Originally Posted by bnrdad
Stop and think - thousands of baggage handlers, cargo agents, caterers, fuelers, and other ground personnel generally are not required pass through security (X-ray/metal detectors) - and they have direct access to aircraft.
Why would gate agents pose any greater risk? If some employee is trying to get an item on airplane, there are far easier ways to do it airside vs. landside. The gate agent scenario at MCI is a non-issue. There is a lot more risk elsewhere.
All good points, but I know that a lot of airports do screen all employees. I would think that a small airport would actually be more vulnerable. MCI does have flights to NY and other major cities. If one FA does do something really bad I would bet that the security preceedures would change.