Janisj is absolutely right; terrorism was happening well before 9/11, so it's just foolish IMHO to say that Iraq caused this. These particular Muslim fanatics caused this, just as a few fanatical Muslims caused 9/11, attacks in London and Madrid, etc. etc. etc.

Wow, way to bring out the conspiracy theories, Barbara. I almost think liberals get more upset when terrorist acts are uncovered than when they succeed, and certainly some seem to be showing way more concern for Guantanemo Bay prisioners and Hezabollah than they do about non-terrorist Americans. As Trent Lott said, civil rights don't matter when you are dead.

So it is possible to hand carry a laptop if it's in a plastic bag? I'm travelling to the UK in 6 weeks to start grad school from America, and I hope to be able to bring my 2 checked bags plus 2 carry ons ... we'll see.

'Do a search on August 22nd....that's the day in Muslim beliefs that Mohammed flew on a winged horse from Jerusalem to Heaven and back.'

Mohammed was on the Gregorian calender?

Ger
Thanks for an interesting informative post - are you sure you are posting on the right threatd?

OReilly, great news! Folks are generally pretty easy to get along...glad there's not pandemonium at the airports! I so hope you make your flight and report back to us how your flight carried off...and how you managed without carry on reading material...have a great trip.

We live in a global community, we are no longer isolated from extremists evil...I thank the Pakistani gov't for contributing to the shedding of light on this event. Many countries in Europe have been polite and allowed all and any into their countries hoping they seek a life that will not invade on others rights. Unfortunately, it was easier for extremist muslims to hit Europe than America...but don't be fooled, they are here. We can not fault a country for hoping for the best and expecting others to do unto you ...you don't expect people would want to live in your country and kill you. I think everyone is trying to be vigilant...let's support that effort and not get smarmy on the details or past history...it doesn't help.

Tara

Get a grip, Barbara. Do you really believe Tony Blair made this decision based on Joe Lieberman's loss? Think of how ridiculous that sounds. Maybe Budman will share a brew with you. It sounds like you need one.

Wow Barbara! Not really sure what to say in response to your theory!

O'Reilly, do hope you have a safe trip. Thanks for the 'on the spot' reports to us. I too can't imagine traveling without at least my book and toothpaste.

I don't know what you think the "theory"is. It's happened before that events are either invented (which I do not believe this is) or manipulated to support the Bush agenda. Always after something happens which causes people to look at why we're in Iraq. Tony Blair would do, and has done, pretty much everything Bush has told him to do. Why would he balk at delaying publication of this for a couple of days? Please, don't take my word for it, so your own research.

Would you care to share the research you did on formulating the theory?

I would be interested to learn how Intelligence finds out about plots like this, presuming the terrorists are secretive about what they're doing. I'm not looking for inside info, just someone who knows a little more than I do to help me understand this stuff. It's pretty darn impressive that they were caught.

I am in agreement, however, that our security seems laughable at times. Do you remember how they started checking shoes after the shoebomber was caught? As though one couldn't put whatever those explosive materials anywhere on our body.

Or how the U.S. has dragged its feet on luggage-matching and the more sophisticated bomb detecting machines?

Or how only recently lighters were banned on flights in the US. Ridiculous.

And don't get me started on the whole profiling issue. I'm sorry, but I'd be very comfortable profiling people based on nationality/ethnicity on flights in and between the UK and US. I'm usually Mr. Politically Correct. But not when human life is at stake.

>>So it is possible to hand carry a laptop if it's in a plastic bag?<<

Joe, Regarding wrapping his/her laptop, I think OReilly means the luggage (containing the laptop) was wrapped before being checked to protect it from tampering, theft or accidental opening.

A few people wrote that you can't bring a book either? I looked through the list and didn't see that anywhere....I could see them flipping through the book to make sure it's real.

In addition to the passengers, security people, I also feel bad for the flight crew/attendants...they will have some nervous passengers without the usual to distract them when flying....

What a crazy world we're living in....

There is a small sector of the US population that borders on bonkers...Barbara, how can I say this without being disrespectful, but you're getting awfully close to following in those ranks.

To even suggest your theory shows immense civil irresponsibility on your part. I'll give you allowances due to ignorance towards the issues, but please don't repeat mindless chatter that is ill informed and paranoid.

I can easily see Blair's position...your next door neighbors house is blown up by terrorists...you are concerned about your own house and ask the neighbor how to help...you are gracious and forthright and think through all the options and AGREE not just go along with the neighbor (America, not singling out Bush) and assist. Now the thugs are after your country. You will not listen to idle chatter like the bonkers sect that suggests that Bush actually planned the entire event of 9/11...yes, there was a US college professor on national radio that admitted he BELIEVED that each attack of 9/11 was preconceived by Bush and his brother to protect their investments and those of a man who bought rights to the #7 building that fell and reaped the insurance claim. These people need to spend 2 weeks at a Muslim terrorist training camp and tell me where does the suspicion fall? Please, I'll pay for the tickets to Iran/Afghanistan/Iraq/and Pakistan for a four country tour...if you get out alive after visiting one of their "compounds" or sitting in on their Muslim based terrorist breeding schools called madrassas http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontl...madrassas.html
then come back and tell me your thoughts...inform yourself...don't rely on bonkers civics 101 to define your perception of politics. You're in a war, believe it.

Tara

Hmm ... when I posted early this morning, the thread seemed the have a different theme :)

Anyway, just to remind you, you can only bring your WALLET, passport, ticket and travel docs with you in a plastic bag. All other items must be checked. WHen I said 'wrapped' I meant I had my hand luggage wrapped before I checked it in.

Thanks for the clarifications about wrapping, all.

Did they ease up the number of bags you could check? So if you brought 2 checked bags then discovered you needed to check your carryons, was that okay with no fee? It seems like they didn't care about weight.

Sheila:

Having fallen out with you over the Egyptians, just wanted to say you're absolutely right both about the cartoons and that weird woman who works in the convenience store opposite the CIA headquarters. Or is it the petrol station?

Someone mentioned "cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage." Does this mean that they will take your carry on baggage and give it to you as you embark the plane? Please advise!

quite.

< Someone mentioned "cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage." Does this mean that they will take your carry on baggage and give it to you as you embark the plane? Please advise! >

No it means carry on goes in the hold with the rest of your luggage .