MANY STUDENTS WHO just returned from winter break found it more difficult to fly.
New security regulations are being imposed at airports, but are they making a difference? As of the first of this year all bags, including those that are checked, are being scanned for bombs or explosive material. This is just another example of how America is changing to try to prevent future terrorist attacks, but new technology can’t protect us.
The new system requires every bag being checked to go through a machine that detects bomb residue. Denver International Airport should have the system in place now. The machines cost $40,000 and can process 25 bags an hour. DIA has 58 of the machines.
This obviously changes the way passengers must travel. To begin with the FAA is recommending that flyers don’t lock their luggage. The checked bags may need to be searched if they appear suspicious, and if there is a lock on the suitcase it will be removed. This could cause damage to the suitcase and its contents. No doubt there will also be an increase in lost or stole items due to this new policy. The new system will also slow down the already slow process of loading the bags on a flight. Delays are going to be inevitable.
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it is a small price to pay for safer place travel. Despite all the new innovations we are still vulnerable. Already flaws are apparent in the system. In the process of trying to scan everything and everyone effort is diverted and makes it easier for terrorists to get a weapon on board. For example fivesecurity guards are so preoccupied with checking a woman’s nail clippers that a man slips through with a knife.
Despite the mass number of security guards at airports they are still poorly trained and don’t know what to look for.
Then there are flights that originate in smaller towns with lax security or flights coming from other countries. We can’t watch everyone all the time. At some point, our defenses will fail.
The terrorists will always find a way to get us. Whether it is hijacking a flight or shooting it down over a city with a rocket launcher. One way or another they will find a way, which is why we need to find a solution to the problem and not only try to defend against the problem.
