Originally Posted by Gargoyle
Last December I accidently left my 20 year old Swiss folding manicure scissors in my shaving kit; after clearing security with them at ORD and ATL, they were caught at Dublin and I had to forfeit them, having no way to mail them home. The blades were about 1.25" long. I miss those scissors, the new ones I've found aren't as good.
Yesterday I flew CDG to ORD on Air France; I cleared security in Pisa and Paris, no problem since I didn't have any pointy objects. Sat in steerage and received a very nice meal, complete with metal fork, spoon, and knife with a 2-1/2" blade. The blade wasn't pointy- a rounded tip, then tapered serrated edge. Good for use as a prybar or screwdriver, not great for stabbing. Twice the length of the blades on the scissors I lost, and sturdier than the 9/11 box cutters.
What's the point of the whole pointy thing search if I am then issued a knife by the airline? Sorry, but it makes me believe much of what is going on is just for show, and doesn't make us any safer.
I hope I don't jinx anything by mentioning this, the silverware was a very nice touch and made eating the MRE much easier and nicer than it would be with the typical plastic silverware. Maybe Air France just is making a wry statement about shoe and pointy object carnivals?
You know what? I agree with you. I believe that this "dual-use" prohibited items thing is too ambitious to the point of not being very practical. Personally, I don't see what's wrong with small manicure scissors or baby Swiss Army knives. Sure as hell don't see what's so bad about computer screwdrivers. At one time, we also prohibited P-38s, corkscrews, bottle openers and nail files; these items have now been removed from the list and are permitted. I anticipate that the small scissors, baby Swisses and computer screwdrivers will eventually be removed from the PI list as well.
As for improvising weapons, you ought to see what I can do with a simple pen.
These flaws in policy, however, don't mean that the whole thing is flawed. You may want to believe that, if you wish, but it wouldn't be a very honest assessment. I think you know that.
Take care.