While most Americans were celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 set off a fiery

device and was subdued by passengers and crew.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian, failed in his attempt to blow up Flight 253 from

Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan. The 23 year-old was allegedly trained by Al-Qaeda in Yemen.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)  acknowledged the heroic efforts of those individuals.
"I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have

had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately put additional screening measures into place- for all domestic

and international flights- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and

local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on

flights,” said DHS Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and

international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling

domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures. New security measures may include

increased use of dogs, pat down searches and no blankets or leaving assigned seat 1 hour prior to landing.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their

surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.
Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. 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.
Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the

United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international

airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers may be asked to follow flight

crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the

flight.
Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what

passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do

anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.
Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint

before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to

U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.
Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.
For additional information regarding travel visit www.tsa.gov.