Traveling anytime soon? Whether with family or for business, it’s always best to prepare for emergency situations any time you fly overseas. Your security is of the utmost importance, especially in the event of a travel alert, which can cause unforeseen challenges and inconveniences for passengers. Knowledge and compliance can help get you through the situation.
What is a travel alert?
Travel alerts or security alerts are issued by a country to alert people in the event of unrest and threats foreseen in a particular country or across countries, for a short period. This might include an election season that is bound to have many strikes and demonstrations; a health alert like an outbreak of H1N1; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks.
What should you do during security alerts?
When a travel alert is issued, you can find yourself in any of these situations, or more:
1. If you’re travelling through an airport and suddenly the airport is closed because of an alert. Don’t panic. The airport will have to follow a well-defined emergency protocol and they will guide passengers accordingly.
2. If you’re in transit and the country of destination is considered unsafe by authorities, it’ll be up to you to decide if you must travel there. It’s always best to check with your local embassy or consulate for the latest information. If you still choose to go, doublecheck that your travel insurance is still valid. For a worldwide all-inclusive business travel accident insurance, you can contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
3. If an aircraft is diverted because of a security alert at its destination. Again, do not panic. There will be a procedure that will be detailed by the airline staff.
It is very important for both passengers and airport staff to obey all procedures to the letter.
What to do if you are stranded due to a security alert?
In case of travel alerts in the airport or in the airliner, you should try to understand and accept that you are in an unfamiliar situation and that your usual support systems are completely absent. Given these additional challenges, it is not the time to fight, argue, or revolt. Cooperate with the authorities and know that they too are trying to help. Be calm and use your common sense.
Be as Prepared as You Can Be
Keep these five key things in mind to maximize your safety and the safety of your family when traveling:
1. Monitor the news about your destination or regions you pass through.
2. In case of a travel alert that affects your travel plans, reach out to your dear ones and inform them.
3. Don't share personal information and don't accept food or drinks from strangers.
4. Take care of your belongings and keep track of all your luggage items.
5. Always obey procedures and specific instructions from the authorities.
Do’s and Don’ts Before you Travel
Even in the absence of a travel alert, there are things you must always do before every trip to ensure a smoother journey.
- Always share your itinerary, contact details and copies of travel documents with family or people close to you.
- Learn about local diseases, general health issues and vaccinations required for your destination country and seek adequate medical advice.
- Buy travel insurance to cover your travel and health issues during the trip.
- While packing your luggage, remember the rules related to carrying liquids, gels and sharp items. Bottles of shampoo, moisturizer and other products should not exceed 100 ml. Keep them in one zip lock bag and pass it through the security area separately.
- In cases of medicine and necessary clinical items, the 100 ml rule is usually relaxed, but carry prescriptions and doctor's certificates as is necessary.
- Be sure that your laptops and mobile phones are in working condition. In case of a security alert, you will not be allowed to pass the security check with an electronic gadget that doesn't operate.
- Never travel with a large amount of cash or gold.