Do you fly? Which is more important: airline security or low ticket prices?

Hello ParaTed, Well, given your handle, your response makes perfect sense. "Geronimoooooooo". Isn't that what somebody yells when parachuters jump out of the plane?

Mornin' ParaTed, Hmmm, I've never heard it yelled either. Of course, I've never jumped out of a plane, or off of a cliff, which may be why. I was scheduled to go parachuting for my 30th birthday, but two weeks before the big day the local jumping airport had to suspend all expeditions while the T.S.A. investigated a fatal jumping accident. The big day came and went, and I never thought about it again. Though, a good friend who's done alot of jumping broke his leg last year. So, I doubt that I'll ever get the itch again. There are so many other ways to have fun.

I've heard of that, but never heard or seen anyone actually do it. The ironic part is, Geronimo was said to have jumped off a cliff when he yelled it. Maybe I should ask cliff divers if they yell it. ;~D

Good morning Adoniah, They actually strip searched her? Now that is absurd! Every US airport now has a sniffing machine that can detect explosives. That is, if the hand-held metal detectors fail to suffice. My last airport experience was in late Oct. I flew back East the day after purchasing my ticket. Because I flew the next day, I was targeted for extra security sweeps at each leg of the trip. Though I can understand the concerns about next day travel, I would have appreciated being told that I would be subject to extra security precautions, as I would have allowed even more extra time. Because they failed to let me know, I almost missed my plane, as well. I was emotionally stressed to the gills anyway, because I was flying back to say my last goodbyes to my dying brother. Then, after having taken off my jewelry, and shoes, I had to go through the bomb sniffer. After it concluded sniffing me, I was left in a blockaded area for almost 20 minutes while they were doing other things. When they finally came back, they hand search of every little thing in my smaller than average carry on bag. I was OK with all of that, until the TSA jerk began harassing me about the food I was bringing on the plane. Because of severe food allergies (processed sugar, gluten & dairy), I can't just buy any old food item at the airport. So, I need to bring enough special food to consume throughout an all-day travel excursion. The TSA guy took great issue with my grapes (yup grapes - go figure?), then started calculating the weight of all of my food items. I ended up having to throw my grapes and a labelled, manufacturer sealed container of sugar-free jello into the trash. All this while the minutes were ticking away. When he threatened to throw out my tuna fish, and told me that in order to keep it I would have to go back out of the security area to get a gallon sized baggie, then come all the way back through the security measures, my frustration became apparent. Mind you, it took about 50 minutes for the first security sweep! When I suggested that he should have gallon baggies at his station, he told me "I'm not going to allow you to get on a plane with an attitude." That's when I got angry. I asked him if it was in his job description to be the 'mood police', and that I was not willing to do a jig for him to prove my happy state, as I was flying East to see my dying brother. I insisted that he give me back my cell phone, and began calling the hospital to prove to him the reason for my next day flight. Then came the Sheriff's threat, countered by my threat to call the national TSA. As it turns out, another TSA employee had to call him off, and I was the last passenger to board the plane before it rolled out of the gate. I definitely understand the need for increased security. I also understand the need for them to be as accomodating as possible. They should have zip-loc baggies at every station. In the same way that they should have offered you a chair to sit upon, while taking off your sandals & x-raying your cane. And, what's with the 'mood police' thing? Have you ever heard anything so crazy? Flying these days is already frustrating, how can they think that they're in a position to dictate the emotion of the passenger? A little courtesy goes a long way!

Hello Adoniah, Aha! I see that we now have a second possible culprit behind this, hmmm ... Boy oh boy, are you ever right about the frustrations of little plastic baggies. Grrrr! Before boarding my last flight, I encountered a TSA jerk who threatened to call the local Sheriff on me because I challenged him about the amount of liquid allowable per sealed container. He threatened me with a Sheriff, I threatened him with a cell phone call to National TSA. Who do you think won the argument? Yup, I boarded that flight, without the aid of a Sheriff. It's become unquestionably absurd -- the hoops we have to jump through to get on a plane. And, it's that much more frustrating when those very agents of security aren't aware of changes to the policies that they are alleged to be upholding. I'm with you; I'll walk on the edge!

