| Author | Message | ||
     Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2597 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ugh, so now the screenings that were useless, will become even more time consuming and useless. How about just banning carry ons? You can carry on a book, a bottle of water and a ham sandwich. Kids can bring on a diaper, juice / formula, and a Thomas the train. Other then that everything gets checked. The lines at ORD this morning are taking 1.5 hours! And that was at 7am (well she’s assuming that she’ll be in line for another 1/5 hour) there are buckets of things that got banned last night (Hairspray, gels, bottles of water, anything liquid). With the time that you save on the security line and boarding you can wait the 20 minutes at the baggage claims. It would probably alleviate the mass rush to the gate, there will be tons of room on that plane. And for everyone that says that all luggage gets lost, either my fiancé or I take 2 flights a week. 100+ flights a year and continental has yet to loose our luggage in 2 years. FWIW I almost always check luggage, it’s just not worth it to me to try to find space for it, or lug it through the airport. | ||
| Twokitties Citizen Username: Twokitties Post Number: 489 Registered: 8-2004 |
Hundreds if not thousands of lives were saved and all you can do is complain about lines at the airport? Jeez. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2598 Registered: 7-2003 |
No I actually complained about the useless security and the fact that limiting the number of items that someone can take through security would make it safer for everyone else flying. Jeez | ||
| tjohn Supporter Username: Tjohn Post Number: 4655 Registered: 12-2001  |
No, Brett is saying, "let's cut through the B.S. and ban non-essential carry-on luggage". Alternatively, have express lines for passengers without carry-on luggage. | ||
| Hoops Citizen Username: Hoops Post Number: 1835 Registered: 10-2004  |
Brett, the plot was thwarted last night and as a result we all have to be patient and a little more careful for the time being. The plot revolved around bringing explosives on the plane in liquid form. The only liquids that will be allowed on the planes are the ones that the airlines provide. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2599 Registered: 7-2003 |
Two exceptions being Liquid Medication with your name on the prescription label, and baby formula. I haven’t heard about Breast milk I wonder what they’re doing about that. All of the hijackings and threats to planes have been from objects brought on to the plane. Get rid of those objects. Allow ONLY the essentials. | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1733 Registered: 7-2005  |
So on an 8 or 11 hour flight people are supposed to take ONLY the essentials? You can't tell me you fly twice a week and you really believe that. Does someone pay for you to drink champagne in first class or are you just being ridiculous? | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1734 Registered: 7-2005 |
I highly doubt laptops will be banned on planes anytime soon. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12364 Registered: 5-2001 |
Ever see ConAir or U S Marshals? ON those flights the passengers are handcuffed to their seats. Might be a solution.  I like the idea of giving people who don't lug stuff aboard priority at the check in counter and the security points. Maybe even let them on the plane first. I suspect a lot of people would change their habits. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2600 Registered: 7-2003 |
I Rarely bring much more on international flight, maybe a deck of cards and an extra book. So yes, bring the essentials. I think its better then a bomb. And all International flights go through extra security anyway, in a different part of the terminal, so the restrictions can be lighter if need be. And if you fly on some one the Eagle regional planes in TX when you board you put your laptop in the front of the plan in a section that has slots for laptops. Right now flying from Heathrow, Ipods aren’t even allowed to be brought on board. No Glock, no one pays for me to drink Champaign in First Class. Of course I don’t check a bottle for use in coach either. | ||
| SOSully Citizen Username: Sullymw Post Number: 1319 Registered: 5-2001  |
I think carry-ons have gotten out of hand. Many don't meet the size requirements and people mostly use a fraction of what is in them. Sure, I like to bring all my stuff on the plane to avoid waiting for my luggage, but I would gladly give up that 'luxury' in the interest of safety. Maybe they should consider banning everything except reading material, laptops, baby/kid stuff, etc and be very careful about screening those items too. It would be hugely controversial to attempt to ban cell phones, but can't they be used as triggering mechanisms for devices hidden in checked luggage? This is a different world now. We have to think outside the box and give up convenience for the sake of safety. Think about it. People drag 50 lbs. of crap onto the plane and most never touch any of it. So, does it need to be there where it can pose a threat like this? Do we have to wait until thousands are killed in a coordinated attack to figure this out? More attacks are inevitable, but obviously the ability to thwart this one says that security and intelligence has improved. Still, why make it easy for the terrorists? | ||
| Señor Moment © Citizen Username: Howardt Post Number: 2352 Registered: 11-2004  |
