Britain downgrades terror threat level
Britain downgrades terror threat level — Authorities downgraded Britain’s terror threat level Monday, offering hope to travelers mired in chaos at airports since security forces foiled an alleged plot to bomb packed trans-Atlantic jetliners. But more flights from London were canceled on the fifth day of the crisis. (AP)
Broader security changes are likely — The drastic security measures imposed on airline travelers last week are probably the first step in broad long-term changes needed to block terrorists, according to lawmakers, airline officials and security experts. (USA Today)
TSA eases some carry-on baggage rules — As the U.S. government continues to adjust the list of things that airline passengers can carry, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff reassured Americans that things would only go so far. (AP)
Fearing wider plot, U.S. investigators raced clock — Nearly a month ago, after British authorities secretly tipped their U.S. counterparts about a plot to destroy up to 10 commercial airliners, top federal officials began considering an even more frightening scenario: What if British intelligence officials had not recognized the full scope of the threat? (USA Today)
BA Heathrow flights back to 80 percent — British Airways expects to fly 80 percent of its flights from London’s Heathrow airport on Monday as the government lowered a security alert that was implemented after a plot to bomb planes was foiled last week. (Reuters)
Oil prices drop on Mideast cease-fire — Oil prices dropped nearly a dollar Monday as traders anticipated the upcoming Mideast cease-fire and responded to the positive news that BP would be able to maintain half of its production at a large oil field in the U.S. state of Alaska. (AP)
For Labor Day getaways, a few deals — Still looking for a cheap Labor Day getaway? You may have your work cut out for you. Packed planes and high prices are expected through the first weekend in September, with few bargains for procrastinators. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Want to supersize that cruise? — Sure, if a bigger ship means shorter lines and room to spread out. The new Freedom of the Seas provides just that. (The Chicago Tribune)
Screeners to be changed at U.S. airports — Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Sunday that he intended to replace contractors who inspect passenger identification at airport checkpoints with staff members from the Transportation Security Administration, a move that would be one of the biggest expansions of the agency’s tasks since it was set up in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Number of short flights could shrink — Heightened security at the nation’s airports following the thwarted bomb plot could reduce the availability of short-hop flights in the USA. It happened when security tightened after 9/11, and experts say it could happen again. If it does, it could result in fewer options for air travelers, reduced service for some communities and less revenue for airlines. (USA Today)
Cruise worker accused of stealing $400K — A former Princess Cruises employee accused of stealing $400,000 from a ship’s safe was charged on Friday in a Ketchikan court. Elisha Cuffe, 32, who had worked for the company for 10 years, had taken the money to her cabin and stashed it in a shoebox at the foot of her bed. (AP)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.