new security measures by TSA

Yeah, but I'm a city slicker.

And hey, I went out with a woman from Hanover a few decades ago. I've been storm stayed in Arthur at the Queen's hotel a few times.

 

200 bucks return? Why haven't you booked yet?

 

I was just thinking - the Underpants bomber must not have signed on for the 72 virgins option or was badly mislead.

 

Lots of things. But there are also things I do know about. Sorry if that bothers you.

I worked 4.5 years in the sales & marketing department of a major airline -- including the time during and after 9/11 when the Air Marshal program ramped up.

It was a big deal & airlines were not 100% supportive. For one thing, most everyone felt that the horse was out of the barn and that terrorists wouldn't try the same thing again.

But more importantly it was a revenue issue. Revenue was already way down in 2001 compared to 1999 & 2000.

The Air Marshal program required us to hold two first class seats on every flight. There was a lot of push back against this. Airlines wanted the Feds to pay for the seats -- or even sit in coach. That didn't happen.

PM me if you'd like to know more.

 

Where do the sky marshalls come from? Are they full time or moonlighting law enforcement agents?

How is it determine what flights they fly?

 

She just found out about the audition yesterday. That's not including taxes

 

A very small program already existed. Lots of the new hires came from other federal law enforcement agencies. The guy I knew has been in the DEA, but was getting a little old to be going under cover to raves, so he switched.

Right after 9/11 all flights into NYC & D.C. had Air Marshals -- not sure if that is still the case. Events like the SLC 2002 Olympics also received priority.

But a lot of it seemed to just be setting up a route -- getting Air Marshals out of their home city, have them fly the optimal number of hours, have them stay overnight in a not-too-expensive city, and then get them home again.

 

Ollie the Troll gets owned.

 

Well played, sir.

 

Once U.S. airlines adopt these standards, will they only allow musical instruments on flights to Hartsfield?

 

Great story on Israelification, "a system that protects life and limb without annoying you to death"

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/744199#article

Five security layers down: you now finally arrive at the only one which Ben-Gurion Airport shares with Pearson — the body and hand-luggage check.

"First, it's fast — there's almost no line. That's because they're not looking for liquids, they're not looking at your shoes. They're not looking for everything they look for in North America. They just look at you," said Sela. "Even today with the heightened security in North America, they will check your items to death. But they will never look at you, at how you behave. They will never look into your eyes ... and that's how you figure out the bad guys from the good guys."

If the Israeleis can figure it out, why can't we in N America?

 

Well, because it would require investing in training and manpower, and it's far easier to pay someone $9.50 an hour or whatever they pay TSA agents (and God forbid they try to exercise the same rights that police officers have to unionise).