Aftereffects of thwarted terrorist plot scuttle some travel plans
by Barry Cohen

DESERT FOOTHILLS – Local travel agencies say only a few clients canceled trips last week following news of the terrorist plot in England to blow up jetliners bound for the United States. Increased security measures at airports were implemented immediately.

One couple that was supposed to depart Phoenix Sky Harbor for London on Aug. 12 canceled their booking with Elan Travel in Carefree.

“It’s an elderly couple, and the gentleman said his wife has some health problems and he doesn’t want her to have to deal with long lines,” said travel agent Kathy Mulder. Other than that, she added, “it’s been relatively quiet.”

British security forces uncovered a plot to blow up between six to 10 commercial aircraft using an unspecified liquid explosive mixture, and police arrested 24 British citizens of Pakistani origin believed to be the primary plotters.

News of the thwarted terrorist attacks prompted airport officials in the U.S. and England to prohibit passengers from carrying all liquids aboard aircraft.

Mulder said she isn’t sure how the latest threat will affect travel plans. “People who are traveling are just going to have to pack accordingly,” she explained, referring to the  stricter limits being imposed upon carry‑on items.

Rosemary Maher, owner of The Carefree Traveler, said last Thursday that one person who had tentative travel plans decided to forego them. “I told the girls this morning it’s going to be slow today, and it has been,” she related. “People are glued to their television sets.”

Maher called the terrorist plot “a sad state of affairs.” However, she was encouraged that the suspects were caught before they could carry out their plans. “It shows security must be working,” she said.

According to Maher, travelers whose trips require multiple plane changes might be those reconsidering their plans. “If you’re going from Point A to Point B, I don’t think it will be much of an issue, she added.

At Scottsdale‑based All World Travel, an agent who asked that we use only her first name, Pat, said none of the company’s clients called to cancel their travel plans or expressed concern.

“Most people seem to have the attitude that ‘you just have to go with it,’” she said.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.