Baby held in locked room at airport dies

If by chance you still think the rules and regulations of airport security are working just fine, read this disturbing story in the Honolulu Advertiser:

A 14-day-old infant traveling here for heart surgery died at Honolulu International Airport on Friday after he, his mother and a nurse were detained by immigration officials in a locked room, a lawyer for the boy's family said.

The Honolulu medical examiner's office yesterday identified the infant as Michael Futi of Tafuna, American Samoa's largest village, which is located on the east coast of Tutuila Island. Autopsy findings have been deferred.

According to police, the child died at 5:50 a.m. It is unknown why immigration officials detained the mother, the nurse and the child.

Scott Ishikawa, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said the child went into respiratory failure while in the customs office, which is located near the baggage claims area of the overseas terminal. Airport paramedics were called about 6:10 a.m., he said.

The group arrived on a Hawaiian Airlines flight that landed at 5:30 a.m.

"We were later told the baby was coming here for heart surgery," Ishikawa said.

Attorney Rick Fried said the child had come to Hawai'i from American Samoa for heart surgery.

The boy's family plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit, Fried said.

UPDATE: TSA: Bloggin' like they care

The Transportation Security Administration has suddenly gotten all touchy feely and has started a blog for passengers to "sound off." From the Baltimore Sun:

The federal government wants to hear -- or at least read -- your gripes at the "Evolution of Security" blog the Transportation Security Administration introduced yesterday. And it promises those complaints and suggestions won't vanish into thin air.

Yeah, and neither will a commenter's name or IP address, I bet!

It's pretty amusing reading once you accept the fact that nothing will ever come from this. Currently, there are 252 comments at "Evolution of Security" (really? Shouldn't it be "Creationism of Security"?) Almost half are from happy TSA employees. The rest are basically people venting. Oh, and one blogger named Christopher who's billed as "Evolution Blog Team Member." He hasn't actually answered any questions or addressed anyone's concerns, he just says "great question!" and "check back Friday."

Here are some of my faves:

"The TSA liquid policy is ludicrous and indefensible. It suggests that 6 oz of liquid can blow up a plane but two 3-oz containers can't."

"shoes off for sure. This rule is fine. The only problem is can we get some foot booties to help protect us from fungus."

"In its current form, this blog is beyond useless. It's just a huge pile of random comments, only some of whose questions or comments are half-addressed many, many posts later."

"Why do TSA employees have to loudly yell to no one in particular exactly what is posted on several signs around the screening area and announced on the airport PA system regarding security rules?"

"As far as I'm concerned, Kip [Hawley] is the real terrorist, using fabricated threats to justify this government workfare program."

"From this blog's T&C: 'In addition, we expect that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect.' Hmmm, would that be the same respect that TSA agents mistreat the traveling public with every second?"

"As a frequent flier, I would like to thank TSA for providing me with a laugh every time I go through security. I stand watching people trying to take off shoes, put laptops into bins, remove jackets and isolate liquids, while pushing belongings along tables, carefully placed so that each one is several inches higher than the preceding one. I realize that I too am one of those idiot dancers, pirouetting with a plastic bag in one hand and shoes in another."

UPDATE II: The party continues over at the new TSA blog. They've gotten about a thousand comments in the past 24 hours, and I have to say, I'm enjoying reading them almost as much as I'm enjoying reading the responses from TSA tools. So far they are super cheery. "Great questions, everybody!" I can't wait until one of them finally loses it and says what they're really thinking. "Look, this stupid blog wasn't our idea, and we know the rules are idiotic and inconsistent. Quit writing to us!"

Today they put up "evidence" of a foiled shoe plot. Click on the image to right to see the tools of the terrorist: a switch and a piece of wire. No, they're not connected to each other or to anything else. (But imagine what they could have done with those implements and 4 ounces of toothpaste! Whew!)

I know, right? And I think I'm going to be allowed on a plane in a couple of months for vacation after I write all of this?

UPDATE I: Okay, so this is kind of fun -- clearly the TSA had no plan, no vision for how to run their blog or what to do with the bajillion comments they were sure to get. Today's post is entitled "WOW! What a Response!" With over 700 comments already, the TSA is now deciding how to design their blog. Good planning, TSA!

Frankly we’ve been overwhelmed with the number of response we’ve received, more than 700 comments at last count, and comments are still pouring in.

Wow is right! So many responses! Who knew there was such passionate opinion about the TSA?! (Ding ding ding -- that's right, everyone knew that!)

