It is my personal opinion, the current security measures are both effective, only to a CERTAIN point, as well as for perception and public show, to a certain point. Meaning that, psychologically, a lot of the equipment, manpower, etc., does ensure security, but also sends the message "our airports are safe", and things of that nature. I also feel that very few of the measures are not as effective as the have the potential to be. The objective that we have to realize is that different airports, countries, etc. take much different approaches on airport security.
Here is a very true personal example: I travel quite often on commercial airlines, and for a good while, on buddy passes via pilots for various passenger airlines. One particular trip to Myrtle Beach (MYR) I arrived at Detroit Metro (DTW) a little behind schedule, and was rushing through the security checkpoint. I had no problem nor raised any flags and sailed right through. When I got on board & in my seat, I was fumbling through my carry-on for my book, and noticed I had 3 .44 Magnum hollow point rounds in the front pocket. (I had used the bag going target shooting 2 nights before). I thought, "YIKES!!!!, how the hell did I get through security. I threw them away when I reached MYR. On the return portion, arriving at the airport in plenty of time, I was watched, as well as EVERYONE else from the time I left the ticket counter. The TSA personnel at the checkpoint were so through, they ran my bag 3 times for the following 1) Keys in the bottom of the bag 2.) my bag of change 3) my 2 blackberry devices. Instead of annoyed, I was quite impressed and thought to myself, "what if I hadn't found those bullets on the way down here".
My overall point is that different airport, countries, etc., have both effective, and possible non-effective security measures. However, we have to understand each place does things differently. I found this article from Travel & Leisure, about the various methods of security around the globe. I was interested to know that the French airport security personnel "cannot make physical contact with a passenger unless a law enforcement officer is present", while in the US, the TSA touch more often than a 2nd grade school teacher. http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/global-airport-security
Overall, U.S. airports security measures have been proven effective and safe to a certain degree, yet we have to stay vigilant and keep our eyes open 24/7, so that terrorism threats can be deterred. Also, I agree with you regarding your experience and findings that different countries and different airports implement different security measures, but what does that translate into? In my opinion, no matter how effective our airports security measures are, we are at the mercy of other countries’ airports security measures. Why? Because we are part of an international network of aviation security systems and any security breaches or failures in that network will directly impact our security system.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your personal security experience. I, too, have had similar experiences and have noticed vast differences between airports within the US.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on this would be that of work ethic. This is still true everywhere. some people are more thorough with their jobs and others are not. It depends on who you get. you are very lucky you were not detained. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that the security at airports sometimes work. I was able to get through security with two knifes. It was a scary thought when I found them, wondering what would have happened if they did find them. Then I got really scared and wondered WHY they got through security. There is definitely room for improvement.
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