Boo Boo Too said:There are a whole lot of emergency/contingency procedures that are not usually in place, but can be brought into place at a moment's notice if the situation warrants it. These will have been written up and tested years ago (many since 9/11) and will be under very regular review. They have had LOTS of time to plan and prepare for events just like this.
Sometimes authorities HAVE to make swift, strict decisions - it is much better to do this and have a 99.999% chance of averting disaster, then carry on as they were and there being maybe an 80% of a successful terrorist attack today. Terrorists work in groups AND they have back-up plans... locking things down to as low a risk as possible (but whilst still allowing people to fly) is the best way to continue.
It is a bit like when they grounded all of the planes flying over the US on 9/11 - ok, that was a "knee-jerk reaction", but it was the only reasonable one that could be made at the time (clear the skies). The British government COULD have done the same thing today, but no, it had contingency procedures in place to ensure that passengers could carry on flying (albeit at a slight comprimised level of comfort...).
Seems like a good plan to me: others will have to decide whether it would be preferable not to fly at all.
Boo
SammieG said:Exactly Boo.. you are so much more coherent than me! I am just very upset and worried by the whole thing seeing as we travel in a couple of days only.
SammieG said:Exactly Boo.. you are so much more coherent than me! I am just very upset and worried by the whole thing seeing as we travel in a couple of days only.
cleo said:I've been sitting here sick with worry because my husband, SimonV (whom most of you probably know from the boards here) was flying back from the UK to the US this morning. I didn't know for hours what had happened to his flight. When I finally heard his voice telling me he was still at the airport but was safe I nearly collapsed with relief. It could have been a different story.
Please bear in mind when you comment here that many people are reading this thread and some of us have loved ones flying to the US today. Please remember that we are relieved beyond all telling that they are safe. All inconveniences pale in comparison to our happiness at knowing the people we love are safe. I for one will tolerate any 'embarrassment' to know we are safer when we fly.
Just editing to say I could have done without the graphic description above. I'm sure all of us whose hearts are with flying loved ones have thought of those scenerios and are trying very hard not to think about them at the moment. You certainly had the right to say it; I just wish you hadn't.
THE COLONEL said:For me the saddest part of this mornings grim news is how it puts peoples petty selfnishess under the microscope.
Clear plastic bags, objections about checking camera kit and lap tops, confusing info available etc etc
I have been astounded to read about the humilation that carrying clearly visible feminine hygiene products would bring. Get real people. It may be an initial over reaction but entirely understandable in circumstances in which the Security services and Government would never be forgiven for getting it wrong. I imagine that many of those now bleating about loss of civil liberties would be among the first to question why such measures werent put in place if god forbid these scum succeeded.
Consider the following scenario. A ban on kiddies toys, comforters, special tommy tippees etc means an uncomfortable journey surrounded by screaming kids. Screams that become a distant memory as they get to see the Magic Kingdom etc
Now imagine if you can the unimaginable. A plane load of screaming kids (and adults) as terrorists explode a device on the plane. Unlikely to be a big all encompassing bang but a small explosion that rips open the fuselage but allows people time to contemplate their impending fate.
I really do apologise for putting it in such graphic terms. Its sad that a website that is underpinned by happiness is evendiscussing these darkest of issues. However some of these bleaters need a reality check.
cleo said:I've been sitting here sick with worry because my husband, SimonV (whom most of you probably know from the boards here) was flying back from the UK to the US this morning. I didn't know for hours what had happened to his flight. When I finally heard his voice telling me he was still at the airport but was safe I nearly collapsed with relief. It could have been a different story.
Please bear in mind when you comment here that many people are reading this thread and some of us have loved ones flying to the US today. Please remember that we are relieved beyond all telling that they are safe. All inconveniences pale in comparison to our happiness at knowing the people we love are safe. I for one will tolerate any 'embarrassment' to know we are safer when we fly.
Just editing to say I could have done without the graphic description above. I'm sure all of us whose hearts are with flying loved ones have thought of those scenerios and are trying very hard not to think about them at the moment. You certainly had the right to say it; I just wish you hadn't.
SammieG said:I am just very upset and worried by the whole thing seeing as we travel in a couple of days only.
SammieG said:and Boo, that was what I was trying to say - so you may have agreed with me by accident!
SammieG said:firstly THE COLONEL.. are you travelling this weekend or the early part of next week? If not youre not really in a position to make a judgement as mine would be very different if it wasnt personal.
I wont be taking anything on the plane, but I at least have the compassion to think that there might be some people who might find taking personal items in a see-through bag embarrassing. If youre not one of those people, then great.. but I can assure you that many people might have a different perspective (and you know what.. they are ALLOWED to feel embarrassed too!! Its actually not a crime!).
I dont need to tell you how thrilled I am this plan has been thwarted - that goes without saying.. but I DO have concerns about a few items I wish to carry with me for my son.. and sorry if that means I am selfish and immature (and everything else that I or people who dare mention anything other than whoopee "thank goodness we cant take anything on the plane, I dont care so long as the world is safe ") have been called today. Many of those people quick to judge are not travelling over the next few days.
and Boo, that was what I was trying to say - so you may have agreed with me by accident!