Failed Terrorist Attack Prompts Heightened TSA Security Measures
This past Sunday airport security came under new scrutiny when the system used to detect suspicious travelers failed. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, boarded Northwest Airlines flight 253 destined for Detroit with the intentions of destroying the plane and killing everyone onboard. Armed with explosives in his underwear Abdulmutallab intended on carrying out a suicide bombing. Luckily, a malfunction in the explosive device allowed passengers to subdue the would-be terrorists before anyone was harmed.
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This attack has prompted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to bump up and revise its security measures. As of now it seems that the new regulations are aimed more at passengers entering the US then those flying within its boundaries. However it would not be far-fetched to think passengers traveling domestically will also be subjected to new TSA regulations.
Although the TSA did not specify what the new security measures are details have been surfacing as passengers have described the tightened security. Passengers have reported an increased number of bomb sniffing police dogs, long and very thorough pat downs and being allowed only one carry-on bag.
These extra measures have led to longer and slower moving lines. Security has been instructed to not only pat down each passenger but to physically inspect 100% of all passenger assessable property at the boarding gate prior to boarding.
Here are some other bits of information being reported:
- This Saturday passengers on a flight from New York to talk were told they must remain in their seats and couldn’t have any items in their laps including Ipods, blankets and pillows. Since the initial clampdown the rules governing what you can have in your lap has been lifted.
- Passengers on a United Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Washington were not allowed to open the overhead storage compartments an hour before landing.
- Air Canada has put out a warning to its passengers traveling into the US that “during the final hour of flight customers must remain seated, will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage, or have personal belongings or other items on their laps.”
- A New Jersey woman returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic said security screeners in Santo Domingo asked her to lift her long hair so they could look at her back.
While I’m sure there are many people who stand on both sides of the fence in regards to the new security, I am of the opinion that is all for the new restrictions. The system that is currently in place is obviously inadequate and will be as long as it is based on over worked and underpaid human beings to do their jobs with robot like accuracy, but nothing can be done about that right now. If I have to pay an extra 25 dollars to put my bag under the plane or arrive an additional hour early for the flight so be it if it makes things a bit safer.
My advice to everyone would be if you are planning to fly to your next port of departure pack light, allow extra time, and bring a good book.
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