Airport Security & Carryon Luggage - Part 2

Link - CNN.com readers share their travel woes

Let's take a look at some of these thoughts and opinions. Some focused on the delays and inconvenience that the high security alerts that occurred during the past several days. One was upset because security would not allow him to pass because there was "gel" contained in shoe insole. Another had her asthma inhaler confiscated.

Some hoped that their loved ones are getting to and from their destination without incident. There is a sense of helplessness when your family on the plane and there is nothing you can do if something bad happens, but only pray for their safe journey.

A few were concerned because their travel arrangements are close to 9/11 and whether they should still go on their flight or re-book them.

One reader wonders if passengers are not allowed to carry water or juices on the plane, why can't the airline provide them?

That's called beverage service. Of course it would be nice for the FA's to bring the drinks around more often.

Another reader believes that people should not whine and complain about the "inconveniences" imposed by the new security rules. Even one thinks there should be no carry-on luggage whatsoever. [They] suggest that the people that are complaining do not believe in airport safety and start appreciating the fact that they are alive, thanks to the authorities.

I need to respond to this on behalf of the security-conscious and vigilant travelers out there. We do believe in strong airport security. We really do thank the British authorities for being able to break this terrorist plot to destory planes in midflight between the US and UK. I am sure we are willing to sacrifice our water bottle or Gatorade sports drink for public safety. I have to state what one reader submitted, "it confirms that Al Qaeda is succeeding in paralyzing the US via terrorist attacks (or attempts). They did not succeed in taking lives, but they succeeded by instilling fear in millions of travelers, by causing the American and British governments to scramble with new regulations..."

Listening to the experts and implementing their "suggestions" would result in no luggage at all! Flying has been quite safe since 9/11, but the reality of liquid-based bombs is really nothing new. The possibility of someone mixing benign liquids into a volatile mixture during a plane in mid-flight is remote. If such an attempt was made, I am quite sure the flight crew and the passengers themselves will take the proper action to prevent such a thing from happening. Over the past few years, there have been incidents of people trying to cause a disturbance in the flight cabin, and were quickly subdued by crew and other fellow passengers. I am sure we can all rely on the vigilance of these people to keep everyone out of harm's way.

We are looking at reasonable and proper security precautions to be done at every airport. Recently, airlines were testing new technology that will allow passengers to use their mobile (cell) phone in mid-flight. I guess the technology will now be put on hold indefinitely. The idea that your electronic device (CD player, mp3 player [iPod], laptop, mini-DVD player) could be used as a potential arming device reminds us about the guy MacGyver, but if anyone on the plane notices a person trying to take apart a laptop or iPod player, action will be taken. Do you think no one would notice a fellow passenger taking apart his laptop or CD player to effect a "repair" on it?

Electronic watches are also suspected because they contain enough electrical charge (as suggested by the security experts) to explode a device. Are we getting a bit ridculous here?

Would people with pacemakers be allowed to board the plane? People who need liquid-based allergic medication? Would vitamins be allowed to be carried on the plane? Could we please use some common sense here?

Safe travel, yes, but not overzealous security regulations.

One person asks why train stations are not equipped with these security regulations. Let's be realistic here. I doubt that you can properly enforce transit systems where millions of people use it everyday. The only way here is to have a vigilant staff and updated security camera technology, and a public who are more aware of their surroundings.

This is a reaction to fear, and we are going way overboard on it. Let's take a step back and think this through properly. Security must be strong, but sensible and effective. Strong security does not mean a 3-4 hour checkpoint for a short-haul domestic flight, and double for international.