Vance

I understand the FAA is still standing by the date of January 18th as the deadline for everyones checked baggage being opened and checked. Because there is not enough special X Ray machines to look at every ones bags- they will open special lines where security, airline staff and national guard troops will go through everyones checked baggage. I expect utter chaos and lines that make yesterday (open everyones wrapped Christmas presents scandal) seem tame in comparison.
While the goal is great, the devil will be in the details. Trouble is I am scheduled to go on my next flight on 1/18/01. What are your thoughts?

Vance

Sorry I meant to say 1/18/02 but the questions remains the same!

Chicken Little

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

Beverly

Since Sept. 11 so many people have warned me of airport trauma. I've flown 16 roundtrips since. All were on time. Check in took between 5 minutes and 25 minutes (LAX). Security took between 10 seconds and 15 minutes (LAX again). "Utter chaos" is silly and, I may add, childish. The airport staffs will figure it out quickly just as they always do.

Gregory

Apart from Baltimore ( BWI) recently apparently!!!

Jill

How are they going to figure out a timely and efficent way to go manually through 10,000 plus bags by hand every day at each airport. That is what will be necessary because most airports will not get the special X ray machines for up to 4-6 years. I to, expect complete chaos!

Gary

The people on the Fodors site are a bit silly if they do not see this as a serious problem. It can not be done and will cause lines that will go for 100s of yards and will bankrupt the airlines regardless of federal support.

I am planning to check this web site after 1/18/02 to see all the people complain about the 7 hour waits while security staff looks at everyones bags and dirty underwear.

Howard

So, tell me, how does it help the situation to worry about it?

Adam

Many people predicted that air travel would not rebound at all by the end of 2001 yet the airlines themselves are cautiously optimistic of turning profits in 2002. I also recall people on this site predicting the demise of Southwest due to extra security. SWA is still cash positive, thank you very much.

The FAA isn't stupid. They are pushing for the January 18 date but I just can't see them forcing the air traffic system into a standstill. Expect a few delays in this "mandatory" implementation process while the machines are ordered.

RM

They can order all the machines they want. The companies that produce them simply don't have the capacity at this time to fill the orders. They have ramped up production but there is no way they manufacturers can provide anywhere near enough machines for the foreseeable future.

In the interim, you can expect hand searches and matching of luggage to likely be provided by the national guard et el..

If this goes down as has been discussed in many national forums such as USA Today, WSJ, etc... It will be a major problem.

RM

Vance

I can not belive that the travelers on this site are so naive about this upcoming event that will shake up travel like nothing ever before. Have you ever seen the amount and size of bags people bring onto airplanes (checkin and carry-on). To have to check all these bags by hand will cause terrible terrible lines but no one in congress will admit their law is undoable. Wait until 1/18/02 and we will see a system in total chaos!

heavens

OH, thank goodness, I've leaving today for my round-the-world trip by plane with stops in every country and back home by 1/17/02!

heavens

Goodness, I'm so unnerved I said "I've" instead of "I'm"! Oh dear, oh dear!

Sam

Vance, how often do you fly?

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Jerrry

With each passing security problem the media tells us that a long line is a good one. It is the American way to stand in a long inefficent line so they can check our shoes, etc. Get use to it and higher amount of traffic on the interstates because flying will become just to much hassle.