The last time I flew, they strip searched the 69 year old lady that I was with because her drivers license was out of date. She doesn't drive any more and did not realize that it had expired. She just uses it for a picture ID and the bank apparently doesn't care that it is expired so she never caught it until she went to fly. She was horribley embarrassed. They also made me take off my shoes~they were sandles. What could I hide in sandles? I am disabled and walk with a cane and there was no where to sit down to undo the buckles so I had to sit on the floor. Then they wanted to take my cane apart. It is one of those that has the wrap around upper arm part and I have crochet a cover for the upper part and the hand grip. I had to take the crochet pieces off to prove that nothing was in them. They still ran them through the ex~ray so they could see it all anyway. I guess they need to have more excusses for their existence. Or more busy work. Something. We almost missed the plane and we had arrived over an hour early. The lady was also a diabetic and I was getting very concerned about her sugar levels because she got very pale. When we got on board, I got her a soda and things got better. You really have to watch out for those potential 69 year old granny terrorists, they can be very sneaky!!

Indeed, a laser mounted on an airliner that can shoot down missiles could be 'hacked' and even used to shoot down other airliners. If done in the vincinty of an active airfield, it would be difficult to even tell which plane's laser did the deed. Do you know what a software 'backdoor' is? Suppose one of the orginal programmers of this laser is a terrorist sympathizer? The scenario above and many others would be possible. In the final analysis I smell a lobbyist for a weapons manufacturer at work here trying to get these lasers installed.

Hello Red, Yes, it does beg the question: How might one go about obtaining a stinger? It's not on my list of items to shop for. I'm not making light of your comment, just seeking a bit of good natured humor. Your points are excellent! 'Course, if someone offered me a stinger for a few hundred bucks, I'd imagine that it was dysfunctional. As to your point about other ways to bring down an airliner: I was thinking along the same lines. That and how long it would be before evil-doers figured out how to use the technology in the laser system, to reverse engineer a device designed to target the laser technology itself. In other words, how long would it take them to figure out how to specifically target the laser?

Well Red, I think your nose is working perfectly. I'm detecting the same stench myself.

Hello Thrwbckjay, Thanks for stopping by. I haven't run across you in some time. It's nice to visit with you again, and Happy New Year. I think yours is a very reasonable position! I respect the fact that you support greater research into how to make flying safer, while still recognizing that some measures may border on the extreme. I believe the spirit of your response is that wisdom should prevail. With which, I wholeheartedly agree. Thanks for stopping by!

Hello Destiny, The article does reference some shenanigans targeted at Israeli planes. I guess there is logic in thinking that whoever targets the "little satan" will eventually target the "big satan" -- or so Israel & the USA are known in certain unfriendly circles. My guess is that Homeland Security is working diligently to try to stay one step ahead of the unfriendly's. Which, of course, is what they're supposed to be doing. However, as has been stated, there are other ways to take out down an airplane. So, it doesn't seem to me that this is the best use of our resources. Perhaps there is more reason in traditional, less expensive detective work -- like making sure the security details at airports aren't snoozing during the wee hours of the morning? Yup, that's a shot at certain airports and their screening practices, which have been the subject of rather nasty media exposés in the last year. 'Course, the newest gadgets and toys are much more exciting.

Good morning Titaniumsoul, It's nice to visit with you again, also. Oh, and a hearty "Happy New Year" to you. You have my sincerest admiration for your gift of brevity. Wow, your response is just one paragraph, but covers so many issues! Great points!

Thanks Titaniumsoul! The reported objective is that this 'test phase' will be followed by a larger scale deployment of the technology. Initially, the flights being outfitted with the laser are the heavily travelled cross-country flights. So, it won't so much be a matter of priviledge, as a determination of which flight paths might be most at risk. It would be highly improbable that lesser travelled paths, and smaller planes will be outfitted. No, the gov't won't take any measures to insure affordability. Either the taxpayer will pay for the installation of the technology, through the T.S.A. budget, which comes out of the general fund, or the airlines will expense the costs across the board, to all flyers. Does that explanation help? If I've left something out, please let me know. Toodles!

Happy New Year to you and though I do not fly often, I truly believe the security aspect in airlines should be the top priority in consideration of safety. I will say it is every passenger's hope to have a safe flight. Therefore, who and how many people can have the privilege to sit in a passenger airplane with anti-missile laser device installed? I bet the air tickets will be much more expensive and only those who can afford it are privileged. Does the government do anything to ensure that all people can afford the tickets for anti-missile laser enabled airplanes if every single airplane is to install this device?

Hello Crazyq, Geeze, I apologize for having not gotten to your response earlier. Yes, I agree that safety is important. But, for the sake of debate, I'll ask you this: how much of an increase in air fare is acceptable to you, before you will make the choice to drive, or not go at all? The reason I ask is because the airlines represents a large-scale industry that employs a great many people, both here in The States, and abroad, who in turn contribute to their respective economies. So, how much of an increase is acceptable before we begin to see lay-offs, and airlines, who are already scrambling to financially re-structure, begin to close their doors?

