Increased security for flights to the US

Heightened security following the attempted bombing of a transatlantic flight bound for Detroit will make flying to the US more problematic. How can travellers prepare?Mick Sharp, head of information and analysis at Control Risks, the risk consultancy says: Business travellers need to be prepared for conditions to be changeable and new restrictions are unlikely to be evenly applied.

Nonetheless, a good starting point for the latest security updates is airport. The US Department of Homeland Security , the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of State travel websites are worth looking at too.In the short term, the biggest hassle travellers will face is long queues and waiting around. Officials suggest arriving four hours before flights, so make sure your laptop and BlackBerry are charged. The best approach to higher scrutiny, says Mr Sharp, is common sense a surprising number of seasoned travellers forget to pack the nail scissors in their cases. We'd advise at most one piece of hand luggage with no items likely to cause problems. Don't lose your temper don't raise any flags.

More specifically, the US has identified 14 countries as either state sponsors of terrorism or of interest. Anyone flying from one of these countries including stops can expect greater attention; having old visas from these countries in your passport could also prompt questions from immigration.As ever, those in business class are likely to suffer less from these inconveniences and those flying on private jets least of all. After years of austerity, there may be reason to upgrade again.