I was a flight attendant during 9/11.
All flight crews were required to go through security, sometimes being made to go through extra security in full view of the passengers.
(This was since the California flight crashed when the employee brought a gun on the plane.)
Only flight crews had to go through security - ground personnel went through a side door in Charlotte with NO screening, carrying their bags and knapsacks with them.
Post 9/11, there were reports of box cutters being found in seat back pockets.
WHO do you think brought those???? NOT flight crews.
HINT: IT WAS THE PEOPLE WHO WEREN’T SCREENED!!!!!!!!!! THE ONES WHO WOULDN’T BE ON THE PLANE IF IT WENT DOWN!!!!!
The ground personnel were treated with kid gloves at USAirways when I was there.
Without getting into any detail I will state that we found a box cutter tucked in the pocket on the back of a passenger seat on a routine search when I was working the ramp. We were privy to the investigation and you are SPOT on. I witnessed much more than I can divulge but I am surprised there are not more arrests.