FAA Restates Automated Checkin Policy, Limits Carryon Baggage

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday reversed a directive, issued Monday, that no longer allowed the use of automated checkin kiosks at airports. The latest statement, issued today but dated Monday, indicates that, "Automated checkin kiosks are available for airlines that have appropriate security measures in place. Travelers interested in this option should check with their airline."

An FAA spokesman refused to elaborate on what are "appropriate security measures" for security reasons.
While a handful of airlines that use the most kiosks were unable to immediately comment, Northwest Airlines said it still is operating kiosks. "FAA originally meant that you cannot check luggage in remote locations outside the airport," said Al Lenza, Northwest vice president of distribution planning. "They are correcting their statement today."

Also on Monday, FAA defined its policy on carryon baggage, limiting airline passengers to one bag and one personal item (purse or briefcase), as part of a new list of guidelines implemented after the United States launched a bombing campaign against targets in Afghanistan.

The agency did loosen up some of its earlier restrictions on items that passengers may carry on board. Now allowed in carryon bags are nail clippers, safety razors, syringes (with documented proof of medical need) and tweezers.
In related news, the U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel caution, saying the U.S. bombing "may result in strong anti-American sentiment and retaliatory actions against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world by terrorists and those who are sympathetic to or otherwise support terrorism."