Mind boggling airline/airport security report from today...anybody else hear??

[deena]

I was looking at the national news tonight (along with reading the yahoo article) this evening and found out that there were tests done today Friday Sept. 14 by some Northwest employees at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport and they were actually able to clear the security checkpoints with a pocketknife and a corkscrew.

Another disturbing finding was a pilot had actually been given authorized clearance to past through without presenting the proper identification when asked by the security personnel.

These workers stated they wanted to see whether or not they would be able to receive clearance with these items in store especially with the tighter and stricter guidelines put into place; said they were highly surprised by their findings.

Also, mentioned this situation would be looked into further about how they could have passed.

On the same news coverage there was a flight attendant interviewed elsewhere in another city who stated after reporting back on the job today, she tearfully admitted that she did not notice any immediately different changes that had been put into place by her airline after the tragedy and as a result was unsure whether or not she would be keeping her job for good due to safety reasons.

There were three pilots who briefly touched on the fact they they think there definitely needs to be a whole lot more policies enacted than there are presently put into place concerning the security issue as well.

This really opened my eyes even more to all the things I believe need to be implemented longterm in regard to air travel in the U.S.

 

[kel3420]

My neighbor is an AA pilot and his wife was telling me about Pheonix yesterday. Unbelievable. It was also mentioned that many flight attendants have already quit.

 

[seashoreCM]

In addition to prohibiting knives, the airlines need to be more conscious of highly flammable substances and liquids, notably matches, cigarette lighters, and certain aerosol cans.

Airlines may want to consider a published checklist of prohibited items (more detailed than that now used), and a self check area in the airport where passengers could inspect their own baggage before going through security.

In the event a prohibited item is found at any stationary or roving security check, the passenger is surcharged and also the item is confiscated. The passenger also runs the risk of missing his/her flight.

Another idea is shrink wrapping of carry on baggage. This would make it less critical to identify prohibited items as some are not dangerous if the passenger cannot access them during flight. Sorry, this means the kids can't listen to their Walkman's and the grownups can't use their laptops.

Consumer web site:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr

(Above was sent to UA, NW, AA/TWA, DL, US on 9/14/01)

>> ... [F/A ... unsure about keeping her job ... due to safety reasons...

How many people who work in skyscrapers are going to quit their jobs, afraid that a plane might crash between them and the first floor?

9/65 Disneyland
3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 PORiv
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp planned
*no longer exists

 

[Beverly Lynn]

if they had been doing the job the right way to begin with none of this would hsve happened. and aerosol cans are actually not allowed but it happens anyways. the pressure can make them explode. and bewlieve it or not around christmas time when people pack xmas gifts into boxes we had to open up eacha nd everyone and search them before they were allowed to pass thru to the bag make up area. as much of a pain as it was I now fully understand the impact of doing that. and now it will be easier for the tkt cntr people and gate peole to get the passengers checked in. the reason I say this is so many people used to arrive with less than one hour prior to departure and it would hold us up with getting them all on board. but now they have no choice but to give themselves the 2 hrs prior to departure time. I wonder if there will now be more security questions to ask.

 

[lisapooh]

One thing I would worry about being banned is syringes. While most diabetics don't need to take their insulin in flight, I think most prudent diabetics carry at least a small supply on their person in case something happens to their luggage. Some thing as not packing meds in the luggage but carrying it with you. Syringes are difficult to obtain without a prescription in some areas so you don't risk being without.
Unfortunately they also could concievably be used as a weapon.
So what to do. Perhaps have the FA hold them in a secure area and return at the end of the flight. I don't think putting all in the luggage is an acceptible solution until airlines have a perfect record of not loosing luggage.

 

[Planogirl]

What about lighters or matches? Lighters weren't allowed in checked luggage because of air pressure right? What if you have a smoker traveling?

Our local news today said that the blade style nail trimmers were being taken away from travelers at our airport. I never thought about those.

 

[TinkerbellRules]

Re: Smoking. I didn't think people could smoke on flights anyway. Syringes: Maybe a note of medical necessity would work.

 

[sixcats]

Will small scissors and corkscrews be allowed in checked luggage? I always end up needing these on trips. I don't put them in my carryons.

 

[robinb]

Will small scissors and corkscrews be allowed in checked luggage?

I assume so. Since your luggage is checked, you have no access to it while on the plane and could not use it as a weapon.

 

[Planogirl]

People certainly can't smoke on flights. However, smokers normally carry lighters or something wherever they go and it appears that these aren't allowed on flights. Or are they?