And here's another fun fact: it appears the Team Blog Member Christopher has been fired. But -- just so we don't hate them all -- we're now introduced to a fun cast of bloggers that seems to be a mix of I Love Lucy and Friends: Bob (has a 100-pound German Shepherd!), Ethel (enjoys hog calling in her spare time!), Jay (used to be a high school football coach!), Chance (likes to read!) , and Jim (used to work on Capitol Hill!). I am not making this up....

UK Minister detained at US airport

That's right, it's time to check in again with our friends at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In today's installment, we'll see how the TSA detained a high-ranking British official simply because ... that's right — he's Muslim!

From Press TV:

International Development Minister Shahid Malik, of Pakistani origin, has said that he was detained for about 40 minutes at Dulles Airport in Washington, and his hand luggage was inspected for traces of explosives when he was returning to London after talks on tackling terrorism with US officials.

“Obviously, there was no malice involved, but it has to be said that the US system does not inspire confidence,” he concluded.

Indeed.

Most fake bombs missed by screeners

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I am no fan of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It's not that I don't think airline security is a good idea — of course it is. But my personal experience, and that of everyone I talk to, is that the current restrictions in place on ordinary travelers do little if anything to make us any safer. Instead, rules such as no more than 3 oz. of liquids in your carry-on luggage and removing your shoes for screening seem more like attempts at making the public feel safer by having us experience these “safety” restrictions firsthand.

So I'm not really surprised to read in USA Today that while the TSA screeners are busy throwing out your 6 oz. bottle of shampoo, they're missing the real safety threats:

Security screeners at two of the nation's busiest airports failed to find fake bombs hidden on undercover agents posing as passengers in more than 60% of tests last year, according to a classified report obtained by USA TODAY.

Screeners at Los Angeles International Airport missed about 75% of simulated explosives and bomb parts that Transportation Security Administration testers hid under their clothes or in carry-on bags at checkpoints, the TSA report shows.

Among the “explosives” missed by the TSA screeners:

• Detonator and explosives hidden in briefcase lining

• Inert explosives inside CD players

• Fake dynamite and timer in toiletry kit

• Phony plastic explosive and battery inside hollowed-out book

But remember, they pulled me aside for my granola bar! You can read more here.

Woman dies while in airport custody

If you can, just stay away from airports.

In a distressing new example of the ridiculousness of so-called “airport security,” a 45-year old woman has died at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after being arrested and placed in handcuffs.

From the New York Daily News:

Carol Anne Gotbaum, 45, of the upper West Side, died less than an hour later, after cops claim she apparently strangled herself while trying to escape from the handcuffs in a holding cell at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“I'm not a terrorist! I'm a sick mom! I need help!” yelled the mother of three after she missed the 2:58 p.m. US Airways Express flight to Tucson, said airport workers who witnessed the confrontation Friday.

They said one cop put his knee in her back to restrain her while others grabbed her flailing arms.

Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Andy Hill said Gotbaum kept screaming after she was placed in the holding cell, until cops realized she had been silent for several minutes and found her unresponsive. The county medical examiner has not determined a cause of death.

The money quote:

But [Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Andy Hill] couldn't immediately explain why a distressed woman was left alone in handcuffs while seven police officers were in the security office.

Air travel with a granola bar: When does it constitute a threat to security?

Yes, dear readers, I recently experienced again what our leaders like to call airport “security.” And once again, I noticed many inconsistencies and lapses in this so-called “system.”

When I left from BWI in Baltimore, my both my handbag and my carry-on suitcase caused concern for the TSA agent watching the x-ray screen. He called out to another TSA agent to do a check on both items.

I wasn't too worried, because I figured the handbag was possibly my cell phone, and the suitcase either my cell phone charger or digital camera. I had done everything else they had asked me, putting 3 oz. bottles of shampoo in a baggie, standing in bare feet, “declaring” my bottle of saline.

When the woman checking my bags looked in my handbag and found nothing suspicious, she cheerily announced to me that it must have been my granola bar. Okay, maybe. But imagine my surprise when she handed me the bag, walked over to x-ray man and laughingly told him it was a “candy bar.” They both chuckled. And then she walked away.

Standing at the end of the conveyor belt, I slowly put my shoes on, zipped up my handbag, and gathered up my things. And walked away.

Um, dear readers, did you notice that she never checked the suitcase?

Coming home, I flew out of Atlanta. Although I had the same emergency granola bar in my same handbag, no one cared. I decided to check my suitcase because the conference I attended had given out customized screwdrivers as gifts (yes, I go to some classy conferences — don't be jealous now). I thought for sure putting that in my suitcase would cause trouble.

