First, thanks to BART for keeping us updated. As I predicted last week, the ridiculous knee-jerk rules are already being modified and will continue to evolve as perception of the threat subsides and as the inconvenience increases, not to mention the budgetary issues that affect TSA staffing.
Personally I have to say I am delighted with the ban on perfume, which causes allergic reactions for many of us, though admittedly not while it is in the bottle.
I would be delighted if the TSA required everyone to shower before boarding, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon.
Originally Posted by FliesWay2Much
Good idea to use this thread. I've certainly been overwhelmed the last week or so (easy to do after 50). Just a couple of comments from my inside-the-Beltway perspective:
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3. Most of the new restrictions will have little impact because there is a solution already existing that, with blinders on now, has zero impact to passengers -- "all" you have to do is to check your luggage. The cosmetics issues will go away because nobody will be able to make the argument that you will drop dead on your flight without lip gloss.
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7. Face it -- this is a niche issue affecting a relatively small minority of Americans who fly, regularly or not. Most Americans on the sidelines on this issue think it's a great idea.
I disagree. Having spent 10 years in the beltway, I can tell you that these restrictions will greatly annoy virtually every member of Congress and more importantly their staff who all travel frequently. Some go home every week, and IAD has always been one of the worst TSA checkpoints, and clearly not going to get any better. The ban on bottled water is particularly absurd and one I think that is unlikely to last for long. The ban on most toiletries is almost as ridiculous and basically forces everyone to check at least one item - so I predict that will be modified as well.
The one thing that does ring true - there are a lot of sheep out there who do think this is a great idea. But their views will not be determinative. Remember, big business contributes millions of $ to campaigns, and these guys travel frequently and are going to be dialing Washington to voice their complaints.