We all want cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages, but are they worth all the hassle due to escalating airport security?
Based on last weeks events travel security will continue to be tightened. New reports kept coming out regarding security breaches, some real, some only feared, on airplanes and at airports.
There were incidents last week at airports in Newark, Minneapolis, Miami, Bakersfield, CA, Pensacola, FL and an in-flight problem with a passenger that resulted in a plane being returned to Portland, OR, escorted by two F-15 fighters.
Bakersfield airport was partially closed down due to bottles of honey which were initially feared to be possible hazardous material.
New tightening of security is expected to have lasting impact on air travel. Getting visas to visit the US will become more difficult. Airport lines will get longer. The number of people on the no-fly list will increase.
There is a bright spot on the horizon, though. Full body scanners could reduce security line wait times since travelers would not need to remove their shoes and some of the clothing required to be taken off now. Software enhancements are being considered for these machines that would address privacy concerns by making body parts out of focus when viewed by operators.