Following a Nigerian national's failed attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines jet approaching Detroit on Dec. 25, the Transportation Security Administration has put additional security measures in place.
On international flights to the U.S., passengers can expect increased gate screening, including pat-downs and bag searches, TSA said.
Also, U.S.-bound passengers are being instructed to remain seated for the final hour before landing. During that time, they won't have access to carry-on baggage and their laps must be free of personal items.
On U.S. domestic flights, TSA said, "We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures, including explosive-detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport."
TSA advises international passengers to arrive at the airport an hour earlier than usual. Domestic passengers should give themselves extra time to check in, especially during the holiday travel season, said TSA.
The Nigerian man boarded the Northwest Airlines flight in Lagos, Nigeria. The plane flew to Amsterdam before continuing on to Detroit.
According to reports, the suspect, 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, told FBI agents that he received training and instructions from al Qaeda.
He reportedly was in possession of PETN (pentaerythritol trinitrate), a high explosive. TSA said Abdulmutallab set off a device and was subdued by passengers and crew.