Posted by Link on September 18, 2001 at 16:06:24:
Tightening of Airport Security
Nassau Guardian
Like our US neighbour, the Nassau International Airport has put new security measures in place to the
combat terrorists' acts on flights to protect both persons on the airlines and on the ground.
In this regard, the Bahamas Airport Authority has asked passengers to be at the airport three hours prior to
the scheduled departure time of their flights. This new time arrangement is a result of various new and
upgraded security measures in place, including more physical searches and the searches of carry-on
luggage. Also like the US, all knives regardless of the length or type are banned from all flights.
In the US, there are talks of moving to the more hardened approach of Israel and some European countries.
They are more stringent and thorough during questioning and at physically searching passengers and
luggage before they board their flights. Furthermore, the US is now even discussing making the doors of the
cockpits stronger and of putting security officers on flights in plain clothes just like the Israelis and
European nations.
But unlike these countries, the US has a tendency of being wary and careful right after a crisis, but after a
while the country becomes lax and careless as if nothing could possibly happen to the strong and powerful
USA. Yet for now both the US and Bahamas are enforcing stricter regulations during flights.
So what does this mean for all Bahamians? There will be no more getting to the airport an hour before flights
are scheduled to depart. Like the American officials have been saying, "If you get to the airport 20 minutes
before the flight is due to depart, then you will not be on that plane."
These changes also mean that Bahamians and other nationalities need to be patient and not cussing at
airport staff if things move a little more slowly. All of these extra precautions are meant to make sure that
you are safe to see another day. If you are not prepared to stay patient then perhaps it is time to think of
staying home or using another mode of travel.
Of course, airlines need to make some concessions as well. If it is important that passengers need to be at
the airport three hours in advance and patient, flights should leave on time and people should get better
service. If stressed out passengers needs are not met during these trying times, then airline staff will have to
fear airline rage in addition to terrorists attacks.