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Quick News
Olympic Airways has announced that flights to the U.S. will resume on Monday, September 17th. However, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport four hours prior to scheduled departure. This is the official word from Olympic Airways as of Monday, September 17th. The Athens News Agency described the security measures passengers will face as "draconian".
The United States has often criticized Greek airport security in the past, and the new procedures may be designed to prove that current security measures are second to none. Expect long lines, direct questions, luggage searches, and close scrutiny on all documents.
Note: Tickets on cancelled flights are not valid for travel. They must be reissued by arrangement through Olympic Airways.
Carry-on baggage on Greek flights will be limited to one bag of "specific" (but as yet unspecified) dimensions.
Here are some useful numbers of Olympic Airways:
From the USA call 1-800 2231226 (toll free)
From Greece call 0801-44444 (local charge) or +30 1 966 6666
From the UK call +44 87 0606 0460
Other News:
The Greek government estimates that at least ten Greek citizens were killed in the WTC attack. One Greek man's stolen passport was found in the possession of a suspected terrorist arrested in New Jersey; the passport had been reported stolen July 13th. The Metropolite of Thessaloniki, Panteleimon II, a high-ranking Greek Orthodox church official, gave an impassioned sermon in Thessaloniki. The Macedonian Press Agency described him as "enraged" as he vilified the World Trade Center terrorists and expressed his confidence that they would soon answer for what they had done.
Have to Travel? Here's what to expect:
Expect security to be extremely tight at the U.S. embassy and anywhere in Greece where there is a strong U.S. presence, including the Souda Bay facility on the island of Crete. U.S. companies operating in Greece will have increased security measures in place which may result in delays.
Since the U.S. has requested and received use of military bases in Turkey for potential actions farther east, some Greeks may fear that the U.S. will enhance its support of Turkey in regional issues such as the Cyprus situation. Relations between Greece and Turkey, which have been relatively warm since the dual earthquake relief efforts, may decay. While most tourists will not have any reason to be affected by this, if it does occur, those traveling between Greece and Turkey or vice-versa may encounter more delays and difficulties than usual. In times of heightened stress and attacks against the U.S., it is always a good idea when traveling in any foreign country to minimize your "Americanness" - this is not the time to be wearing U.S. flag-inspired clothing, clothing with logos of U.S. universities, or military-style fatigues.
The Greek government maintains friendly relations with the United States. There is no specific travel advisory against Greece, but U.S. citizens around the world are urged to use greater caution than usual. We all hope for a speedy resolution to this tragic situation.
Text Copyright 2001 by deTraci Regula and About.com. All rights reserved.
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