> > This is what I mean by loose security in US airports. Anywhere else in the world, this kind of security is normal. Unless you fly El Al, which puts all luggage through decompression chambers to check that it won't explode when air pressure drops, and has plainclothes armed guards on every flight.
> >
>
> Heh... that reminds me of something which surprised me on my recent trip to Europe. Now, I've flown on a LOT of planes in my lifetime. I am VERY well-traveled. However, at the time I hadn't been to Europe in eight years. (I lived in Holland for five years when I was in elementary school.) Anyway, I was rather surprised when our British Airways flight from London to Amsterdam was delayed because a ticketed passenger wasn't on the plane, and they were removing his bag. Obviously this makes VERY good sense to do this, but in my time flying around the USA in the eight years I'd NOT been in Europe, never ONCE had this happened. Not once. I refuse to believe that in all those flights (at least a dozen, probably more) no one had ever missed the plane and left a bag aboard.
>
> Either they were so good at retrieving the bags that it didn't cause a delay at all, or they just didn't care. That seemed a tad bothersome at the time, but now it seems just plain stupid.
>
> I bet they don't do that anymore.
>
> Sosiqui

Personally, I would be very worried if I knew I was flying on a plane where some luggage was unaccompanied. Being allowed to take knives in your carry-on, as well.

Another example: When I went to Prague I had a laser pointer in my pocket. It wasn't deliberate - I'd just forgotten that it was there. Anyway, at the security check, they took the batteries out to check that it hadn't been wired up with some kind of detonator (I presume), put it back together and shone it into my eye to ensure it wasn't powerful enough to blind. Such security is just accepted as part of Britain's ongoing fight against terrorism.

Of course, refusing to carry unaccompanied luggage wouldn't have stopped Tuesday's attacks, and won't stop any form of suicide bomber. But that's not the major terrorist MO over here.

winter"And besides, if you don't catch your flight, it's so much more convenient if your luggage doesn't either"mute