posted on September 12, 2001 08:59:55 AM
I've traveled extensively on international flights and had the opportunity to compare security on those flights with "security" on US flights...our system fails consistently. We could take some pointers from ElAl which, as far as I know, has never had a hijacking.
posted on September 12, 2001 09:34:58 AM
While much conjecture can be made about the use of knives as a weapon on board an aircraft, most airlines, as well as many states, have rather strict limitations on the type of knives allowed. My guess is they used a large composite material knife that can be smuggled on board without detection. The average small folding lockblade knife would not get through a metal detector.
posted on September 12, 2001 12:03:07 PM
Unbelieveable...
I recommend that they discontinue carry on luggage altogether! Everthing should need to be checked with increased security where it is done. No exceptions!
It is ridiculous what some people try to drag on to planes as carry on luggage. The average traveler does not responsibly abide by airline policies regarding this issue. This makes it harder for the airlines to do their job. As such, we have to blame ourselves a bit for this problem. Add the security threat that exists with carry on bags and I say we eliminate them completely.
I also recommend that all storage bins for carry on luggage be locked during flight if we are to continue allowing carry on baggage. The FAA should adopt these policies in order to increase the security in our skies.
posted on September 12, 2001 12:13:15 PM
Knives over about 3" are usually confiscated. Of course when you have $8 an hour untrained security guards against skilled terrorists, does it really matter what they allow?
posted on September 12, 2001 01:40:30 PM
Boy, I have to smile about the knife issue, sick as I may sound. I've been on hold today, had a ticket to fly to So. Calif. from Utah at noon today and of course that was a no-go, then early evening, and that's a no-go--so I'm going to take the dang Greyhound Bus, just to get going.
But as I was packing this morning and heard that the airlines will be tougher about knives and scissors, I had to remove (1) my little pocket knife I always carry in my purse, (2) my nail scissors, and (3) (and this is the scariest one) a utility knife I was taking to our cabin to cut up some old linoleum. I probably would have been thrown in prison for all that.
I would gladly forego all that stuff for better safety on board.
I have often wondered if the people who clean the planes (especially overnight, or first thing in the morning) have to go through security too. Someone on TV pointed out that these flights would all have been cleaned overnight since they were the first ones out of the gate yesterday morning.~Adele
Also, non-passengers are no longer allowed at the gates (we'll have to pick up Grandma at baggage claim, I guess) and there's no more curb-side check-in.