But no! I mentioned this to a colleague who also attended this conference and received a screwdriver — he took his in his carry on luggage without a problem!

My question to those in charge is: WTF?!

I believe there clearly is a need for security screening at airports. But a little consistency would be nice. And I've got to wonder how much the TSA employees are becoming numb to being always on watch for items like shampoo. Clearly I could have snuck something onto the plane in the first instance because the screeners were too busy looking for a million little items. It's not beyond imagination that something simple like causing a distraction could allow a passenger to pass through with dangerous items.

But for now, if you're passing through BWI, wear comfy shoes and leave the granola bar at home.

Sir, You'll have to remove your shoes ... and your monkey

Man Smuggles Monkey Into NYC Airport

NEW YORK (AP) - A man smuggled a monkey onto an airplane Tuesday, stashing the furry fist-size primate under his hat until passengers spotted it perched on his ponytail, an airline official said.

The monkey escapade began in Lima, Peru, late Monday, when the man boarded a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said Spirit Airlines spokeswoman Alison Russell. After landing Tuesday morning, the man waited several hours before catching a connecting flight to LaGuardia Airport.

During the flight, people around the man noticed that the marmoset, which normally lives in forests and eats fruit and insects, had emerged from underneath his hat, Russell said.

“Other passengers asked the man if he knew he had a monkey on him,” she said.

The monkey spent the remainder of the flight in the man's seat and behaved well, said Russell, who didn't know how it skirted customs and security.

Airport police were waiting for the man and his monkey when the plane landed about 3 p.m., and the man was taken away for questioning. It was unclear whether he would face any criminal charges.

The city's animal control agency said the monkey appeared healthy. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was planning to take it for disease testing and keep it quarantined for 31 days, CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said.

If the monkey is healthy, it could wind up in a zoo.

“It is kind of a spirited monkey,” Russell said. “That will be the nickname of the monkey: Spirit.”

TSA protecting you from seniors with bad backs

From ABC News:

An unsuspecting senior citizen from Long Island, N.Y. is behind one of the incidents that prompted the TSA to issue a bulletin last week about cases in which they suspect terrorists may have been probing airport security by trying to bring peculiar items on board airplanes.

In her case, Sara Weiss tried to bring ice packs on her flight home.

“I'm not a terrorist. I'm just a 66-year-old woman who's coming back from visiting her son and I have a bad back, so I carry these things,” Weiss told ABC News' Lisa Stark.

...

Security officers then took her to the bowels of the San Diego airport for three hours of questioning by airport police and others. The first questions stunned her.

“The first thing he said after introducing himself was, 'Do you know Osama bin Laden?' And I thought, 'What?,'” Weiss said.

Oh good lord. Read the rest of the story here.

[UPDATED] About those terrorist “dry runs” ... Ummm, not so much

When the Transportation Safety Administration released a safety bulletin last week, it referred to several “recent suspicious incidents” under the sensational headline, “Incidents at U.S. Airports May Suggest Possible Pre-Attack Probing.” Unfortunately, there's a little discrepancy between the bulletin and reality. Notice the highlights I've made in the two descriptions of this event.

From the July 20th, 2007, official TSA bulletin:

5 July 2007, San Diego, CA–A U.S. Person’s (USPER) checked baggage contained two icepacks covered in duct tape. The icepacks had clay inside them rather than the normal blue gel.

However, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Harbor Police Chief Kirk Sanfilippo said that wasn't exactly the case. In fact, it's not accurate at all:

Sanfilippo said a routine swab test of the bag indicated the presence of a chemical that is sometimes used in explosives or medications. Inside the luggage, inspectors found cold packs, wrapped in clear packing tape, that were old and leaking.

Sanfilippo said they weren't covered in duct tape and didn't have clay inside of them. “It is a little bit off,” he said of the bulletin.

The chief said a Harbor Police officer found what appeared to be hardened old gel that had seeped out of the ice packs and dried, leaving a clay-like substance around the outside edge of the pack.

I don't know if the Bush Administration thinks that we will all live in a constant state of fear and therefore follow their lead without question. My personal reaction is becoming one of total disbelief in all of these possible terrorist activity stories. And I'm not so sure that's such a great thing either, to be so jaded that I don't take any of it seriously anymore.

Everyone knows the story of the little boy who cried “wolf,” don't they?

UPDATE

As for the cheese incident (not to be mistaken for the String Cheese Incident) at BWI airport, that too is now sounding like an exaggeration of the facts. Today's Baltimore Sun reports that officials are trying to downplay the reports of a possible dry run by terrorists. Although the TSA bulletin has a picture of a block of cheese with some kind of electronic device apparently taped to it inside some plastic, I personally doubt that is a photo of the actual items in question from the BWI incident. According to the Sun:

... a couple's checked baggage contained a block of processed cheese and a charger for a DVD player, which might have substituted for bomb components.

