I understand that since the devastation in the US it will understandably take longer at check-in in airports, but what changes will actually take place

Asks marmalade

A. There has been a lot of talk, and press coverage, since the horrific events of September 11, 2001 stating that the way we travel will be changed forever. This in effect means that people have now become a lot more wary of flying and that security at airports will be a lot tighter from now on - the whole business of going on holiday will now be fraught with stress, at least in the short term.

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The changes you can expect at the moment at airports include the following:

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Add on more time: Most airports have told travellers to add on at least an extra hour at check in - even for short haul flights from the UK to Europe. Once you have checked your baggage in, you will have to go through the boarding process earlier too as all hand luggage will be searched (not just x-rayed) and body searches will also take place on more passengers. It is likely that you will have to go through the same process when you reach your destination, but to a lesser extent.

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Take more care in packing: As most sharp objects can be identified as potential weapons, it is best not to pack them as you'll be unable to take them on board e.g. nail scissors, knitting needles, pen knives, letter openers, hairspray could all be confiscated. Place any such item in the hold if you have to take it on your journey.

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Additional searches: an extra search of all hand luggage will take place at the departure gates, which will add extra time onto most journeys. Cabin crew staff will also have to carry out additional searches and checks to all aircraft before passengers board.

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Airport congestion: airports are likely to be busier if flights are delayed, and more delays are likely if allocated take-off times are put back or missed.

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Q. How would I find out about increased security measures taking place at British airports

A. Information on new security measures at airports within the UK can be found online at the following addresses:

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British Airports Authority

(covering London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Southampton): http://www.baa.co.uk

London Luton Airport: http://www.london-luton.com/

London City Airport:� http://www.londoncityairport.com

Belfast Airport: http://www.bial.co.uk

Birmingham Airport: http://www.bhx.co.uk/

Cardiff Airport: http://www.cial.co.uk

Liverpool Airport: http://www.livairport.com/index/welcome.html

Manchester Airport: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Newcastle Airport: http://www.newcastleairport.com

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Q. What would I do if I wanted to cancel my flight because of what happened in the US, would the airline or travel agent compensate me

A. I understand that since the devastation in the US it will understandably take longer at check-in in airports, but what changes will actually take place . If you have tickets for New York, Washington or Boston already booked it is likely that you'll be able to cancel your tickets, or at least have them postponed to a later date.

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If you are travelling to another destination, in the Middle East for example, any cancellations or postponement of flights will be penalty-free if the Foreign Office advises that travel should not take place. If the Foreign Office believes your destination to be a safe one, you will incur a penalty if you decide to cancel or change your flight arrangements. But there is no general policy, it depends on each individual airline - so it is best to check with them.

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Q. What if I am travelling to another destination in the US e.g. Florida and I just don't want to go anymore, could I get a refund on my ticket

A. . It really depends on your tour operator and whether they are sensitive to your request, most operators have stated that they will review flight cancellations to the US on a daily basis. If you are planning to go to Florida with children, most of the theme parks are still closed so you would probably be able to cancel your flights without penalty.

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Currently, the Foreign Office has not prohibited future flights to the US so it is likely that you will incur some penalty if you cancel booked flights. The amount you will lose on cancelled flights will depend on how soon you inform the tour operator of your change of plan, e.g. if you cancel 49 or more days before your departure date you usually only forfeit your deposit.

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Q. It appears that some airlines and tour operators may go bust during the present crisis due to fewer passengers and hiked prices for fuel, how can I make sure I do not lose all my money if this happens to the airline or tour operator I have booked tickets with - or am planning to book with

A. . If your ticket or holiday is bonded you will more than likely be covered - the travel company pays the bond as part of its own insurance, so that its customers are covered. So if your flight is covered by ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing) or your holiday is ABTA approved you should be covered. As an extra precaution, make sure you book all tickets on a credit card because the Consumer Credit Act will probably cover you if a company goes bust.

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Thomas Cook and Lunn Poly (among others) also sell travel insurance policies that protect you against your tour operator or airline going bust, so check your policy when you are booking for the type of coverage you have.

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There is one anomaly in the whole travel insurance system, which it is important to be aware of. Uninsured travellers who book direct with scheduled airlines or buy tickets at regular, published fares through high street travel agents will not be covered if the carrier goes bust. But people booking through firms which specialise in cut-price deals which are not available direct from airlines - are protected by ATOL.

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Q. What countries is it unsafe to travel to at the moment

A. . You should check with the Foreign Office if you are unsure about any destination, their website also lists the countries it considers dangerous to visit, its address is http://www.fco.gov.uk.

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Currently, the FO advises against all travel to: Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Iraq, Macedonia, Pakistan, Somalia, Taiwan, Tajikistan and Yemen.

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If you have any other Travel related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson