Travellers can expect thorough searches of hand baggage and carry-on items as airport staff impose a security crackdown.

Passengers at L. F. Wade International Airport will face delays of between 15 and 20 minutes and should allow for this additional time to check-in.

The tougher measures follow last week's failed terrorism attempt in the US. The US Transportation Security Administration has initiated new screening measures for all US-bound flights, while US and Canadian airlines have also enforced stricter in-flight procedures.

These include only allowing one piece of hand luggage on board and passengers to remain seated for the final hour of flight without any personal items on their laps.

Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was enroute from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day when a Nigerian passenger, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, allegedly tried to detonate a bomb.

The device however, failed to ignite and Abdulmutallab was restrained by a Dutch passenger and handcuffed by crew.

He is currently in US custody and is said to have told investigators he trained with al Qaeda in Yemen. The explosive PETN was found in his underwear and he also allegedly held a syringe filled with liquid acid.

None of the 279 passengers or crew were injured in the attack but it has resulted in tightened security over North American airspace.

In Bermuda, airport general manager Aaron Adderley said existing restrictions on carry-on items such as liquids and creams would remain in place. However, passengers will face tougher searches of carry-on baggage.

"In the wake of the attempted terrorist attack on board a NW flight bound for Detroit on Christmas Day, the US Transportation Security Administration has implemented new screening measures for all US-bound flights," said Mr. Adderley.

"The new measures call for all passengers and their carry-on items to be thoroughly searched at the boarding gate. These new procedures went into immediate effect at the L.F. Wade International Airport.

"There have been only minor 15 to 20 minute delays as a result of these new measures, and passengers travelling during this busy holiday period should expect much of the same.

"Existing restrictions on liquids, creams and other carry-on items will as usual, be strictly enforced.

"Passengers are advised to contact their respective airline with any questions regarding the new measures."

On the American Airlines website, passengers departing any other non-US location to the US are advised to check-in three hours ahead of their departure to allow time for security screening.