BOSTON, Dec. 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The failure of airport personnel at Nigeria's Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airports to pick up danger signals associated with watch-listed Nigerian terror suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab seem to be resulting in a shift in security focus for airline passengers that will create new rules in-flight that radio show travel expert Stephanie Abrams describes as punitive conditions for passengers in the air. Abrams explains that guests in the aviation industry appearing on her nationally syndicated radio shows have discussed the airport security screening process noting that security checkpoints create the perception that their procedures make everyone safe.
Abrams believes that a strong intelligence network, the sharing of information between countries, and alert airport personnel and passengers working together can create the barrier that will keep terrorists off of commercial flights. Abrams notes that, "While passengers have succumbed to searches without warrants as part of the practicality of flying, it sounds like we are about to give up additional rights once we are in the air."
News reports state passengers will be mandated to stay in their seats until landing once within one hour of destination arrival; passengers will not be allowed to have laps items during that period and blankets will be banned during flights. Abrams notes that, "The onus for eliminating potential terrorists is shifting to the on-board experience. Airports, once seen as friendly places where airlines launched customer service initiatives face-to-face with their passengers and set the tone for their in-flight experience, are not viewed by most passengers as hubs of hospitality. It looks like future in-flight experiences won't be controlled by airlines and crews but directed by those overseeing security issues. If the job is done right on the ground, the in-flight experience doesn't have to become punitive."
Abrams concludes, "The imposition of new rules that require people to give up simple freedoms, such as trips to the lavatory, use of a blanket, and the right to have items in one's lap within an hour of landing, which sounds like it would eliminate the right to read a book or magazine or use one's laptop, will create a backlash among business travelers who can use modern technology to conduct meetings and will result in more driving holidays. The worst outcome of recent events is for the flight experience to be seen as punitive from start to finish which would have a terrible effect on the travel industry globally. I'm hoping that those who make the rules don't take the elementary school approach of punishing the whole class because of two boys' bad behavior. Changes seen as punitive and inhumane will undoubtedly result in a downturn in air travel which neither the economy nor the travel industry can afford especially when the screening process belongs on the ground before boarding."