to watch video of President Bush speaking to the media
from Green Bay, Wisc., today.

Tell Us

Are you considering altering or canceling travel plans? Were you headed to London or elsewhere this week? Please send your name and daytime telephone number to 6NEWS@wcnc.com and we may contact you for a story.

Guidance for travelers

The Department of Homeland Security is offering these tips for airline passengers:
Raised Threat Levels:
- The U.S. threat level is raised to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.
- The U.S. threat level is raised to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in the United States, including international flights. Flights from the United States to the United Kingdom are also Orange.

Increased Aviation Screening Procedures:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing a series of security measures, some visible and some not visible, to ensure the security of the traveling public and the nation's transportation system.
TSA is immediately implementing the following changes to airport screening procedures:
- NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY ON BAGGAGE. SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.
- Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
- Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.
These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated as circumstances warrant.
How every passenger can assist in security:
- Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening
- Arrive earlier than usual at the airport
- Cooperate with TSA personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at all gates
- Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities
Increased Border Protection Procedures:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas including the use of advanced targeting tools, special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially-trained canine units, and explosive detection technology.
- DHS has also mandated that all flights from the United Kingdom transmit passenger manifest information for intensive screening prior to departure from the gate. In addition, passengers on these flights and all other international flights will be subject to heightened inspection upon arrival in the United States. .

Spanish language coverage

AlDiaTX.com, the Web site for Al Día, is providing Spanish language coverage of the London terror plot.

Airport photos

ProJo.com, the Web site for The Providence Journal, has created a brief photo slideshow of images from airports in the U.S. and Britain.

Major media Web sites in the U.S. and Britain are providing up-to-the-minute coverage of the terror plot uncovered in London:

In the U.S.:
The New York Times
Washington Post
MSNBC
CNN

In Britain:
BBC NewsThe Guardian
Financial TimesThe IndependentDaily MailDaily MirrorThe Telegraph
The Times