Tighter Rules to Keep Passengers in Seats

Some airlines were telling passengers today that security regulations in the wake of yesterday's attempted bombing prohibit them from leaving their seats an hour before landing. Air Canada, for example, said new rules imposed by the Transportation Security Administration limit on-board activities by passengers and crew in US airspace. The airline said passengers must remain seated the final hour of flight and won't be allowed access to carry-on baggage or to have any items on their laps.

Flight attendants on some domestic flights were informing passengers of similar rules. Passengers on a flight from New York to Tampa this morning were told they must remain in their seats and couldn't have items in their laps, including laptops and pillows. One official added that passengers traveling internationally can expect increased security screening at gates and when they check their bags. (More Detroit terror incident stories.)