Events We're Watching

9-11 Anniversary Worldwide Travel Alert

As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of State informs U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad of the continued threat posed by al-Qa’ida and its affiliates. While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary, U.S. citizens should be aware that al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world. In the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar. This Worldwide Travel Alert supplements the July 26, 2011, Worldwide Caution, and expires on January 2, 2012. Read more

Americans Abroad Warned Ahead of Sept. 11

The U.S. has issued a worldwide travel alert ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The alert cautions Americans about the continued threat posed by al-Qaida and other groups. Read more

TSA tightens security at nation’s airports

Nearly 10 years after Transportation Security Administration personnel were placed in airports across the United States, the federal agency continues to scrutinize travelers and inspect luggage — wary of terrorists who might try again. The serious security measures are still there because the threat is still there, said local TSA Federal Security Director Brian Cahill, who transferred to Guam this year. Read more

Amtrak Enhances Security for 10th Anniversary of September 11

During the 10th anniversary period of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Amtrak is enhancing security measures by conducting more passenger and baggage screenings, increasing the use of K-9 explosive detection teams, and expanding police patrols at stations, on trains, along the tracks and other key rail infrastructure. The Amtrak Police Department is performing these security activities in the Northeast Corridor and across the country in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as with the several host railroads on whose tracks many Amtrak trains operate. Read more

Facilities bolster security as 9/11 anniversary nears

Security is intensifying at airports, train stations, nuclear plants and major sporting arenas as the nation prepares for the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks — a date al-Qaida has cited as a potential opportunity to strike again. Counterterrorism officials say there is no intelligence pointing to a specific plot, but officials fear that someone with terrorist sympathies might see Sept. 11 as the time to make a violent statement. Read more

In light of heightened security measures preceding the 9/11 anniversary, we recommend you to give yourself extra time at the airport or train station to allow for any potential delays.

Next Generation Check-In: A new benchmark for passenger and baggage processing

At the end of June, Qantas completed the Australia-wide rollout of its Next Generation Check-In Program. The program is one of the industry’s most innovative and the combination of self-service and latest generation technology is designed to redefine the airport experience for the passenger. Read more

Checkpoints don’t have to be Chokepoints

Iris recognition has long held the promise of being the most accurate biometric technology, but early systems were very difficult to use, especially for the diverse populations seen in a passenger terminal. Now, the AOptix InSight VM iris recognition system takes the accuracy of iris and makes it very easy to use. Working from 1.5 to 2.5 meters, passengers simply stand and look at the InSight for two seconds, and it automatically captures best-in-class iris images and offers a conclusive match result, quickly and accurately confirming passenger identity. Read more

Russian airport offers sleeping pods for passengers

Imagine yourself in an unfamiliar city or in an airport or in any other public place far from home. There is no opportunity for you to rest and relax, even if you are extremely tired. You can have a snack or drink virtually anywhere, but there is simply nowhere to sleep. Sleeping in public causes security, privacy and hygiene issues. Sleep away from home in busy and crowded places is a non-existent luxury. Read more

Amsterdam to introduce new e-gates

Accenture has been selected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to design and deliver Automated Border Control Systems (ABCS) at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. The new systems will reduce the waiting time of travelers passing through one of the world’s busiest airports during peak immigration periods by more efficiently validating passenger identities and documentation. Read more

Is self-service bag drop the future of baggage processing?

As demand for self-service throughout the travel process continues to increase, innovative self-service bag drop and self-tagging solutions have been developed to further empower the passenger. Read more

What travelers really want at the airport

According to a recent survey, they eat, surf the Internet and shop. And they’d spend more money doing all that if airports offered more technological options, said Tyler Craig, general manager and vice president of NCR Travel. Read more

Risk Management: Why You Need to Track Your Travelers

Do you know where your travelers are? Sure, you say. “I’ve got some people in Europe and a bunch headed for a meeting in the Bahamas.” Read more

Tech Makes Business Travel Productive

Traveling for business isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of itchy polyester suits, chunky flip-phones and maps the size of Texas. According to a national survey released by Hyatt Place, and conducted by Harris Interactive, 50 percent of today’s road warriors say that life as a business traveler is easier and more productive now than it was 10 years ago, thanks in large part to modern hotels and evolving technology, keeping travelers both connected and comfortable. Read more

Department of State to Host Third Annual Passport Day

On Saturday, September 17 only, apply for your U.S. passport at a Regional Passport Agency without an appointment. You will be able to apply for standard processing (4-6 weeks) or pay an additional $60 for Expedited processing (2-3 weeks, door-to-door). Passport Day in the USA also means passport-themed events for adults and children at Regional Passport Agencies and many passport Acceptance Facilities across the country in communities like yours. If you’ve been waiting to get your passport, this is the time! Read more