Airline Security

Airline Security

Airline Security:
Airline Safety is Possible
Ever since the attacks of 2001 airline security has taken new measures in the U.S. to ensure the safety of its passengers. There are also many other ideas still undergoing testing and waiting to be implemented. Have these changes in equipment and procedure since 9/11 actually improved airline safety or is it simply there as security theater? However, there has been a successful system that has been in effect for over 30 years. El Al, the national airline of Israel, uses a system which has made it the safest airline in the world. It's tactic is not about labor-intensive security checkpoints, but instead it's about smarter security checkpoints.
Within hours after hijacked airplanes were crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11th, airline carriers from all over the world began calling David Hermesh, president of El Al, seeking advice on how to deal with airborne security threats (Shuman). So what does El Al do differently to be that much safer than other airlines while still being a high target of terrorism?
Passengers checking in for El Al and other airline departures are requested to arrive three hours before their flight. Cars, buses and taxis are examined as they enter the airport compound by uniformed guards armed with sub-machine guns. Plainclothes security guards are stationed at the airport entrances, patrolling the terminal in loose-fitting jackets concealing their weapons. Cars are prevented from making more than temporary stops to dispatch and unload passengers and luggage (Shuman). Upon arrival, passengers are subjected to questioning to which 95% of passengers are asked just two or three questions and the process finishes in 30 seconds (Himel). While passengers are being asked simple questions, investigators are really looking for micro-expressions and evasive answers hiding information (Shuman). “The likelihood of potential terrorists remaining calm under such questioning is...