i've got a new plane safety idea
 

how about installing all seats on airplanes with those safety devices you see on roller coasters. you would have a lap bar that locks and a harness that goes over your shoulders. when the plane lands, stewardess pushes button and releases the locks. if you had to go to the bathroom, every seat would have a device similar to those things used by astronauts. so nobody would ever be out of their seats. why not?

tino, I know you are trying, and good for you. Keep on though. <BR> <BR>This idea stinks!!! <BR>You try taking a long flight 8 hours or more and staying in your seat. <BR>Not stretching your legs at all, thats really good for deep vein thrombosis. <BR>

Let's see. You want me to sit strapped immobile into an uncomfortable seat for a six-hour cross country trip, and you want me (and the person next to me) to urinate and defecate while seated in the passenger area. <BR> <BR>The only upside I can see to that is that terrorists would probably refuse to get on airplanes.

My suggestion: strip searches before boarding.

Would that involve a cavity search as well? In private? Would passengers be able to pick their searcher? Hmmmm ... could work if done properly. Would depend, I think, on a snappy airline jingle ... something about passenger pleasure. Ciao

The airlines could save space by not giving us seats at all, but just chaining us each passenger spreadeagled to the ceiling, bound by the wrists and ankles. Talk about skimpy pitch!

I envision an ad campaign similar to the old "I'm Linda...fly me" except that now it'll be "I'm Linda...I'll search your bags"..."I'm Candy...I'll search your body"..."I'm Bruce...I'll search your BVDs". And does this mean first class gets a bigger potty?

i have a small change i would propose to original poster. instead of the astronaut device, lets make every seat a functional porta-potty. the passenger could slide open a slot and urinate/defacate right there. the only problem: i think the stink would be horrible after awhile. how does this sound.

Ya'll have been chained to your desks and computers too long! *G*

This is getting way too complicated. Wouldn't some kind of high-tech Depends work just as well? The crew could pass them out at the same time they pass out the headphones.

I could see this idea working in THEROY only if the airlines installed bigger more comfortable reclining seats with lots of leg room. Like a big lazy boy for every passenger. It could be like sitting in your living room while traveling. But of course the expense and logistics of this wouldn't work. But its nice in theroy!

Tino, now that the hijack-and-blow-up-a-building tactic has been tried so successfully, it will probably not be tried again. Something else will. So it wouldn't be worth the expense of installing such devices. <BR> <BR>More importantly, they are a terrible idea in case of emergency exit of the plane -- the few people who survived plane crashes (or "water landings") are those who get get out quickly. If those things jammed, you'd be very much out of luck.

After waiting in line while everyone's carry-on bag was inspected, I had the idea that only a purse or small carry on which fits under the seat should be allowed. This would definitely help the inspection lines and might eliminate someone bringing a weapon or bomb aboard which could be accessed during the flight. I am also all for the locked doors to the cockpit.

<BR>I don't think a small purse is enough to hold all the RXs I have to take, much less my camera, passport & Tums. <BR> <BR>Strict limiting of carry on size is the answer. Even with the new size requirements it's amazing the size & number of bags they let people drag on the plane, esp if it's not full. It's a security matter now, not kist a space matter & the airline employees shouldn't have the authority to bend the rules unless there are necessary medical needs that must be carried. Those should be arranged for in advance. <BR> <BR>Sue

I have another crazy idea, how do you guys start a discussion? The only option I have is "post a reply" :(( <BR>Anyway, my idea is a stolen one, on a news web I've read from a flight attendant: let me keep a coffee pot on a burner during the take-off and flight, so if there is a hijacker I'll be armed. Insane, isn't it? <BR>

Hot coffee...hmmm...not bad really. Simple yet effective, inexpensive, easy to implement and tasty too! <BR> <BR>Not bad there, faina...

Thanks, Al, now imagine a passenger with tanned skin who needs to take a pill so he gets up to ask a flight attendant for a cup of water. The busy attendant hears his voice with accent... and the poor innocent traveler will have to spend long days in a hospital. God forbid a child is running around! Can I have a hot water shower instead of coffee so my clothing is not stained? (if i'll still care :)

Hey, your idea is not without problems. What if some guy passes his friend on the way to the bathroom and says, "Hi Jack!" -- next thing you know he'll be awash in sizzling coffee. So, yes, it does need a little "fine tuning".