So should we ban everything else from your carryon luggage?

Homeland Security and TSA have announced that any liquid substance (i.e. water bottles, toothpaste, lip gloss) will be banned from customers' carryon luggage at every US airport starting tomorrow. So far the only exception to this rule is baby formula and perscription medicine.

There will also be double-screening in place. Once at the main checkpoint, and the second at the departure gate. Again, such procedures were done after the events of 9/11.

Airport security experts have indicated that laptops, mobile/cell phones, and watches can pose a potential danger to the safety of an aircraft. These plus anything else that uses a battery (electronic devices) should be prohibited from any flight.

Can this be a realistic scenario?

Laptops are pretty much the lifeblood of the business person. We also use laptops to play songs, videos, or games while on a long-haul flight. I usually bring my laptop on my holiday trips because I can upload my pictures from my digital camera memory card without the need to buy spare memory cards. Plus, since hotels offer free internet access, that laptop is useful for tourism and planning out sightseeing trips.

Mobile/cell phones are practically a part of your daily life. We have looked at that phone as an emergency aid. When I was on a plane on the ground, we were delayed for two hours because of a stoppage, and the crew allowed the passengers to use their phones to contact their friends, relatives about the delay. If a serious incident occurred, that phone could be a life saver (i.e. how would the passengers on United 93 be able to figure out what was going on?).

Watches could be considered optional. But over time, it becomes an inconvenience if you need to buy a new disposable watch everytime you travel.

Other electronic devices (CD player, iPod, mp3 player, USB device) could be tolerated, of course what can you do if you are stuck on a 14-hour flight. Or a really long-haul flight from new york to sydney. Obviously, I am sure you can bring a book onboard (with the exception of today's crisis), but if your flight got a poor IFE, that long-haul flight becomes quite uncomfortable. However, if every other airline implemented Virgin's on-demand IFE system, then we would be quite content with being entertained.

The experts talk about the need for safety. Of course we know that. Passengers are more aware and vigilant in reporting suspicious activity. In reality, it is hard to enforce even the most stringent security regulations at the airport. Should we really ban flying altogether? Has the costs and risks outweigh the benefits? The end result is enduring a multi-hour check-in. Quite inconvenient! Of course we can adapt to these new security changes, but such change will need to expand to almost our whole daily routine. Like if you need to go on a corporate or leisure trip, instead of leaving 2 hours ahead of time, you may need to get their 4 hours ahead just for a domestic flight or in a worse case, take the whole day off for an international flight. Honestly, we are approaching the point where air travel becomes impractical. Instead of flying, taking the train or driving would be a better choice, but look at the scenario if safety steps taken on planes were done the same way on trains. Or what if that toll plaza when travelling from Jersey to Delaware becomes a checkpoint? Are we becoming a prison-like nation?

Duty-free shopping will practically disappear since travelers won't be able to purchase any perfumes or liquor products. Tourism would be impacted too. Some of your fragile souvenirs that cannot be checked into the hold would have to be left behind. Liquor and perfume products bought at tourist spots will have to be discarded. You might need to ship everything back home instead.

Security experts even noted terror attacks can occur in an airport terminal, not on a plane. How can we handle this too? A bomber could detonate an explosive device in the checkpoint area where hundreds of people will be waiting in line to get through. Should we build baggage drop-off points away from the airport?

Let's be realistic! We cannot ban everything. In order to make security more effective, we have to look at the security checkpoint process. In some airports, it is quite inefficient and dangerous if some incident were to happen. Banning everyday items is unenforceable. You might as well have everyone strip naked just to be sure everyone is safe.

Friday News

All airports have banned liquids and gel-based products such as toothpaste and makeup onto planes. They must be checked at check-in. Hmm, I have to wonder if duty-free products are also banned.

For Passengers Leaving the UK

According to The Sun newspaper...

BANNED

NO liquids other than those above are allowed — including bottles of duty-free alcohol on flights to the US. Travellers to other countries may still stock up on duty free.

ELECTRIC key fobs, mobiles, iPods and all electrical equipment, including cameras. Books and magazines.

MEDICINES in liquid form are also not allowed unless verified.

CONTACT lens solution and spectacle and sunglass cases. Wheelchairs other than the airport’s own.

ALLOWED

WALLETS and purses plus contents including money, credit cards and identity cards.

ESSENTIAL travel documents such as passports and tickets.

PRESCRIPTION medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight including diabetic kits.

GLASSES and sunglasses and contact lens holders.

BABY food and milk for travelling tots — but the milk must be tasted by the parent or guardian.

NAPPIES, wipes, creams and nappy sacks — but only enough for the flight.

FEMALE sanitary products essential for the flight, unboxed — tampons, pads, towels and wipes.

KEYS and tissues, so long as they are not in a box, handkerchiefs.