Outrageous!

[Andrea]

Originally Posted by tapu

Let me try to be clearer: the visibility helps.


Imagine if you walked up with a boarding pass you printed out at home, and right onto an aircraft. No checks. You don't think a few people might be more likely to bring dangerous things with them, and be bad enough or nuts enough to do something with it? You don't think checking their carry-on--even the threat of checking their carry-on--has any deterrent effect?

If you think that's not a good point, then you're right. We disagree.

I think people are currently bringing 'dangerous' things with them, knowingly and unknowingly. TSA catches some and misses some. I think most of what TSA deems dangerous, isn't so dangerous. I think some things not listed on the TSA dangerous list are more dangerous than things that are. (I am much more afraid of 12" knitting needles than a bottle of water.)

As to people using things to do something inappropriate on the plane... I believe someone wanting to cause trouble will find a way to do so with or without things considered dangerous.

Please understand that I am not against security and I believe some level is appropriate and helpful. I am just questioning if the current level of security is appropriate and/or necessary, or should there be less or should there be more.

And shouldn't we also be checking others who may have an opportunity to place dangerous items where bad people can get them. Are you aware that pilots are not required to go through TSA security? Are you aware that many airports do not require airport employees or TSA employees to go through security? If a bad guy wanted to bribe or blackmail someone to place a dangerous object (gun, knife...), wouldn't it make more sense to select someone who has unfettered access than hope to carry one on board yourself?

Tapu, thank you for giving me the opportunity to air some of my thoughts. I appreciate the exchange.

Andrea