Experts Float Idea of Moving TSA Checkpoints Outside
Jennifer Billock July 01, 2016
TSA checkpoints may move outside airports in a potential change to security proceedings after terrorist attacks.
Recent terrorist attacks at the Brussels and Istanbul airports have officials and security experts considering a relocation of TSA security checkpoints. The new system under consideration would see the checkpoints either at the curb before entering the airport, or inspecting cars as they first arrive to airport property.
At both airport attacks, terrorists were able to get their bombs into every part of the airport but where they had to pass through a checkpoint. The rationale is that the checkpoints are working, so expanding them could potentially save lives.
“Everyone’s talking about it,” aviation security expert Denny Kelly told CBSDFW.com. “They’re talking about it in terms of, ‘Can we do this? And if we do it, what’s it going to cost us?’”
But he doesn’t think it’s logistically a good idea.
“People are going to be late for their flights and miss their flights,” he told CBSDFW.com. “Even then it’s not gonna work because if someone is willing to give up their life, you’re not gonna stop them by putting a mirror under their car.”
Another extra security measure would include having cars pass through metal detectors at nearby drop-off points. The American Bazaar reports that this is already common at big airports in India, where car checks are standard in major cities. Some airports in India already have multiple checks in place before getting close to the drop-off area.
As for it being done in the U.S., Kelly doesn’t believe it will happen, even though the idea has been brought up repeatedly.
[Photo: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS]
As discussed here: http://www.askthepilot.com/brussels-airport-attack/ "The only thing moving security curbside would actually do, of course, is shift the perimeter — and the busy choke point of passengers — to a new location. This means nothing to an attacker, whose so-called “soft target” has simply been relocated from one spot to another, no less convenient one. But it would mean immense amounts of hassle for everybody else. No checkpoint is going to stop a terrorist hellbent on destruction."
It is what it is. People in the US don't even know how good they have it. You go into a 5 star hotel in say BOM, MNL, CGK, you have to get screened before entering. Heading to the airport? You have to have an itinerary showing you're departing that day and have bags scanned before entering. On top of that, you get patted. In the US, that would be a lawsuit. Outside the US, it's the way of life.
"Another extra security measure would include having cars pass through metal detectors at nearby drop-off points". Huh? Maybe security checkpoints...but 'metal detectors'?
This is about BA!? I thought THEY are the frumpy English airline. At least that's what Sir Richard's commercials taught me. "Over-sexed" and BA just doesn't go together in my mind. I mostly fly Delta long haul, and I love their shall-we-say "slightly older and much more experienced" FA's as much as the pretty young things on any Asian carrier of choice.
Cars pass through metal detectors? What would that do? Car is made of metal... it'll go off.