Airport Security

There seems to be a problem with airport security… there really isn’t any that makes any kind of sense. It seems that those whose physical appearance might warrant an inspection of their luggage, or at least a question or two aren’t being detained or investigated in the least, while those whose appearance seems above reproach, like the elderly grandmother type or the 10 year old child are being probed and prodded like known felons. The reason is the appearance of randomization and the sake political correctness.

Lets call it like it is. Those who look like a terrorist might have to be detained. Those that don’t might not have to be detained. Unless…

The Alternative - Gate Security

As it stands now, we are told to arrive at the airport 2 hours before out flight time. That makes sense, due to the long lines, extra security, and lack of extra airport personnel to help speed along the process.

We need to segregate the gates from the rest of the areas in the airport (or put up a gate around the gates). While the passengers are waiting for their flight, all of their carry on luggage, personal items, shoes, pockets, etc. should be searched in full by one of two guards that are stationed at that gate for at least one hour before the flight is scheduled to depart. This 2-person guard team should be paid for by the federal government, but charged to the airline.

Using Newark Liberty Airport during the month of February 2004 as our example, the numbers would work out like this:

1,159 flights per day

100 active gates for arriving and departing passengers

776,088 departing passengers per day

20 hours of flight departures per day

Gates are used intermittently during the day, so each 2-person security team would alternate between 2 gates during their 8-hour shift. Assuming 3 shifts and 50 active gates at a time, we would need 300 guards on duty per day. Divide the cost of 300 guards per day, at $200 per day total cost per guard (including benefits), the total guard cost would be $60,000 per day, or less than $1.00 per passenger.

Lets go crazy and have a surcharge of $3.00 per passenger per ticket to increase our airport security. Let’s tell the passengers our plan and ask their opinion. What do you think they’d say?

February 2004 - Source - http://www.panynj.gov