Passengers flying to the US warned to get to the airport early and prepare to be strip searched

Passengers heading for the United States are being warned to expect delays at airports due to tighter security following the foiled terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound flight in December.

British airports have reintroduced a limit of one piece of hand luggage for all US-bound passengers, who will also be subjected to a second luggage and body search prior to boarding.

This is likely to lead to delays at check-in as passengers will have to put more luggage in the hold, and to delays at security check points.

The new guidelines, introduced at the request of the US Government, were given to all airlines operating from the UK following the failed attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Strip scanners, which present naked images of passengers so preventing anyone being able to pass through an airport with explosives strapped to their bodies, are also likely to be reintroduced at several UK airports.

Passengers on all US bound flights have been advised to allow extra time for the new security measures.

A statement on the Heathrow website (www.heathrowairport.com) says: "To support this important process and keep delays to a minimum, we would advise passengers to check the relevant airline website or call the airline for more specific advice before travelling to the airport, arrive promptly at check-in, and limit the amount of hand baggage being taken onboard the aircraft."

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