security questions-in present form useless, waste time?
Sep 12, 1999, 2:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 301
security questions-in present form useless, waste time?
Do the 2 security questions asked on US carriers only waste time and are useless?
The big incident that triggered the questioning was in the late 1980's Mr. Nassar Hindowi was convicted by a British court of putting a bomb in a suitcase and asking his girlfirend to take it with her on a flight to Israel. One foreign carrier asks a different question. They ask "has anyone, known or unknown to you, given you anything to take on the flight?"
The big incident that triggered the questioning was in the late 1980's Mr. Nassar Hindowi was convicted by a British court of putting a bomb in a suitcase and asking his girlfirend to take it with her on a flight to Israel. One foreign carrier asks a different question. They ask "has anyone, known or unknown to you, given you anything to take on the flight?"
Sep 13, 1999, 3:42 pm
#2
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As I have stated in the past, these "security" questions are a waste of time in my opinion. Obviously, a terrorist/criminal would not answer these questions honestly. If they have the resources to make bombs, I am sure they can manage to acquire a fake driver's license or passport. Everyone is best served by upgrading security equipment, personnel training, and developing better programs in detecting terrorists.
Sep 13, 1999, 4:34 pm
#3
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Join Date: May 1999
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On my most recent west coast trip I was asked for ID only once- at the checkin counter which I went to on my way to the club only because I was going to try for an earlier flight and there was literally no one waiting. I do wish that security was a little tighter. El Al sets a good example but literally no one follows.
Sep 14, 1999, 4:56 am
#4
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AusTXHiker - I agree with your comments about the security questions. For a chemist, making crude bombs (or at least explosive substances) is very easy indeed. For a skilled chemist, making sophisticated ones isn't difficult. Getting a false passport in the UK or US is fairly easy and the commonest way to do it is very well known. Only proper screening of passengers and luggage can do the job.
Sep 14, 1999, 9:42 am
#5
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James, proper screening of the customers doesn't mean a darn thing when they don't screen any of the airport baggage or catering employees who can easily put anything (drugs, bombs) on any plane.
Sep 14, 1999, 11:19 pm
#7
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I also understand that there is no "federal rule" or "regulation" which requires travelers to show "government-issued id" or such (don't even remember the language).\
I've heard a number of stories about people demanding that gate agents show them the law/rule. There is none.
I've heard a number of stories about people demanding that gate agents show them the law/rule. There is none.
Sep 15, 1999, 1:23 am
#8
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The ID card business started about 5 years ago during a specific security alert due to warnings of possible terrorist acts. There was a picture ID requirement issued by the gov't that was in effect for 60-90 days or so. About midway through this, the airlines realized that they now had available a means of combating one of their pet peeves: people travelling on other people's tickets (which I THINK is not illegal, but it is contrary to the airlines' rules). So the airline industry decided to keep the picture ID rule in force, and people simply assume it is a government requirement, when it was only for a brief period. But now the airlines don't really have a problem any more with barter and resale and borrowing of tickets.
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Sep 18, 1999, 6:47 pm
#9
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Only two questions? I must look like a terrorist, since I always get four: Whose stuff, who packed, whose control, and any gifts?
As for the ID requirement, my understanding was that it is an FAA requirement as of a few years ago, for all passengers above some age (14 or 18, I think).
As for the ID requirement, my understanding was that it is an FAA requirement as of a few years ago, for all passengers above some age (14 or 18, I think).