“Bomb” bag passes through security at Brisbane airport

by Abha Malpani on

When a large bag with the word “bomb” written on it passes through airport check-in without question, there’s got to be a problem with their security system. This is exactly what happened at Brisbane’s Domestic Airport at a Qantas counter, ultimately causing a 40 minute delay.

The bag was only questioned once the baggage handlers saw the “bomb” bag and raised an alarm. The bag, still unscreened (!), was then dragged through the populated airport before it was opened and checked. Fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm.

This made me think: 1) Why would anyone choose to travel with a bag that has “bomb” written on it? 2) How on earth could that be missed on check-in, and then dragged through the airport without being screened first? What if there really was a bomb in it?

Anyway, the case has been referred to the police and the Transport Worker’s Union at the Brisbane airport have demanded an investigation of the airport’s security system.

TSA considering allowing passengers to keep shoes on

by Anna Brones on

Remember the time when you wore your heaviest pair of shoes on the airplane to leave as much space as possible in your baggage? Then came increased airport security and increased security checks, and removing your shoes meant wearing something that would come off easily; there’s nothing worse than holding up the security check line because you have to untie your hiking boots.

It’s true; the removal of shoes is not the TSA’s most popular policy (then again, do they have a popular one???) On the TSA’s blog removing shoes is even compared with “root canals and doing your taxes.” That’s why the TSA is currently testing some new shoe scanners in LAX.

During the trial period passengers will still be required to remove their shoes once they get to the magnetometer. But if all goes well, this might be the end of shoe removal, allowing you once again to wear whatever footwear — no matter how large and obnoxious to take off — on your next flight, hassle free.

[Via Jaunted]

TSA pulls pants off of elderly man during search

by Grant Martin on

It always never fails to amaze us what sort of crazy screening the TSA is doing on everyday passengers. You’ve probably seen the pictures of the security officer frisking the nun at Detroit’s airport and were thinking what we were thinking — what is a nun going to sneak into an airport? But the TSA can’t discriminate against anyone based on their race, color, creed or age, so they have search even the most innocent looking people just like everyone else.

A 71 year old man was recently searched because he had a prosthetic knee, and the TSA officer went so far as to remove the man’s pants in plain sight of the checkpoint to insure that he wasn’t hiding anything. Check out the news coverage of the incident below — we’d be angry too!

10 tips for smarter flying


Beijing to be No-Fly and No-Protest for Opening Ceremonies

by Josh Lew on

Cathay Pacific Airlines recently reported that they have had to alter their flight schedule after they were told that Beijing‘s airport would be closed during the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. According to the Associated Press, the airport will be closed from about 7 p.m. until just before midnight on August 8th. This is one of the many precautions that China seems to be taking to increase security during the Olympics.

Certainly, the usual security fears associated with a major international event are part of the equation. Add to that the fact the Olympics would be a perfect stage for people from the provinces of Tibet and Xinjiang to voice their discontent to the world.

Plenty of things could go wrong for China during the month of August. The airport closure is just one example of the actions authorities are taking to make sure nothing that would cause a loss of face for China actually comes to pass.

Another face-saving measure: vetting all opening ceremonies performers for Tibetan sympathizers. You can be certain that Bjork or Richard Gere will not be gracing the stage on August 8th. Those who will perform have been issued a warning by Beijing: “The content of the performance should not violate the country’s law, including situations that harm the sovereignty of the country… incite racial hatred and ruin ethnic unity.”

Attendees have already been given their set of rules. Makes one wonder if it wouldn’t be more of a blast to wait until after the Olympics are over to pay China a visit.

Photo from Flickr user Melinda

US airports lose 12,000 laptops every week!

by Abha Malpani on

A recent study revealed that about 12,000 laptops are lost or stolen every week at US airports, with LA Lax Airport having the highest number (1,200) going missing every week.

I’m baffled at how so many laptops can go missing! A laptop is hand-luggage. The only time your laptop is out of sight is when you are putting it through security check, or while you’re asleep; even then, the sheer quantity of laptops missing is beyond comprehension.

Apparently, the main problem has to do with people forgetting to repack their laptops after they’ve been taken out for screening. What world are you in to forget your laptop at a check point!? And how do the airport thieves flick your laptop at a security point!? Oh it’s because they are the security! Tutut.

Also, items in your checked luggage have a higher probability to get stolen, especially when your bag is not locked, which makes me wonder — are people checking-in their laptops!? If so, why? They are fragile, expensive, and often have confidential information!

Something else to add to the befuddlement: Over 60% of the missing laptops at the lost and found, are not being reclaimed. How lazy can you get!

Anyway, for those who need written advice on not losing your laptop while traveling, check out these tips from Network World.