The U.S. reaction to the attempt by a Nigerian man to blow up a Northwest Airlines jet travelling from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day could result in delays at U.K. airports for many months to come. Just hours after the man was taken into custody on the tarmac the U.S. authorities demanded that all passengers flying to the country now undergo more rigorous security checks at airports. Before boarding their flights passengers destined for America will have their hand luggage searched as well as a pat down body search. The one piece of hand luggage per passenger rule will now have to be strictly adhered to.

As well as heightened airport security passengers will be subject to new precautions when on board the aircraft. One hour before landing passengers will be told to stay in their seats with their hands clearly visible and will not be allowed to open overhead lockers or visit the toilet. All blankets will also be confiscated. The use of computers and other electronic equipment will be limited. Flights to the U.S. will no longer be allowed to show maps which tell passengers about the progress of the flight. This measure is so that any potential terrorist will not be given information as to when the aircraft is over land, the most likely time for a bomb to be detonated. One airline security expert has pointed out that windows might be utilized to provide such information. A number of security experts have said that the new measures are unlikely to prevent a terrorist attack but are likely to frustrate millions of passengers.