Bush orders clampdown on flights to US
After having scored an agreement with European air carriers over the exchange of passenger information on flights heading to the U.S., the Bush administration is now demanding a new range of security measures for transatlantic travel, including allowing armed guards on ALL flights from Europe to America by US airlines.
EU officials described the new demands as "blackmail" and "troublesome" and the possibility that if an agreement is not worked out, Western Europeans and the UK would be required to have US visas before flying over.
There is also an additional demand by the Department of Homeland Security to require all European passengers to apply online for permission to enter the country before booking or buying a ticket, a procedure that will take several days.
Welcome to Fortress America. Expect passengers to add another 1-2 hours to get processed through check-in. Honeslty, the Europeans should return the favor and require U.S. citizens to get a visa. Let's get rid of visa-free travel. If you want to fly abroad, you must check-in at least 24 hours in advance!!!
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