Airport Security

[Anonymous]

Does airport security make you feel safer?

How about the proposed new rules prohibiting access to carry on bags during the final hour of flight? Prohibition of holding any personal belongings during the final hour of flight? Prohibition of using the bathroom in the final hour of flight?

We already have equipment to detect the kind of explosives the 12/25 Nigerian man was carrying, but he wasn't checked with it. And existing security systems missed the fact that he was on a terrorist watch list. These new rules don't make me feel any safer than the old rules did. I honestly believe that if a person is intent on doing harm, he/she will find a way no matter how much security we have.

[Anonymous]

"I honestly believe that if a person is intent on doing harm, he/she will find a way no matter how much security we have."

Agree. Didn't DCA have the no getting up from your seat in the last half hour? of the flight before landing rule for a couple years after 9/11?

[Anonymous]

Hope no one's baby or toddler needs milk, a diaper change, to be cleaned up if they vomit, etc in that last hour and a half. You could not pay me enough to travel with a baby or toddler now.

[Anonymous]

I got into a huge argument with my brother who works in the airline industry over this. He accused me of being selfish for not wanted to be subjected to the security which will make us all safer. I said it wasn't a matter of being selfish or even being safe. If the existing layers of security failed, how will more layers work better? Plus it is a matter of practicality. The airlines now have to be prepared to give food, water and bathroom access to flights that are delayed. Parents do their best to be prepared for all these contigencies every time they go out with their children and these rules are working against us as we try to make air travel as comfortable and uneventful as possible for ourselves, our children, our fellow passengers, and our flight crews.

[Anonymous]

Current online discussion on the topic.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/12/28/DI2009122800996.html?hpid=topnews

[Anonymous]

Our last flight we circled for 40 minutes before given clearance for landing. So not letting people land an hour before the flight is scheduled to land could be really painful, especially if you have a baby/toddler to contend with.

[Anonymous]

PP here... oops, obviously meant to say "not letting people get up an hour before the flight is scheduled to land..."

[Anonymous]

Just FYI - we flew yesterday (on Southwest), and they did not enact any new rules about not getting up. Which was nice, because we have a toddler and a preschooler, and the toddler was being a right pain and refused to sit in his seat.

Couldn't pay me to fly overseas though.

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking of making a trip next month with my 4 year old and baby (domestic). And, if airlines are enforcing rules such no electronic devices during the flight (ex. video games or DVDs for the 4 yo) or no accessing your carryons at certain times -- the flight would be miserable! Where are those rules/guidelines coming from -- TSA? The airlines? It is just international flights?

Yes, Regan airport has had that rule about not using the restrooms 30 min before landing or 30 min after take off since after 9/11. That rule is workable enough for me (even with a toddler). But one hour is too long.

I think that in general, I support security measures that are intended to prevent dangerous people or objects from getting onboard planes. But once on the plane, they shouldn't restrict passengers even further.