Originally Posted by PTravel (Post 27812562)

Irrespective of the question of whether any bias was exercised in the inspections, do you really have no problem with all travelers to specific destinations being subjected to inspections? Inspections for WEI are for the purpose of preventing terrorist acts to the aircraft, not to potential targets at the destination. Under what precedent and constitutional authority can the government avoid the Fourth Amendment if it conducts searches of anyone traveling to a specific city?

The People's Republic of China used to require internal passports for its citizens, and permission to travel to from one locale to another (it doesn't anymore). Is that where we're heading?

Originally Posted by GUWonder (Post 27812681)

The government's arguable excuse for additional "security" for flight to the D.C. area may involve the concern that targets at the destination may be hit using the plane.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 27812728)

Aren't we pretty much already there? ID is almost required to fly, soon Real ID's will be required and TSA can deny access to the sterile area of airports without explanation while using secret policies.

Originally Posted by PTravel (Post 27812819)

I tend to think this ID business is nonsense. However, my focus isn't on what it takes to get on board a plane, but the government requiring screening to travel to specific destinations within the United States. That, I think, is far more concerning; the government has no power to restrict travel within the US, or to require special inspections or permission because you're traveling to a specific city.

Originally Posted by PTravel (Post 27812819)

I tend to think this ID business is nonsense. However, my focus isn't on what it takes to get on board a plane, but the government requiring screening to travel to specific destinations within the United States. That, I think, is far more concerning; the government has no power to restrict travel within the US, or to require special inspections or permission because you're traveling to a specific city.

Originally Posted by PTravel (Post 27812809)

Except that, as 9/11 taught us, ANY plane that is commandeered can be flown anywhere -- none of the hijacked planes were destined for their target cities. Moreover, with reinforced doors and sterile cockpit procedures, that simply can't happen anymore (unless it's a pilot, in which case passenger inspections are pointless).

Originally Posted by Global321 (Post 27813859)

What I think the debate now is... how much do you trust the gov't?

Neither sides cannot "prove" their position.

Originally Posted by Loren Pechtel (Post 27813727)

If bad guys take over a plane that's not heading for Washington they have more warning that something is wrong. It's about adding layers of security.

Originally Posted by GUWonder (Post 27813869)

"Neither of the above" is what I think.



"Layers of 'security'" is why these TSA gate checks exist. Resource constraints are also why the gate searches are limited and yet biased.

The government's identification demands for travel are but a way to try to enable a form of restriction of the travel of even US citizens attempting to travel just domestically.

Originally Posted by Section 107 (Post 27820590)

Instances of accidental and intentional "stowaways" and of using another person's boarding pass, while not commonplace, or also not unheard of. Marilyn Hartman on her own might account for 50% or more of these incidents in recent history.

But in light of the demonstrated real possibility of such an incident, increased security activity related to an NSSE is to be expected and is not prima facie evidence of bias.

Originally Posted by Section 107 (Post 27820590)

Instances of accidental and intentional "stowaways" and of using another person's boarding pass, while not commonplace, or also not unheard of. Marilyn Hartman on her own might account for 50% or more of these incidents in recent history.

But in light of the demonstrated real possibility of such an incident, increased security activity related to an NSSE is to be expected and is not prima facie evidence of bias.

Originally Posted by GUWonder (Post 27809793)

There were gate checks performed that day at DEN for some flights to the DC area.

Originally Posted by GUWonder (Post 27822131)

The first paragraph's last sentence is of doubtful veracity.

The second paragraph reads sort of like a slimmed down governmental apology for continuity of these practices and to try to justify discriminatory measure that attempt to use proxy factors to nail people who would otherwise more explicitly have a claim to being discriminated against on a basis that violates their constitutional rights and/or civil liberties.

Originally Posted by 84fiero (Post 27822223)

I meant of the particular gate check of the WN flight that started this thread - to know more details which could shed more light on it.

Originally Posted by petaluma1 (Post 27804636)

Sorority sisters had their books in their carry-on bags; that's why they were searched. I never attempted to "validate" anything, just said it reminded me of the sister searches.