Not quite sure about the Statue, on the boat trip we did we were told that we couldn't go up, just walk around the base, but then when we had a look at the info desk it did look like they were offering it, however we got there after the last boat over so couldn't go that day anyway. They recommended booking online so maybe it is possible to get a pass now.

Great. I may be in NYC in July, so it'll give me something new to do. I was quite disappointed last time that we weren't allowed outside.

With regards to the searches. Yup, I've become to expect that almost everywhere on the America continent. My last trips to the USA and Canada have involved searches at the airport, an interview with a customs officer after I told them I was in Toronto to meet some Internet friends, searches at the entrance to a theme park in Toronto (As well as my friends food for her baby being taken off her) and searches in a number of places in NYC.

I'm not sure whether it's a little overboard or not, but I guess it's reassuring to some extent.

One last question. Were they allowing people to go up to the top of the Statue of Liberty, or was that still closed off? When I went, all we could do was walk around the island and go in the shops.

Yup, no problem going outside now. Do get searched etc on the way in though.

Hi Steve.

I assume that first photo means visitors to the top of the Empire State Building can now step outside, right?

I went to NYC in '05 and we wern't allowed outside. Security reasons, since 9/11, were the reason according to the staff at the building.

Jamie