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 | | Monday, 17 September, 2001, 16:42 GMT 17:42 UK Travelling: Concerned, need advice?  Armed Police greet passengers at Heathrow airport Travel procedures worldwide have been overhauled following last week's suicide attacks in America. If you are now planning to travel abroad, there are many things to worry about. What about practical issues like security requirements? Will your insurer pay out if you are caught out by delays? BBC News Online has compiled all the information you need, from contact numbers and websites of travel agents, tour operators, and advice on where to get information about destinations and new security arrangements. I want to go abroad, but am concerned about my safety? If you are travelling abroad and are concerned about your personal safety, your first port of call should be the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO's website lists clear and practical travel advice on its website for each country. If you have further questions, you can call the Travel Advice Unit on 020 7008 0232/0233. And what about travelling to the United States? There is no official warning against travelling to the US. If you want to find out which airports have passed security checks within the US, the Federal Aviation Administration's website has a list of airports. For up to date information, contact the US Department of Transportation's website. Alternatively, the UK's Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has a website with security advice, with links to airports, airlines and news. Can I get a refund as my flight has been cancelled? If your flight has been cancelled, you should be able to get a refund. Contact your airline for details. I am going on a package holiday to America. Can I cancel? More than 90% of package holidays are booked through members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO). The FTO has agreed free cancellation to customers on package holidays as follows: Those travelling anywhere in the USA and Canada up to midnight Tuesday 18 September. People planning to go on package holidays to New York and Washington DC up to midnight Friday 21 September. Check with your tour operator to see if it the firm is a member, or try the FTO's website which has a list of members. The current FTO policy is also outlined on the ABTA website. I've changed my mind. Can I get a refund?
You are very unlikely to get a full refund if you have simply changed your mind and no longer want to travel abroad - even if you have travel insurance. If you do not want to travel, you will incur the normal cancellation charges, which will be outlined in the booking conditions. In general, tour operators and airlines only offer refunds or alternative destinations after the FCO has issued travel guidance. Check with your tour operator, airline and insurer to see if you can get help. What should I expect at the airport? All airlines are advising passengers to arrive early for their flights, as security at British airports has increased following the American attacks. Check with your airline to ensure you arrive in good time to check in at the airport.
In addition to the normal searches, you can expect a search at the departure gate and extra checks on cabin baggage. Security measures vary depending on which airline you are travelling with - some have banned hand luggage altogether. Contact your airline for guidance if you are concerned. The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) issued a revised directive to UK airports following last week's attacks. As a consequence, these items are now prohibited from hand luggage:
Will my travel insurer pay out? Insurers are shoring-up their defences in the wake of the American atrocities. Even the best travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover cancellation and curtailment as a result of "acts of war" or "acts of terrorism (see link). Further sources:
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