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Safety Measures in Airports Irritate Travelers without Making the Flight Safer

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Travel Articles >> Avia Travel Travel Articles >> Locations >> North America >> USA

American scientists have come to the conclusion that checks at airport check-points only irritate travelers without making the flight safer.

A group of Harvard specialists has not found any facts confirming that the long process of checking luggage by means of various rays prevents hi-jacking or terrorist attacks. The procedures of taking off passengers’ shoes and confiscation of restricted objects also have an insignificant influence on accident statistics.

The USA Transportation Security Administration protecting its safety measures reported that it has confiscated approximately 13 million of restricted objects this year. However, most of these objects are lighters. Besides, the researchers have shown interest in observance of medical norms during the process of checking passengers. Thus, for example, often X-ray photography is dangerous for people suffering from certain types of diseases.

5.6 billion dollars are spent on airport protection annually. Researchers claim that with such an amount of money there is no need in certain measures. For example, is it necessary to take off passengers’ shoes? What can be hidden in your shoes if it cannot be hidden in your underwear?

It should be reminded that in November the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the main control body of the USA Congress, published a report indicating violations of procedure of passenger and luggage examination committed by the staff of the Transportation Security Administration that had allowed to carry explosives in the cabin. The examination procedure was established after the British authorities had discovered the plot of the terrorists who intended to carry explosives to planes in hand luggage and detonate the liners in the middle of the flight to the USA – right above the Atlantic in 2006.

The GAO staff has bought all components necessary for making two hand-made bombs in ordinary shops for less than 150 dollars and hidden them both in their luggage and hand luggage.

“Our check has shown that using available information terrorists may endanger life and safety of air travelers if they carry explosive components through check-points”, is said in the GAO report.

According to the report, on 23 March an airport security service officer at one of the check-points confiscated a bottle of medical shampoo without a label from one of the GAO representatives. However, he failed to find the liquid explosive. In June a check-point officer of another airport failed to find explosives even during personal examination.

According to the Government Accountability Office, efficiency of activity of the Transportation Security Administration may be enhanced be means of “aggressive, visible, unpredictable and frightening measures”, as well as by increase in the number of examinations. Besides, according to the Office, it is necessary to constantly update safety assuring technologies.

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Article Submitted On: December 25, 2007