Andy Sjostrom
08-05-2003, 08:37 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/08/05/airline.warning.intl/index.html' target='_blank'>http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/08/05/airline.warning.intl/index.html</a><br /><br /></div>CNN's article <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/08/05/airline.warning.intl/index.html">"Airline alert over gadget threat"</a> says "U.S. officials are preparing a warning to airlines alerting them to watch out for travelers carrying electronic devices that may be carrying small weapons or bombs". I travel quite frequently, both in Europe and the US. While trying to pack as little as possible, I most often bring my laptop, some Pocket PCs, a Smartphone and accessories. So far, I've been surprised how easy it's been to pass through security checks with all my equipment. I mean, all these devices must look like a total mess on the X-ray machine screens. The article suggests I should expect more attention when travelling.<br /><br />"The hijackers may attempt to use common items carried by travelers, such as cameras, modified as weapons... One airport official, who did not want to be identified, said the new advisory could lead to more delays at checkpoints in the busiest time of the year for airlines. ... The measures under consideration, he said, include "subjecting these individuals and their baggage to far more rigorous screening than ever before." <br /><br />Terrorism is scary so I don't mind more screening if they do to others what they do to me. But it is a nuisance to miss flights because of looooong lines to security checks.