Prepare for thorough pat-downs and closer luggage inspections when flying to the U.S. (Shutterstock)

If you're touchy about being touched, flying to the United States has gotten a whole lot worse.

Security procedures at your friendly local airport now include a thorough pat-down -- arms, legs, chest and waistline.

Women with longish hair can expect to have their tresses lifted at the back of the neck, and attention is being paid to belt buckles that were previously ignored.

When I went through London Airport this month, headed for Detroit, everything that was to be taken into the plane cabin was being opened and searched. Even my wallet was gone through -- a first for me.

The good news is that, at London Airport at least, the pat-downs were being done quickly and the people doing them were pleasant and polite.

More developments related to flying:

- Mexico will introduce new entry requirements March 1 for Canadian visitors.

Citizens will require a valid passport. Permanent residents will need either a Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document.

This move will align Mexico with security measures established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

- Air Canada is charging more for seats with extra legroom, such as bulkhead seats and those in emergency exit rows.

Fees vary depending on the length of flight, fare class and the customer's Aeroplan status, and range from $14 to $100, one way.

- Duty-free goods can be pre-ordered through Sunwing Vacations' website, www.sunwing.ca. Customers click on "e-tickets" and use their booking number to access an on-line catalogue. Purchases are delivered to them on the plane.

- Porter Airlines is introducing year-round flights between Sudbury and Toronto City Airport on March 31, with one daily nonstop roundtrip flight and one-way fares starting at $99, plus taxes. Visit flyporter.com or phone 1-888-619-8622.

- WestJet will begin flying from Toronto to Bermuda on May 3, and from Toronto to Samana, Dominican Republic, on June 5.

- Finnair will operate five nonstop flights per week between Toronto and Helsinki between June 6 and Sept. 9.

- A WestJet flight attendant shared this funny bit with me: During the cold snap in Florida in early January, a WestJet flight had to sit in the sun until it melted the frost on the wings because there was no deicing equipment. While they were waiting, an airport worker trundled out a garden hose and started spraying the plane, thinking that might help. The flight attendant said the flight crew was in stitches.

Mail can be sent to Doug English, c/o London Free Press, P.O. Box 2280, London, Ont. N6A 4G1; faxes to 519-672-1824.