Monday, January 04, 2010

Airport Security

Let's see, the result of someone sneaking explosives aboard an airplane in their shoe is that we now have to remove our shoes when we go through security. And the result of someone trying to sneak explosives aboard an airplane in their underwear will be...?

The sad thing is that for a long time I had joked that if the shoe-bomber had stuffed his explosives up his butt we would now be having cavity searches before we could board an airplane. I guess I wasn't too far off base.

And, let me get this straight, days after a supposed increase in airport security someone walks, unimpeded, into a secure area in the Newark Airport bypassing all security checks simply by using the, apparently unguarded, exit? And this causes major delays, dozens of flights to be grounded, arriving flights to be delayed because delayed departures were blocking the gates, and thousands of people to be rescreened.

Of course, they never found the person who bypassed security. Officials said "It was possible the man simply walked the wrong way through the security checkpoint," whatever that means. They should also have said none of the security measures seemed able to prevent this.

The thing that I think about is Can you imagine all of the places such as bars, restaurants, shops, bathrooms, etc. where this person could have hidden explosives during the confusion when everyone was being cleared from the area to be re-screened?

Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about our new "enhanced" airport security.

Okay, I know this is a bit of a differnt subject than what I usually post about, but I do spend a fair amount of time in airports and on airplanes, and I do blog about airport bars and restaurants.

Of course after posting this I will probably be forced to take a bus when I go to Mexico at the end of the month.

3 comments:

Splunge said...

This coming Spring (assuming that it ever comes) the girlfriend and I will be visiting my brother in Florida. We will be driving. The only dangers I will have to face will be 18 hours in a car with the girlfriend...

Bar Man said...

Heh, I presume you have yet to encounter Florida drivers. But then I have never encountered your girlfriend.

Enjoy Florida, my sister lives in Fort Meyers, my favorite Florida city. Second is Key West and the drive down there is fun as well. At least once you get out of Miami.

AirportBars.com said...

I suppose one of the few positives in all this is that we are now forced to get to the airport so early that we definitely have time to enjoy a cocktail or two before heading off to 40K feet.

Flying is so surreal, and when you mix in an airport bar, flying can quickly become a spiritual experience.

Here's to your dedication to bars, travel, blogging, humor and so much more... love what you do, and thank you for sharing so much with all of us. Cheers!