Another thread about the ban on cigarette lighters on aircraft prompted me to remember a recent security issue we experienced - or maybe I should say <i>didn't</i> experience.

I recently traveled to London with my mother who has had hip replacement surgery. Even before 9/11, she would always set off the security alarms when she passed through - especially on international flights.

Leaving the US (DTW) she set off the alarms and had to go through the usual wanding and pat-down. But upon returning to the US from Gatwick, she walked right through without a hitch. Kind of made us nervous - like they need to turn the sensitivity level up a notch.

Actually, their security is already up a notch, or several. I believe they have better machines which can differentiate between various things.

I traveled with a friend who had hip surgery and was prepared with a card indicating such and a mini-xray showing what it looked like. We must have passed thru 10-12 security stations throughout our trip - here in the States, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia - except for one machine at BKK airport, where the attendent did a wand scan (and it might not have even been for the hip), not a one of any of the others picked it up. Your bra underwire is more likely to set off the machines.

Kayb95:

Number of people murdered in the past five years as a result of incompetent security at American airports: over 3,000

Number of people murdered in the past 25 years as a result of incompetent security in British airports: 0

When we need the advice of America on airport security, we'll ask for it.

Flanneruk,
What a completely moronic and simplistic comment. The fact is we're both in the same fight (and I'm not talking about Iraq.) against people who don't differentiate between the UK and US.

When you've got people like Richard Reed traveling freely on a British passport, maybe you should recognize you're just as vulnerable - but maybe a bit luckier. But yes, British Airport security is certainly more experienced in facing terrorist threats. However, given that this experience was likely gained as the result of numerous IRA bombings over the years, perhaps it isn't a reason for nationalistic pride.

Flanner-that is the most ridiculous, uninformed statement that you have yet to make on this board, and I'll let it go at that. But you need to know that the FAA is looking very seriously at levying a very big civil penalty on BA as a result of this incident

Flanneruk's reaction is excessive and a bit of a tantrum; and the reference to 9/11 was just nasty and cruel. UK and US security pre-9/11 wasn't that different -- and no one here has brought up the other forms of terrorism that have beset the UK, which would be more comparable.

But I daresay the US is still no paragon of security perfection (redundant, but anyway...), esp. at smaller airports, private airports, and private terminals in large airports. Do you have any idea how easy it would be for a terrorist to &quot;seize the opportunity&quot; amply provided by non-commercial passenger traffic?

Otherwise, even in the major airports, with commercial air travel, of COURSE security isn't great. It can't ever be 100%, and/but it won't even come close without an order of magnitude more spending on technology and personnel.

Finally, the whole system is based not on thoroughness but on the possible intimidation of randomness. They might not get everything, but they could very well get YOU -- so a terrorist is not playing the technology, he's playing the odds.

Further to Ryan's point-in addition to Richard Colvin Reid, (aka &quot;the shoe bomber&quot there is also his fellow worshiper at the Finsbury Park mosque-one Zacarias Moussaoui, who will be tried in a US court in approximately a year from now for conspiracy in the 9/11 attacks.

And what did they find when they raided that mosque in 2003, Flanner? Why chemical weapons and protective gear, among other things.

And who just pled guilty on 28 Feb. Flanner? Did you not read that Sajid Baadat (whose indictment was served in this country) pled guilty to making the bomb that went into Richard Reid's shoes? You see, he trained as a suicide bomber, but backed out. Here's a link in case you didn't happen to read of it: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4304223.stm

So don't give us this &quot;holier than thou&quot; crap about the UK and its vaunted airport security-I know better.

Perhaps we could say that if the UK hadn't been such a fertile recruitment ground for terrorists the world would be a far safer place than it is right now. It sure wasn't your own security services taking the lead and rounding up the above-mentioned terrorists and others, now was it?

And of course, Richard Reidst two of several terrorists involved in the 9/11 attack who have worked out many of the deadly deeds in your country, (did you read that Richard Reid's co-conspirator was just sentenced?) specifically London. One could drOne could draw the conclusion that if London/Whitehall had done a better job, and

What DO any of you expect from someone who describes his wife as a &quot;girl&quot; who cannot follow directions which is why he &quot;has to drive.&quot;?????

Sorry, FlannerUK - I didn't realize you were the authority on security at British airports. All I know is that my mom's artificial hip <i>used</i> to set off the alarms in Britain and now it doesn't.

Perhaps, since you're the expert, you can explain it to me?