I always bring a 1.5 liter bottle of water, or three, on board. No more, I guess. I have to drink water on flights or I get dehydrated. The water they give you in those teensy weensy little cups just don't cut it. Perhaps they should start giving out bottled water on flights. Would I give it up for safety? Of course. But I'd drink a gallon before I got on the plane and would still be dashing to the loo the whole time. That's why I like aisle seats. I can go pee anytime I want without disturbing anyone. ...ellipsis | ||
| Zoesky1 Citizen Username: Zoesky1 Post Number: 1626 Registered: 6-2003  |
Does anyone else besides me feel like cancelling travel plans? My ex-husband is supposed to take my two small kids on a trip to LA next week. With the terror threat system raised to "red" on international travel and to "orange" on domestic travel, I feel like telling him not to go, or to go without the girls. Would I be overreacting? This is scary. | ||
| anotherkittie Citizen Username: Anotherkittie Post Number: 114 Registered: 4-2006 |
Breast milk is allowed. Passengers will be required to take a sip in front of a security officer before boarding. I imagine the same is true for formula. | ||
| SOSully Citizen Username: Sullymw Post Number: 1320 Registered: 5-2001 |
They can call it Sipping for Safety. | ||
| Señor Moment © Citizen Username: Howardt Post Number: 2353 Registered: 11-2004 |
No, they call it the Express Line. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2267 Registered: 10-2002  |
yeah Zoesky - I feel the same way. We're leaving for a trip to California day after tomorrow and then going to London the week we return. Of all places... But, I'm trying to tell myself that there's too much attention around this right now and any further "plots" will, at the very least, be delayed until things quiet down. So, maybe this is the safest time to travel? Maybe?  | ||
| SOSully Citizen Username: Sullymw Post Number: 1322 Registered: 5-2001 |
good one | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3678 Registered: 5-2001 |
Re beverages - I absolutely support the security goal here, but I hope that they will modify things to simply screen for this at the security checkpoint, but allow passengers to purchase their bottled water or other drinks at the stores in the terminal (inside the secured area) and bring them on the plane. It is a long wait for a tiny cup of whatever during the flight (and they never have what I want anyway.) Otherwise, they need to rethink the beverage service on the plane or stop providing the (very sensible and health-conscious) recommendation for passengers to keep themselves hydrated during the flight. I'm going to be flying in just over a week ... definitely going to have to modify my usual packing strategies! | ||
| Joanne G Citizen Username: Joanne Post Number: 486 Registered: 10-2004 |
from our local news reports - and remember we have 22-hour flights to London! "Qantas has confirmed it will comply with new temporary security measures introduced by the British Government for flights departing from and through the UK. All baggage will now be processed as hold baggage. Hand luggage will be severely restricted and people will only be able to take items like wallets, spectacles and prescription medication in a clear plastic bag on board. People travelling with infants are allowed to take nappies, baby food and milk. There will be a ban on liquid being taken on flights to the US from tomorrow." so yes - laptops are banned. bringing your own drink inclduing water is banned. this is it, people - no more carrying what you want, where you want. it gets stowed until you land. | ||
| mlj Citizen Username: Mlj Post Number: 377 Registered: 6-2001 |
ok can bring valium and xanax but can I bring aboard my rosary?  sorry, forgive me | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider  Post Number: 15265 Registered: 1-2003  |
They should let us "prove" our drinks before we board. I am willing to take a sip of my water in front of a TSO before boarding, which would prove it's not explosive. Has it occurred to anyone else that this story might be false or exaggerated? The government seems to have an incentive to spread FUD in order to wrest more control. | ||
| Señor Moment © Citizen Username: Howardt Post Number: 2367 Registered: 11-2004 |
FUD? Fu*cked Up Data? | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15267 Registered: 1-2003 |
FUD = fear, uncertainty and doubt | ||
| Dego Diva Citizen Username: Fmingione Post Number: 806 Registered: 12-2003 |
Tom, that's exactly what I've been thinking. More control, more support for the war in the middle east, more violation of our civil rights... I don't doubt that SOMETHING was being plotted, but I do believe that the government has many reasons to want to blow this out of proportion. I honestly cannot imagine traveling without my bottle of water and the saline spray for my eyes and nose. This makes me so glad that I won't be traveling for a long while!! | ||
| Hoops Citizen Username: Hoops Post Number: 1849 Registered: 10-2004 |
