Starting Over Talk - Peer Coaching Support Site

I had a 5 hour drive today and was listening to NPR and other talk shows and people who traveled today were calling in. They said things were crazy all across US airports. At first nobody knew why they couldn't carry on liquids.

Even though Terrorists didn't kill anybody today they still caused a lot of anxiety and fear. So in a sense they carried out a Terrorist act.

I am planning on flying in late October but am going to wait a bit before I make a final decision to actually book my flight.

One of my best friends is schededed to fly with her husband today to Vegas to see the new Beatles show. Tomorrow is her birthday. I haven't spoken to her yet, but, I am sure she is taking it all in stride. I hate this happened just before her special trip, but, at least nothing horrible happened and for that I am grateful.

Last night on the news I saw an explosives expert talking about how you may make an explosive from liquid. Then he said that getting rid of the liquids on board was just one step ahead. He said you can also make explosives from DRY materials. He said it would be quite easy to put the dry material in a bottle of baby powder and tranport it that way. I could hardly believe it. I mean if this man knows this, then terrorist explosives experts know it too.

I am also flying in late October....hopefully things will be alot better then!
My son who is 16 flew last month and he said that they doubled checked his bags.....I told him....better safe than sorry!

I am one who wishes that experts on news shows ...wouldn't...give details like that...just in case the terrorists hadn't "come up with that one yet!" Did you hear them say that they would not allow car key "remote fobs" on board either? They say they could be used as a transmitter...presumably to set off some sort of bomb. I would imagine lots of business travelers routinely use airport parking, and take their keys with them...so I wonder what you are then supposed to do with the fob...if you have not heard this bit of news before you reach the security checkpoint? Somehow, I don't think they would hold the plane until you ran back out to your car!!

I also worry about people who need to carry liquid medications...have they mentioned the protocol in that case? Will you need to come armed with a prescription? Have to wait while they verify its authenticity? All "small" things, all causing delays and disruption!!! It used to be that the search was for sharp objects
...now, lotions are suspect!! Even baby powder as you said, Debby!

Ceilidh, I have many questions too. Who knows what the rules will be after everything is settled down, but, our airport says no liquids except for baby formula and medications.

They say you may be required to drink the baby formula as a test to make sure it is safe, but, that doesn't make sense, because a terrorist wouldn't care if he had to drink the formula, even if it killed him.

If you have medication, you must present a current prescription for that medication with written proof on the bottle that that is what the contents say they are. This is relevant to me because I must carry my insulin on board. I can't take a chance that it could be lost in my luggage. I also have concern for the temperature of the insulin during flight. The problem is that the label with the contents comes attached to the box the insulin comes in and not on the actual container. This could be a way someone could get by the rules. I also think that someone smart enough to make the explosive, would be bright enough to get a fake prescription for a medication. A better rule is to require those with liquid medications to call in advance if they must bring it on board and have the airlines do a check on each prescription. Of course then everyone must sign medical releases to satisfy HIPPA requirements. The paperwork will be enormous as will the cost. It all gives me a headache.

Debby....agreed, enormous headaches involved!! That's what I meant when I wrote that the terror mongers always get a result, whether their plots are "foiled" or not. They are probably rubbing their hands in glee as we "speak!"
I'm glad to hear that rules are in place re medications, but that all takes time, and medical red tape to deal with...Oy! I do not fly as much these days, but I have to say that all the security measures ..already...in place made me just not want to go through the hassle. Of course, those flying on business trips don't have that option!
As one who carries EVERY single thing I MIGHT need in hand baggage... (and that list gets longer the older I get)...and having been on a different plane than my luggage, more than once...it would probably have to be an emergency to make me consider flying right now!! As a Type2 diabetic, with peripheral neuropathy, in my feet, I don't relish the idea of taking my shoes off, either!!
(No insulin, yet!)