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General Discussion / New United States domestic flight regulations
« on: December 28, 2009, 08:21:18 AM »Quote from: Brad Littlejohn
I still don't know why the TSA is sticking their head into this, because this was clearly a failure of security at EHAM.
I am not sure I would go so far as to say it was a failure as it is a lack of preparation. Having flown in and out of there a few times, it is worth mentioning that there has to be some consideration for the fact that they have not had a 9/11 style event and thus they would view airport security differently that we would. I have found the same to be true in places like DeGaulle airport in Paris & Prague-Runzyne, while London-Heathrow is decidedly more intense on security. It is just a question of what the Netherlands national government perceives to be a needed level of security at their airport, which is lower than what we deem necessary here.
At EHAM, you do not get screened until you get to the gate area, and it is just a metal detector and passport check. Once inside the gate area, you are not allowed to leave. There are no provisions for detecting explosives, etc. My understanding is that there was not any metal to speak of on this person. So it is just a matter of these folks looking across the landscape and selecting a departure point that is best suited to facilitate what they are trying to do.
Happy new year!