Interesting story at
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...port_screening

Our airport has always made you put your coat through the scanner. I guess the other part is scanning for explosives.

What's next? Full body scans...MRI's for every passenger flying..

Like any of this unfortunately will really stop somebody absolutely determined to exhibit the same sub human atributes the pieces of sh-t did on 11/09

This is really not that terrible - I've had to take my coat off as a rule when going thru security. And I've been patted down which, for some of us, is the only romantic experience we've had in a long time, so that's not so bad either. However, if they are basing this additional security on the Russian episodes, those women BRIBED people and were otherwise permitted to go on board AFTER they were detained by incompetent or corrupt security officials. How does anyone overcome that? And is the US safe from the mentality that would permit such disregard for the rules?

In a word? Yes. We now have two new pieces of technology-explosive trace detection machines, and scanner devices-and both of these devices go a long way in closing the vulnerability gap in aviation security concerning explosives carried on the body-a la Richard Reid and the shoe bomber traces of PETN, RDX, TATP or other types of particularly unstable explosive material will show up on a walk-through of the machine-and it just involves a puff of air. The scanner technology will detect minute traces of explosives on documents-like airline tickets or boarding passes, as you pass through security screening checkpoints. The problem is, because it is new technology, not enough of them are in circulation right now-but they will be. As I've said before, I like our chances of thwarting any would-be attackers of civil aviation-remember we have a multi-tiered system of security in effect, and new technology to make the entire transportation security system even more secure is being developed and tested as we speak.

Well, I'm sorry to report that all those scanners and explosive-detecting technologies not to mention those absolutely confidence-inspiring bozo Rambo wannabees with their badges and bad tennis shoes are not going to have much effect when people still manage to sneak onto the tarmac and into aircraft while someone videos it for the 11:00 o'clock news.

The "sub-humans" on 9/11 delivered a stroke of genius, unfortunately, as we continue to react rather than taking really proactive actions to prevent another attack.

Wrong. If you think the technology of today is merely targeting pax, then that's simply not correct-EVERYONE who gets in the sterile area of an airport is under heightened security-and there are a variety of redundant measures dealing with precisely the issue you raise.

Please don't try and argue with Spygirl, you are just not allowed to win!

There is never any compromise or acknowledgment that you may have a point, you are simply told you are wrong!

Walter, I believe that is partly due to the fact that we are Travelers and Spygirl?irlawgirl is an Employee of the Airline industry.

I have had to take off coats and jackets for years already, this is no big deal.

Good, glad to see things are getting tougher. No big deal to me. Bring it on.

Walter-simply pointing out what is incorrect about a statement, and providing information to support it, is hardly an unyielding position. And as far as being in the airline industry, nothing could be further from the truth! (smile)

Spygirl, You claim your authority on the subject without actually saying on what basis your opinion should be regarded any higher than those that say pish posh to your theories.

I have recently had some things stolen from my checked luggage. So, if someone can take something out then they can just as easily put something in. So much for enhanced security.

Good!!!linings are a hiding place.

<And I've been patted down which, for some of us, is the only romantic experience we've had in a long time, so that's not so bad either.>

Shanna, that is very funny, and quite similar to the story I was about to tell. The last time I came through LGW, a woman patted me down so thoroughly I felt like I'd just cheated on my husband and played for the other team. She really left no stone unturned. Maybe next time I will insist that a young man do this job.

Hey, P_M - I agree it's considerably more enjoyable when a gentleman is doing the patting. To me - anyway. When I traveled to Germany six weeks after 9/11, I was thoroughly patted leaving but not coming back. However, I did spend 30 minutes at Frankfurt airport being asked all the most interesting questions about myself and my personal life by a VERY attractive, blond, blue-eyed German fella, so long and so personal that I was certain he was doing more than ensuring the plane's safety. Alas, all the batting of eyelashes, dimpling and curtseying brought no request for a phone number or visit - after all, I live in Florida - and many, many a European male has, in the past, evidenced an interest in visiting me once they learn that. The lengths to which one must go to get a date!