Increased Security Measures implemented

[buns]

Seems like following the incident in Detriot BBC Link

Increased security measures have been implemented for all VS flights to the US

I for one accept that it is better to have more security measures if it will keep us safe

buns

I wish it was real security, however, what we're more likely to get is security theatre.

To me the VS measures just sound like more inconvenience, loss of dignity and haphazard bag-rifling at the hands of sourpuss G4S agents.

Mike

[buns]

Mike

I take your point - as is always the case with these things, the measures that have been hurriedly implemented (at a time when the majority of decision makers are not about) ought to be quickly reviewed so as to be more effective.

As we all know, proper screening is the only way to overcome the threats

buns

Proper screening yes, according to the BBC this alledged terrorist:

'The suspect's name was in a database indicating 'a significant terrorist connection' although it did not appear on a 'no-fly' list'

Go figure, eight years after 911 US security agencies still don't talk to each other!

BA have implemented a one carry on rule, seems this is at airlines discretion at the moment but all US bound flights seem to be delayed by 1 to 3 hrs.

[ChuckC]

Slinky, actually the security cooperation is quite good these days, and responsible agencies talk with one another a good bit. That doesn't ensure a name will be added to a 'no fly' list, however.

Chuck-

I agree with security, but it should be proportional.

Without wishing to start a heated debate at this time of year (and it has been covered a few times on here), but when I see families with young kids obviously going on holiday being taken aside, or an elderly gentleman who can hardly walk being made to stand with arms outstretched and having his pockets turned out, I think it is just a numbers game.

Steve's brother was due to depart to LAX at 10:15 on BA but still on ground as they're body & bag searching every passenger at the gate.

[Darren Wheeler]

Seems a bit confused whether this was a 'bomb' that fizzled or a deliberatly started fire.

It appears they have learnt from the 2006 attempts and not gone down the banning all hand baggage route.

Hello from the LHR Clubhouse. Its 100% manual check of all passengers and bags - long delays! Also no IFE at all on any flights to the USA. What fun! 11 hours to LAX and no entertainment!

[buns]

quote:Originally posted by crobinson99
Hello from the LHR Clubhouse. Its 100% manual check of all passengers and bags - long delays! Also no IFE at all on any flights to the USA. What fun! 11 hours to LAX and no entertainment!


Thanks for the update[y]

Can only presume the 'No IFE' is to reduce electrical sources

Clearly this is the next phase of security measures that will need to be imposed to overcome the change in tactics[:#]

buns

The Clubhouse are advising its because of the ability to send messages from seat to seat and therefore creating a risk. Hopefully VA are getting the system updated to remove the feature ASAP!

btw there are lots of people going from the Clubhouse to Dixons to purchase a power cable (71) and then to HMV to get DVD's!

quote:Originally posted by ChuckC
Slinky, actually the security cooperation is quite good these days, and responsible agencies talk with one another a good bit. That doesn't ensure a name will be added to a 'no fly' list, however.

Chuck-


Chuck, sorry that is, if you'll forgive me for the term, rubbish. Three weeks ago I attended a briefing in the US on the number of US security agencies, and how poorly, still, they are at communicating. Better yes, but huge problems remain.

IF one US agency gave this man a visa while another US agency had him under suspicion that tells us all ...

Now that VS has turned off the IFE just in case anyone can tell how close to landing they are things have, as usual gotten utterly ridiculous and sadly typically knee jerk where millions of people will be inconvenienced. I'd call that a win for someone.

quote:Originally posted by crobinson99
The Clubhouse are advising its because of the ability to send messages from seat to seat and therefore creating a risk. Hopefully VA are getting the system updated to remove the feature ASAP!


Hopefully some realistic behaviour might be recovered soon. There is no suggestion this has been used, in seat messaging has been available to millions of flyers, another knee jerk reaction!

[Darren Wheeler]

quote:Originally posted by buns


Thanks for the update[y]

Can only presume the 'No IFE' is to reduce electrical sources

Clearly this is the next phase of security measures that will need to be imposed to overcome the change in tactics[:#]

buns


Which doesn't make a huge amount of sense uless you ban all electrical/electronic equipment from the cabin including mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras, laptops etc. etc.

quote:turned off the IFE just in case anyone can tell how close to landing
They might have some difficulty disrupting GPS systems on a modern aircraft.

Will we end up flying naked in case someone produces cloth from gun cotton?[8)]

quote:Originally posted by Bill S
Will we end up flying naked in case someone produces cloth from gun cotton?[8)]


We could end up like that ...

I have sympathy on the one hand, security don't know what's coming next, but this attitude of placing passengers on 'lock down' as if we're the ones in prison really galls me.

Not wanting to create a big to do: but a single, young arab man with a one way ticket to the US and on a watch list should be the focus of greater security than many other passengers.

[mitchja]

quote:Originally posted by crobinson99
btw there are lots of people going from the Clubhouse to Dixons to purchase a power cable (71) and then to HMV to get DVD's!


People will need to do this anyway, now that VS no longer sell power cables/chargers onboard anymore.

Will make sure my iPhone and Macbook are loaded up with films in case there's no IFE by next Wednesday.

Regards

[Decker]

What - no closed window blinds in case someone sees a landmark?

[Darren Wheeler]

Just blindfold and gag everyone...

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Just blindfold and gag everyone...

No! - Blindfold & gag might be personal possessions!

Like clothes![i]

[Nottingham Nick]

This is ridiculous.

First of all, there is no such thing as absolute security. (Just ask the Pope!)

Responses to security threats should be effective, proportionate and measured. The current knee jerks are none of the above!

Airline security has alway been reactive instead of proactive - electrical equipment purges, shoe carnivals and the liquid circus to name but a few.

I am with slinky - intelligence should be used (that is both the secret squirrel sort and the common sense sort) - target the people who are likely to cause a problem, not the hundreds of thousands of ordinary the travelling public.

Surely those people who are on any sort of list from any organisation are the ones who should be subject to secondary screening / 'additional measures'.

The idea that anyone thinks that the next terrorist outrage will be prevented, because airlines shut down their IFE is just too pathetic for words.

Nick

Careful Nick - making comments like that!
You are now on a list!

[Nottingham Nick]

I have probably been on quite a few for a while, Bill. [}:)]

Join the club!