Good morning Sigma, I imagine you're right, that the taxpayer will ultimately foot the bill. Though, even the farthest left Dem would not have the guts to ground air travel. There would be such a clamor! So, we're all going to be biking to our favorite vacation destination? Wow, I'd better start working on my cycling endurance, eh?

No worries about spelling Sigma. It is pretty early on a Saturday morning. Though, isn't it about time for "Conjunction, junction, what's your function?" to be airing on the cartoon stations? I used to have a great Peugot racing bike, which I long ago retired. Most of my cycling was done on the East Coast. Few of our roads here accomodate bikes, with the exception of the major highways -- which is a tad terrifying with our 75mph speed limit. Hubby & I have non-distinct, regular 'ol 10 speeds. Guess we'd better get to training.

Hi Luna. Yes...lol I bet the biking in your neck of the woods is simply marvelous. I am going to refurbish my 33 year old 10 speed just in case...lol. Sorry about the spelling mistakes earlier...too lazy to look in the dictionary this morning...lol.

Hello Sunshinelady, Since you served in the Air Force, I'm honored to thank you for your service! Yes, it would be an expensive endeavor. Though, many have expressed that airline security is a big priority. I have to wonder how maintainence of the lasers might affect departure times, and other delays. Would this be like oxygen sensors in newer automobiles -- always haunted by check engine lights? Or in this case: "check laser system" warnings?

Hello Arkaf, You make a very good point, here: "When something like that starts being pushed hard look for who's profiting from it before you start blessing their little souls for thinking about our safety" And, you know what they say: Mom's know everything! Maybe we need more Moms in Homeland Security, eh?

Yes, I really think mom's would do a very good job :)

Geeesh when is that edit button going to come out???? Sorry for the spelling mistakes, I think I need to go back to bed and sleep some more LOL

Hello HellaBass, Welcome to MyLot. I hope you enjoy your time here. Hmmm, should I infer from your post that you are your own good luck charm? Shoot, where were you when my last flight was so very delayed at the Atlanta Airport? I coulda' used your charm!

Hello Drannhh, Yup, you're right. Flying used to be alot more enjoyable. Your description as a bus terminal is very appropriate. You also raise a question that's been eating at me: So, if a stinger missile is harmless deflected, where does it then go? Hmmm, it would seem that homeowners near airports might want to seek a stinger missile 'rider' in their homeowners coverage, ya' think?

Oops! I meant harmlessly deflected. Where's that edit button when ya' need it?

Don't feel bad, I meant "harmlessly OFF course" of course, but I suppose if a stray one hit my home and harmlessly transported it to a better neighborhood that would seem OK until the tax bill came! But as my neighborhood is already pretty nice in my own modest opinion, har, har, I shouldn't like for it to get moved to a worse one! Did you ever hear about that woman who put a passenger plan up in a tree and lives in it? I should probably see if anyone started a discussion about that. She could probably use a few heat seeking thingamabobs for secure her property--t'would keep prying eyes away while she is taking a bath up in that cool tub in the sky.

Hello Fanji008, Of course, you're point that life is precious is well taken! I can't speak for other nations, but in the USA our airlines & flight security measures are heavily regulated by our Federal Gov't. So, there isn't much difference between the various individual airlines and their maintenance schedules. Moreover, airport security is also under the mandate of a regulated Federal agency, the TSA or Transportation Security Administration. Which means that your point about choosing a reputable airline isn't that much of an issue here. Since safety requirements are overseen by the watchful eyes of the TSA, our choice of air carrier is largely decided by the individual company's commitment to on-time flights, customer service practices, and price. Though you raise a point that I'd like to inquire further about: Do airlines still offer flight insurance? I haven't even thought about flight insurance since my first or second flight -- at least 25 years ago. I carry a personal life insurance policy, which provides double indemnity in the case of loss of life due to airline mishap. And, as I ponder your response, I'm drawing a blank as to the last time any airline offered flight insurance to me. Do you, or does anyone else know whether flight insurance is still an available option? If so, is it more prevalent in nations other than the USA? Does any US citizen remember being offered flight insurance recently? Thanks for offering this interesting side-line, Fanji008! Oh, and speaking to your conscientious acceptance of personal responsibility when flying: I'm sure that your family appreciates the lengths you go to to insure their financial stability, in the event of unforseen circumstances. That's very responsible of you! And, something that I hope never materializes for you, or anyone for that matter. I second your wish for safe trips for all!