A terrorist plot to blow up a number of airplanes bound towards America was foiled yesterday by MI5 officers.  The news shocked the world but full credit must go to our security services for intercepting this horrendous plot.  Undoubtedly the next few days will be one of tension for people travelling to and from the UK.  However it is important to remember that no one has been hurt and there have been multiple arrests of the suspected terrorists.

A lot of airports are resuming services today both in-bound and out-bound.  There are however new precautionary restrictions on what you are now allowed to take on to the plane.  Essentially you are NOT ALLOWED HAND LUGGAGE except for the following items:

Pocket-sized wallets/ purses, plus contents
Passports/ travel tickets
Prescription medicines, not in liquid form unless verified as authentic
Essential medical items, eg diabetic kit
Glasses & sunglasses, no cases
Contact lens holders, no solution
Baby food & milk for those with infants - bottle contents must be tasted by accompanying passenger
Essential sanitary items for infants
Female sanitary items, unboxed
Tissues, unboxed, or handkerchiefs
Keys, but no electric key fobs

If you are travelling today and over the weekend you are recommended to contact your airline for up-to-date information on cancellations and to expect delays.  Here are a series of links with information for passengers flying to and from the UK:

BBC: At-a-glance: UK airports

This is Local London: Travel advice more cancellations on Friday

BBC: Q&A: UK Terror alert response