US bars standing on flights

Washington, Dec. 27: In the wake of the failed attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound plane, the US on Sunday announced a new set of “unpredictable” rules for all international flights heading to the country, including restrictions on using cabin baggage.

According to the new rules, all US-bound passengers aboard international flights must undergo a “thorough pat-down” at boarding gates, focused on the upper legs and torso. All carry-on baggage must be inspected, the rules say. In the final hour before landing, all passengers in the flights must remain seated. During that time, they may not have access to their carry-on baggage or hold personal items on their laps.

While over US airspace, flight crews may not make any announcements to passengers concerning the flight path or the airplane’s position over cities or landmarks, the new rules said. Earlier in the day, the homeland security secretary, Ms Janet Napolitano, said passengers flying from international locations to US destinations may notice additional security measures in place.

“These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.

Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travellers should allot extra time for check-in,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian national, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, charged with trying to blow up the plane, faces a prison term up to 20 years if convicted and a fine of up to $250,000.

He was brought on a wheel chair into a conference room of a Detroit hospital.