Terrorists Make Flying Less Fun

By Mark Lorenz on December 26th, 2009

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Thankfully, no-one was hurt in the recent terrorist attempt on Delta flight 253. Also, thankfully, I never fly Delta. I fly American Airlines. Where the passengers are cramped in so tight, if anyone tried anything, you could knock him out with your Muay Thai elbows. There will be a lot of pontificating about what this incident means for the U.S. and international relations and what have you, but a more immediate effect? No electronics on flights.

Flying back home to Chicago was made infinitely easier having access to a word processor, DVD player, iPod, or any other of the numerous devices I carry with me, taunting fate and anybody who has the notion of robbing me. But as information leaks out slowly, passengers are claiming that the TSA is having a clampdown on electronics. Meaning: none allowed. Fortunately–so far– the rule hasn’t been enforced on domestic flights, but exclusively on international ones. Which is even more terrible. Imagine you’re a businessman trying to get information about connecting flights, coming in from a bender in Thailand. The TSA has released a statement …

Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.

Meaning, your flight might have them banned, but the next flight may not. Another example of the rigid standards employed by the TSA. Also included? Not being able to get up to go to the bathroom during the final hour of a flight, being limited to one carry-on, and not letting anyone sit in your lap. So, no strippers.

If you’ve had an experience, feel free to post it.