Americans forget reasons for beefing airline security
by Sherilyn Neudauer, reporter

    It is shocking to know how many Americans have complained about airline security but do not comply with regulations.

   It is even more shocking to see passengers come into the airport unaware of the changes made by security.

   Some have forgotten about the news that continued to air after Sept. 11.

   Some people come into the airport with no clue as to what is going on.

   The television news stations have stressed passengers need to allow a minimum of 90-minutes prior to their departures at airports to check in.

   Many reports have mentioned the issue of carry-on luggage, or clearance checks because of the new airport security measures since Sept. 11.

   Although the incident happened nine months ago, the security measures are still in effect and increasing as the months go by.

   People’s shock when their luggage has to be searched or they cannot enter through security without a ticket or boarding pass is absurd.

   It may seem as though Americans are being penalized for what happened on Sept. 11, but actually such measures should have been in place already.

   Security should have been tighter; bags should have been searched, and no unticketed passengers should have been allowed into the airport gate areas.

   Many people did not feel safe flying and felt security should be increased, but now that security has increased, some are not willing to follow the rules.

   The on-going battles between ticket agents and passengers are ridiculous. Some passengers are being escorted off the premises by security simply because they want to pick a fight over their luggage being searched or over other inconsequential matters. What is wrong with these people?

   Passengers become irate when they cannot get on their flight because they arrived late.

   Although the airplane may still be at the gate, the aircraft door must be shut and ready for take off 10 minutes before departure.

   Airlines have a cut-off to check in a passenger before flight time.

   If a passenger is not checked in before the 30-minute cut-off point, that passenger cannot board the flight.

   There is simply not enough time to check in a passenger and get him through security and to his gate after the 30-minute cut-off.

   Security no longer allows more than one piece of carry-on luggage. Security will send a passenger to the ticket agent to check the excess luggage.

   Large bags and boxes are not permitted through security at most stations since the x-ray machines are not wide enough for such items.

   Over-weight luggage is certainly not permitted on board because the aircraft can only carry so much weight, including cargo, passengers, luggage and mail.

   To save time and frustration, passengers should call the airline and ask questions about times, weather problems, luggage regulations, gates, arrivals and departures.

   People forget easily and must be reminded that the beefing up of security is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. We cannot ignore what happened to this country just a few months ago.

   These security measures are necessary. Through they seem fruitless, they may save one more aircraft from a terrorist attack.