Testing of Federal Air Marshalls - probing our 'defenses' - VANITY

[Frapster]

I recently had a conversation with a friend who is a federal air marshall. I was discussing with her the first flight I had taken since 9/11. The flight was to Chicago and several things occurred which really bothered me. I had taken notice, in my paranoia, that the plane had 7 or 8 Arab-looking men. One of the men had his family with him. During the flight from Houston to Chicago I observed that several of these men got up more than once. The man with his family kept having to get up to let them in and out as they were making bathroom trips to the lavatory.

When we were 30 minutes out from Chicago the pilot made an announcement and almost immediatley several of the Arab men got up from their seats and moved to the front lavatory. The whole situation had my complete attention and all I could say was the severe apprehension I was feeling was completely an over-reaction.

I did not go into the level of detail I just provided you all - but in my conversation with the FAM she said it is their observation that quite frequently they will have incidents where Arab men, in groups of 4 or 5, will get up and move quickly to the front of the aircraft stopping at the lavatory. She said it is believed they are trying to probe the security strategy of the FAM's to identify weaknesses, number of FAM's on board (typically) and so on.

What I had dismissed as uber-paranoia on my first flight after 9/11 has taken on new significance. Has anyone else observed similar situations on their flights? I have flown a few times since and not seen anything like this.

[Alberta's Child]

I've only flown once since 9/11, and nothing like this happened during the flight.

If this kind of incident is a concern, then random groups of non-Arab passengers should get up and hustle the bastards back to their seats. Nobody will be able to figure out exactly which ones are air marshals and which ones are just Americans looking to administer a public beating to suspicious Arabs.

[dirtboy]

I don't think it's a good idea to discuss this on FR, under the "loose lips" guidelines.

[WhiskeyPapa]

I made six flights in the last couple of months -- all from/To Hartsville/Atlanta --Logan/Boston. I didn't see anything like that....and I was half way looking for such.

Walt

[Frapster]

I considered that before posting and decided I wasn't posting anything of a sensitive nature. They know they're doing it and I'm saying we know they're doing it. I haven't stated anything about what's being done - just stating the obvious.

[PLK]

Meanwhile, lawsuits are filed by Arabs claiming discrimination for how they were treated by airlines. Political correctness is going to be the certain death of many more Americans until the bleeding-hearts and ACLU radicals get it through their heads that radical Muslims, often in the form of M.E. origin people, want to kill us.

[Frapster]

Any flights since Ramadan began?

[dirtboy]

They know they're doing it and I'm saying we know they're doing it.

And if several posters add their anecdotes, it could give more detailed information than potential terrorists in isolated cells may have gathered on their own. I still do not think this is a wise discussion on an open forum.

[PLK]

To add to my post #6, it is certain that the discrimination suits are PART of the Arab Muslim stategy to undermine our national security. Create doubt and stir up the sympathy of liberals, then attack.

[Monty22]

I hated flying before 9/11, needed lots of xanax and booze.

Now I know I will never fly again. Period.

There's noplace I want to go (even Texas to Las Vegas) that I can't drive to, and see the country side.

[HitmanLV]

Remember, we are only as strong as our weakest link.

We're finished!

[Frapster]

If the chain were linear I'd agree with you. Fortunately it's much more intricate a web.

[Bobibutu]

I fly every other week and have done so for the past 6 years. I have not observed what you describe. I am always seated at the first non-exit bulkhead or in first class.

The flight attendents are firm about no one standing in the forward galley area or isles while waiting for the bathroom.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Any flights since Ramadan began?

Duh.......weekends of August 9, August 19 and Ocotber 29.

Walt

[Blueflag]

Frapster

I fly every week and have for years. For years passengers have 'jumped' up to make that last pit stop near the end of a flight.

You wrote the passengers went to the front lav. I infer they went from coach to first class -- a practice some airlines actually stop now, in the name of security, and perhaps a little privilege. If this was Southwest, or some airline like that, where there is no first class, then people I observe tend to go to the lav they can see.

If a group of passengers meeting a given demographic, ahem, went from the rear of the aircraft all the way to the forward lav near the end of the flight, I would say that was odd at best.

Also, it can be as simple as passengers logically noting that the rear lavs are occupied, and heading to the front.

My opinion: Passengers are no longer the threat. Between FAMs and veteran passengers, no hijacking attempt will ever be successful again on a US carrier.

[Sam Cree]

", it is certain that the discrimination suits are PART of the Arab Muslim stategy"

That makes sense to me. And they do have the sympathy of the liberals. Or, more likely, the Left merely grabbed another opportunity to be destructive towards America.

[Frapster]

*slaps self*

[Frapster]

I agree - I was sitting next to the window (I love to look out) and my wife was in the middle with her friend on the aisle. I wanted to bad to be on the aisle at that moment. I believe an effort could very well be made (the El Al attempt late last week) - but I agree it will not succeed.

[islander-11]

Say it with me, folks: ARM THE PILOTS!!!!!

Thank you.

[Hank Kerchief]

I don't think it's a good idea to discuss this on FR, under the "loose lips" guidelines.

WHAT Ships?!

Hog wash! Are you a public schoolteacher by any chance.

Hank