Airport security in America is a sham—“security theater”

[Crabtownboy]

During one secondary inspection, at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, I was wearing under my shirt a spectacular, only-in-America device called a “Beerbelly,” a neoprene sling that holds a polyurethane bladder and drinking tube. The Beerbelly, designed originally to sneak alcohol—up to 80 ounces—into football games, can quite obviously be used to sneak up to 80 ounces of liquid through airport security. (The company that manufactures the Beerbelly also makes something called a “Winerack,” a bra that holds up to 25 ounces of booze and is recommended, according to the company’s Web site, for PTA meetings.) My Beerbelly, which fit comfortably over my beer belly, contained two cans’ worth of Bud Light at the time of the inspection. It went undetected. The eight-ounce bottle of water in my carry-on bag, however, was seized by the federal government

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200811/airport-security

 

[North Carolina Tentmaker]

But do you feel safer Crabtown? That seems to be more important than the real facts.

I flew out of Buffalo this last week. Usually after I arrive at the airport I take my pocketknife out and put it in my checked bags. Yes I always carry a pocket knife and always check a bag so I won't have to leave it at home. If I have to explain why then you won't understand anyway.

But I forgot

I had already checked my bag and walked up to the security check point when I realized the offending item was still in my possession. It was to late to go back and get my bag so I just went with it. I figured I was about to loose the knife and was already practicing my shock and surprised look that I forgot that was in there.

I actually took the knife out and placed it in the basket with my keys, wallet and change.

I was handed my stuff back and boarded the plane without incident, the knife safely back in my pocket.

 

[Crabtownboy]

But do you feel safer Crabtown? That seems to be more important than the real facts.

I flew out of Buffalo this last week. Usually after I arrive at the airport I take my pocketknife out and put it in my checked bags. Yes I always carry a pocket knife and always check a bag so I won't have to leave it at home. If I have to explain why then you won't understand anyway.

But I forgot

I had already checked my bag and walked up to the security check point when I realized the offending item was still in my possession. It was to late to go back and get my bag so I just went with it. I figured I was about to loose the knife and was already practicing my shock and surprised look that I forgot that was in there.

I actually took the knife out and placed it in the basket with my keys, wallet and change.

I was handed my stuff back and boarded the plane without incident, the knife safely back in my pocket.

Actully I have never felt in danger before or after TSA began. However I know that my personal items are not as safe as before. In all my travels I had never lost any item until after TSA began their security inspections. On one of my first international trips after TSA began I arrived and upon opening my suitcase I found a TSA form saying my suitcase had been chosen at random, everything taken out and then put back. However a whole bunch of things were missing, like a bottle of baby asparin, a pair of shorts, a shirt or two. I inquired if I could be reimbursed for the lost items. The answer was yes if I had an original receipt and could prove they had been in the suitcase. Oh well ................

Almost forgot, TSA did take away a small glasses screwdriver that I had in my carryone one time. You know, one of those dangerous screwdrivers that you use to tighten the screws in your glasses ... the one that is at least an inch or two long.

 

[carpro]

It will contginue to be a sham until sophisticated profiling techniques are routinely used as part of airport check in.

 

[Crabtownboy]

It will contginue to be a sham until sophisticated profiling techniques are routinely used as part of airport check in.

Did you read the article I linked. Profilling would do nothing to help until these issues are adddressed.

 

[carpro]

Did you read the article I linked. Profilling would do nothing to help until these issues are adddressed.

Confiscating pocket knives with 2" blades is akin to searching 78 year old grandmothers and looking the other way while 35 year old arab males are ignored in the name of political correctness.

Who is carrying the knife is far more important than the knife itself.

 

[LadyEagle]

You're right. I think it will take another major disaster or two for it to sink in that we are too politically correct.

We could take lessons from El Al.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ed...6/08/23/what_israeli_security_could_teach_us/