Originally Posted by
flyerORD
I wouldn't call anyone panty wasted. The sad fact is there are really people out there who wish to do the US harm, and airplanes will always be one way in which they attempt to carry that out.
The overwhelming majority of arrests for offenses that potentially put a flight at risk have involved TSOs and baggage handlers, people who have taken advantage of a one-time background check (if it was ever actually conducted) and free, unchallenged access to the sterile areas of the airport to smuggle contraband.
Up till now, they have assumed (correctly) that they were aiding in the smuggling of drugs, $, weapons - nothing that was actually a threat to the aircraft. However, it's quite clear that we've just been lucky that these errant TSOs and baggage handlers haven't been duped by someone with intent to harm the aircraft who substitutes an explosive for the usual drug/guns/$ shipment.