U.S. raises air security alert to red for first time

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government raised the security alert on passenger planes to its highest level for the first time on Thursday after Britain said it had foiled a plot to blow up flights to the United States. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also barred passengers from carrying liquids, including beverages, hair gels and lotions, aboard planes. It said travelers in both countries should expect long delays.