Jonathan Green, a spokesman for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, said “Every indication was that they were not a threat as passengers.”

It sounds to me like this couple had in their luggage: (1) a block of cheese, and (2) a DVD charger. But not that they were necessarily attached to each other. So this photo distributed by the TSA with their bulletin on July 20th seems more than a little misleading:


Am I getting paranoid? What are your thoughts on this?

Mom and toddler hassled at (Reagan) National Airport over water in a sippy cup

O.k., my travel experience recently was just annoying. Imagine traveling alone with a 19-month old toddler and being hassled, humiliated, and detained for 45 minutes for trying to bring aboard a sippy cup with water on a long flight from DC to Reno, Nevada.

The sippy cup was seized by TSA. Monica wanted the cup back because the sippy cup was the only way her son would drink — and it was a long flight between Washington, DC and Reno, Nevada where she was going for a family reunion. If you’ve ever traveled with a toddler you understand about sippy cups.

So she was willing to spill the water out. Drink the water. Anything — all that she wanted was to be able to have a cup that her 19-month-old toddler could drink from.

Read the rest of the story here.

To briefly summarize, she was detained and questioned extensively about the sippy cup — nothing else in her luggage was examined. During this questioning, which took place in the middle of a public gate exit, some water from the cup spilled on the floor. She was ordered to apologize for spilling the water, and was told to clean it up. A Barney Fife clone, if ever there was one, handed her a roll of paper towels and she got on her hands and knees and cleaned the floor.

It's all on video provided by the TSA as supposed evidence that they didn't hassle the woman. But if you watch the entire video (it's a long 10 minutes or so) it looks like the keystone cops and a stressed out mom. It doesn't give me much faith in the TSA. To me, it looked like a bunch of people in uniform getting their kicks out of ordering her around.

Watch the TSA security video of the incident here.

TSA: blocks of cheese raising concern

An interesting news bit following the announcement by the Transportation Security Administration that it will begin allowing passengers to carry on lighters. An unclassified (but not meant for public distribution) TSA bulletin was obtained by the press yesterday which said that terrorists may be conducting "dry runs" at several airports in the US.

Among the incidents mentioned in the TSA bulletin:

Milwaukee, June 4. A U.S. person’s carry on baggage contained wire coil wrapped around a possible initiator, an electrical switch, batteries, three tubes and two blocks of cheese. The bulletin said block cheese has a consistency similar to some explosives.

Baltimore, Sept. 16, 2006. A couple’s checked baggage contained a plastic bag with a block of processed cheese taped to another plastic bag holding a cellular phone charger.

The TSA released another statement today that states this information is simply routine and that "There is no intelligence that indicates a specific or credible threat to the homeland."

But personally, I think we can expect a ban on all dairy products to come very soon.

TSA lifts ban on some items

Air travel today is truly an Alice in Wonderland experience. And now, we're truly going down the rabbit hole. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that it will lift the ban on ... lighters?! Are you kidding me?!

As of Aug. 4, disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, like Zippos, will be allowed in your carry-on luggage. The reason given for the change in policy is apparently that it takes too much time and costs too much money to deal with the lighters:

"Explosives remain the most significant threat to aviation," said TSA administrator Kip Hawley. "By enabling our officers to focus on the greatest threats, we are using our officers' time and energy more effectively and increasing security for passengers."

Lighters are the leading item seized at airport checkpoints, an average of more than 22,000 a day. It costs TSA $4 million a year to dispose of them because they contain hazardous materials.

I just experienced this insane world of "airport security," and let me tall ya, I didn't see any lighters being confiscated, but I saw a whole lot of shampoo, lotion, water bottles, and two full cups of perfectly good Dunkin Donuts coffee bought mere feet from the security checkpoint. (And I'm still mad about that coffee!) So I'm not sure I buy this argument that the lighters are such a hassle. My cup of coffee is more dangerous than a lighter?

I'm sorry, but I see no reason for lighters to be allowed on a plane. What possible use would a passenger have for a lighter on a plane? They cannot smoke on the plane, or even in most airports. If there is no public outcry about this, I think I will just move to Canada or something. I mean, there we all are, standing in line at the security checkpoint: barefoot, a quart-size baggie in our hand with 3.4 oz of shampoo (I also must "declare" my bottle of saline solution), moving through the line like sheep.

Kurt Vonnegut, god rest your soul.