I am not putting this one into that same category. I think it was a very good bust by a very polished intelligence force in the UK. I consider it to be heroism of the greatest order unless and until it is shown to be anything other by way of proof. There are times when we hear about this plot or that plot and the follow up is a couple of hip hoppers looking for boots in Florida or something that happened in the distant past used as a diversion from hard news going on that day. I cant see where that fits in here. There has never been a condition critical in the UK before (our code red) nor have we ever been to code red. We dont have to fear airlines being hijacked anymore due to the reinforced doors on the cockpits but we do still have to be vigilant about explosives on planes. You can be skeptical if you please, I prefer to think of this as excellent police work and I give Scotland Yard two thumbs up! | ||
| xavier67 Citizen Username: Xavier67 Post Number: 670 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'm posting this from the Newark Airport (having the good fortune of traveling to Dallas today). I had to discard my tiny traveler-sized tooth paste, hair gel, and mouthwash at security. Airlines are announcing that "It's a federal offense" to bring onto the planes any liquids and gels of any kind. SO no water or other beverages bought at the stores by the gates may be brought on-board. Ironically, there was absolutely no line at security unlike early this morning when many, many people missed their flights because of 2 hour plus wait at security. | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1853 Registered: 9-2004  |
Plotters were to carry a "British version of Gatorade," detonate it with iPod or cell phone, source say' So add ipods & cell phones to the list? | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2601 Registered: 7-2003 |
They are in the UK right now. But not in the US. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12369 Registered: 5-2001 |
Six to one we will end up fighting with the Brits over juristiction. They don't have the death penalty, we do. | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3680 Registered: 5-2001 |
I like Tom's "prove your drink" approach. I would definitely vote for that. The ban on liquids (including water and other beverages) is true according to news reports I've heard today. The ban on all carry-ons is in the UK, not here. It will be interesting to see if and how this evolves over the next few days. I'm flying on the 20th, so I'll be staying tuned. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2271 Registered: 10-2002 |
Tom/sac - how would one go about "proving" bottled breast milk? | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4820 Registered: 5-2001  |
What are you going to do, drink your Re-Nu? Are they going to make people wear their glasses instead of contacts? | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4821 Registered: 5-2001 |
lilb- easy, feed it to the baby, or take a sip, how else? | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2272 Registered: 10-2002 |
I can't imagine actually wanting to take a sip, and you can just give a sip to a baby, right? Won't they want more or refuse it if they're not hungry? | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3682 Registered: 5-2001 |
I would think that bottled breast milk would be in the same category as formula for security purposes ... no? But, in any case, adults can sip breast milk. It won't kill you. And, I promise you that any parent who wants it for their baby will be willing to do that if that's what it takes. That's fairly minor on the scale of things that parents will do for their children. I have a feeling that these rules will evolve over time as they figure out what is useful and practical in the screening process. I just sent an email suggestion to Continental's customer service (since I'm flying with them in just over a week), suggesting that they make bottled water available to passengers on the planes (preferably available to pick up as you board.) That would at least alleviate some comfort and health concerns for people who are used to bringing their bottled water with them everywhere. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2273 Registered: 10-2002 |
I s'pose you're right. But, the other flaw in the "prove" process is that, if I'm going to die in an hour or so anyway because I'm about to blow up my plane, what do I have to lose by taking a sip of anything? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2729 Registered: 8-2003  |
lilB - what if you die before you have a chance to blow up the plane? I am a big water drinker/carrier. I am never without a bottle of water. I am flying in 3 weeks, will be 23 or 24 weeks pregnant and am a bit nervous about the prospect of flying without my water. yeah yeah, I'd rather be safe than sorry, but I do hope contingencies are made by the airlines or the transportation safety folks. Traveling for long periods of time without beverages is very difficult for some people. I like the idea of buying it in a secure area near the gates. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2943 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'd like to improve on Tom Reingold's "sip" test and turn it into an affirmative security measure. The threat is from Islamist fanatics. Their religion forbids them to consume alcoholic beverages. Therefore no one should be permitted to board any flight until he/she has "sipped" an alcoholic beverage provided by the airline. In fact, perhaps no one should be allowed to board a plane sober. | ||
| mwsilva Citizen Username: Mwsilva Post Number: 513 Registered: 5-2002 |
You know in your heart of hearts that Tony+George=FUD. The timing is just too good for this to be anything other than another WMD tale. Just wait a month or two for the real facts to come out, in the mean time we all get the shaft at the airport. |
