Speaking of FLL and airport security, I just emailed this letter to the FAA.
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I am a frequent flyer and am very concerned about airport/airplane security. The new security at the nation’s airports, since September 11th, succeeds at nothing more than inconveniencing the flying public. Are we really supposed to believe that confiscating nail clippers and matches will prevent a September 11th type attack from happening again? Let’s face it; none of the current security procedures will prevent terrorists from getting on those planes.

This past weekend, I flew roundtrip between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau. I took a good walk around the “secure” area in both airports. Assuming I wanted to hijack a plane, I looked around for things I could possibly get hold of and use as a weapon. Both airport gift shops sell numerous souvenirs and other items made of glass or porcelain. Breaking just one of those objects, would make for enough “knives” for any group of terrorists. Anyone intelligent enough to plan a hijacking or terrorist attack, is bright enough to figure out something this simple.

Assuming that taking away nail clippers and matches will make the skies safer, there is still a major security breach. When I returned from Nassau, I realized I had an old pocketknife and a book of matches in my toiletry kit, both of which had been in there for years. I went through security checkpoints FOUR times without either item being found. At the last checkpoint in Nassau, security personal went through EVERY person’s luggage at the gate. They confiscated several nail clippers and lighters, but did not even come close to finding my “contraband.”

I am every bit as concerned about airport security as anyone else. I do not mind being inconvenienced as a result of this either. But the airport security, even since September 11th, is a joke. I do not claim to have any answers. But having better trained security personnel at the checkpoints would be a good start. If we are to be inconvenienced as a result of security, let’s at least have REAL security that will make a difference.