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Scissors, Screwdrivers?
March 20th, 2009 | Stephen Bailey
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The TSA's odd list of permitted & prohibited items
On Monday I fly out of Newark for a few days in Key West. Since I don't fly often, I decided to check to see what the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has on their restricted items list for carry-on luggage.
Now I understand the possible threat that can come from the use of certain liquids and gels. I'm not surprised by, nor am I disputing, their decision to disallow things like water, toothpaste, lotions or whatever.
My problem is with the items they have decided to place back on the allowed list. Items that would seem to someone like me who is not a security expert to be dangerous.
Sadly this list was made up by supposed security experts who get paid a lot of money to work on the behalf of our protection. So tell me, what possible reason could this group of experts have to allow items such as Scissors (metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches)?
Did they forget that the hijackers on 9/11 used simple box cutters? Do they know the kind of damage a four inch blade can do? A box cutter's blade is barely an inch and in most cases half.
Oh, but the lunacy doesn't stop there. Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length). Wrenches and pliers (seven inches or less in length). What the fuck!?!? Seriously, who has to travel with a toolkit? Why was this concession made? Well, thankfully they have once again removed corkscrews from the allowed list. I kid you not … corkscrews were allowed just a year and a half ago.
The TSA always claims that these changes are made to help speed things along at the security checkpoints. I fail to see how this helps anything but get harmful items on to a plane. The process would be easier if they simply said, "No liquids, gels or sharp metal objects of any kind are allowed in your carry on". End of story.
If you wanna bring that screwdriver because you are traveling to help fix a loose doorknob in Kansas City, buddy, then you'd better pack it in your checked luggage.
Don't worry, the TSA has placed certain safety restrictions on sharp objects:
"Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers."
Oh thank goodness. The officers on the ground will remain safe. To hell with those of us five miles in the sky.
I am just so sick of the bullshit. The way things are now, not only are the lines and confusion not gonna go away, but we're on the road to another disaster.
Take for example the allowance of cigarette lighters. According to the TSA:
"As of August 4, 2007, in an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage."
"Lifting the lighter ban is consistent with TSA's risk-based approach to aviation security. First and foremost, lighters no longer pose a significant threat."
Seriously? So setting a fire on a plane is not a threat? Whatever their reasoning, I need to ask … Why would anyone need a cigarette lighter on the plane when you cannot smoke on the plane? You cannot smoke in the airport!
The list keeps changing so, if you fly, check out the TSA Website
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Stephen Bailey | 2 Comments »
Scissors, Screwdrivers?
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
April 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Hey Stephen, you are over reacting to items that change by TSA as safe and allowable for air travel. As you board your flight take a deep breath and make sure you are without any safe or unsafe items. Enjoy your flight and keep your journey going.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Oh I dunno, four-inch blades and cigarette lighters being allowed still freaks me out. Thanks for the good wishes.