"Passengers satisfied with U.S. airport screening"

Friday, September 8, 2006

Passengers satisfied with airport screening
Satisfied with security 
By Michelle Mitchell
The Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun


Glenn Feldman flies three to five times a month, often for day trips, but he
said the increased security measures have not hampered his traveling at all.

"I think I've just become accustomed to it," Feldman said Thursday while
waiting for his flight at Palm Springs International Airport.

"It's a necessary evil that you have to put up with," he said.

Feldman is not alone.

According to a USA Today Gallup Poll, most Americans have grown to accept
the increased security implemented after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The poll, taken Aug. 18-20, found that 77 percent of U.S. adults think
airport security is more effective and 70 percent think none of the current
security measures should be stopped.

"I welcome them," said Michael Hiltz, of Las Vegas, about the increased
security measures.

He added that he hasn't changed the way he travels, other than arriving a
bit earlier than he did before Sept. 11.

"I'm not going to let these terrorists from other countries affect my daily
life," Hiltz said.

Hiltz visited ground zero after the 2001 attacks and said the atmosphere
just felt eerie.

"What it did for me, it made me realize you do need to have some protection
for us," he said. "When you see that, you don't have any problem with any
security whatsoever."

The general acceptance of pre-flight rituals like taking off shoes and
leaving out any liquids or gels in carry-on bags has become engrained in
most travelers.

"It's been this way for so long you're just kind of used to it," said Rachel
Riesberg on her way back to her home in Bailey, Colo.

Riesberg said that other than not being able to carry her lipstick on
flights, her travel plans have not been affected by security.

"I'd rather be safe than sorry," Riesberg said.

The Palm Springs International Airport has implemented several new security
measures in the past five years.

Federally certified baggage screeners now check bags, the screening area was
remodeled and equipment was upgraded.

"It's a constantly changing environment," said Jim Spinden, federal security
director at Palm Springs Airport.

That point was proven most recently following the foiled terrorist plot in
London on Aug. 10.

Since then, all liquids and gels have been prohibited and passengers began
traveling without toothpaste, sunscreen and shaving cream unless it was
checked.

Before that Richard Reid was caught in a plot to blow up a December 2001
Paris-to-Miami flight with a shoe bomb, leading to the shoe removal rules.

As technology advances, screening equipment is increasing as well.

According to USA Today, the Transportation Security Administration is
considering a pilot program of scanners that can reveal weapons under
clothing.

This equipment would "electronically undress" passengers, according to the
article, but would eliminate the need for passengers to remove shoes.

The security is continuously increasing and advancing, changing according to
the new threats.

"It's just the world that we live in," Spinden said. "It's sad, but it's a
fact."

Despite Americans' acceptance of increased security, the Gallup poll found
also that 46 percent would rather drive or take a train than fly.

Vicky Garcia, who gets around in an electric wheelchair, said she would
rather travel by train than be hurried through the exhausting security
measures.

"We have become the paranoia country," Garcia said.

The 65-year-old Miami resident came to the desert for the hurricane season.
She is considering not going back to avoid the travel hassles and because
the dry climate helps her arthritis.

"I think I'll stick around, if only not to get on another plane," Garcia
said.

According to USA Today, air travel has recovered from its slump following
Sept. 11 and has reached record levels.

Many say the increased time and mental fatigue of driving outweighs the
inconvenience of airport security.

"There's no wear and tear on your body," said Hiltz, who flies about once a
week to the desert from Las Vegas.

"I don't have to deal with somebody who's had a bad day on the road taking
it out on me."

Feldman, who travels from Phoenix, agreed.

"It's hard to nap when you're driving," he said.

Attached Photo:

Jerri Thorpe, TSA lead transportation security officer, screens a passenger
at Palm Springs International Airport on Thursday.

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