In a reactionary move to the Flight 253 bomber, the Transportation Security Administration in the U.S. has banned all electronics on international flights into the country.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab screwed us all over when he tried to blow up Northwest Flight 253 to Detroit. The Transportation Security Agency has “stepped up security” by disallowing electronics on board international flights into the U.S. This includes the in-flight movie systems as well; the TSA instructed the airlines to disconnect them. Other restrictions were implemented, such as keeping passengers in their seats for the final hour of the flight and not allowing you to have a pillow or blanket covering your lap. There is no word on how long these restrictions will be in place.
Many have spoken out against these kinds of rules, stating that they are mostly for show and do nothing to actually prevent terrorism. Bruce Schneier, a security expert, has said, “Only two things have made flying safer [since 9/11]: the reinforcement of cockpit doors, and the fact that passengers know now to resist hijackers.” The mere fact that passengers are now encouraged to stay in their seats means that the rules the TSA enforces might actually help terrorists.
No electronics on flights? What? What about the pilot? Is he supposed to fly the plane without electronics?
I realize that security is important but sometimes the costs are too high. Not letting people play games on a 10 hour flight just blows, and makes people pissed off. It’s enough to actually make someone want to blow up TSA.
I’m repeating a joke by Schneier, the security guy, but it’s true: “I wish that, just once, some terrorist would try something that you can only foil by upgrading the passengers to first class and giving them free drinks.”
I’ll drink to that, Mr. Schneier.
Source: Economist
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