The state of airline security
Some pundits and politicians have used last week’s discovery of a British airline bombing plot, and the subsequent changes in carry-on procedures, to present a view of a security system in chaos. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, today’s airline security is better than at any other time in history. Never have air travelers been surrounded by such an extraordinary web of security so focused on keeping them safe and delivering them to their destinations.
Unlike the system in place before 9/11, today’s security web is very tightly linked. Fundamentalist organizations bent on terror have been infiltrated. Phone calls are monitored, and virtually every bank transfer can be traced. Terrorism experts and security professionals are now allowed to communicate with each other across borders and bureaucracies.
Last week’s bust demonstrates dramatically how much the system has improved since 9/11. News stories are just surfacing about the close cooperation between the FBI, MI5 and Scotland Yard. Personnel from the U.S. Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Justice have been involved in the investigation for months, and many local police organizations were brought into the loop as the noose began closing around the plotters.
Money transfers were traced between banks stretching from Pakistan to the United Kingdom. Phone calls were intercepted in Karachi, East London, Birmingham and Germany. Flight records of passengers traveling between Britain, Germany, the United States and Pakistan were scrutinized. Internet actions in online travel agencies were followed. Arrests were made along the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Surveillance was set up in the United States, in the United Kingdom and in Pakistan — an undertaking that involved hundreds of agents.
At the height of the crisis, when scores were arrested and authorities thought action was imminent, the Transportation Security Administration was directed to implement new airport screening procedures. The new procedures, which were implemented on about four hours notice, centered on preventing terrorists from making onboard bombs with liquid explosives.
The disruption of air travel was, of course, dramatic and worrying to passengers already alarmed by the announcement of the bombing plot. But the immediate action was deemed necessary because of uncertainties about the extent of the plot and the inability to account for all the conspirators.
New screening measures
Media attention has so far focused primarily on airport screening security — the security matrix with which most travelers interact. The barrier of airport luggage and carry-on screening is essential as a deterrent. We now know that the 9/11 hijackers as well as the foiled London bombers had to practice going through security to ensure that their plans were workable.
Even five years ago, the screening process forced the bad guys to practice, modify their plans and take their time. Sadly, five years ago we didn’t have the layered defense that we have today, and the hijackers got through. This time, the security web worked. Why? Because security agencies can now work together and permissions for surveillance of all types are more easily granted.
With each terrorist attempt, security measures become more targeted. Richard Reid’s shoe bomb led to examination of shoes at every screening station. Similarly, the London bomb plot focuses attention on liquid explosives. Liquids are now forbidden from carry-on luggage, and the fate of carry-on luggage itself is uncertain.
After the initial confusion, the traveling public will quickly adapt to the new carry-on rules, and screening technology will catch up with the new terror tactics. In the meantime, the international counterterrorism, police and intelligence efforts will provide a layered web of security that is the best in the history of civil aviation.
Cruise for a Cause!
Tripso wants to take you on a cruise for a cause! See how far New Orleans and Cozumel have come since Katrina and Wilma. Join us October 26, 2006, for four nights on Carnival’s Fantasy, one of the vessels that Carnival offered for hurricane relief. Chat with your favorite Tripso columnist and contribute to a worthy Gulf Coast relief organization. Space is very limited. For more information, e-mail us or check out our cruise page.