[wideminded]

The fact that the men all went to the lavatory at the same time may be related to the fact that observant Muslims perform 'Wudu' (ablutions, ritual washing) before praying, and they are required to pray at certain defined times. This would also account for the little red book one man glanced at and the fact that the previously pleasant man didn't smile back when he was waiting for the lavatory. The fact that these people took their valuables with them to the lavatory or carried a McDonalds bag means nothing.

I have had an opportunity to see the other side of racial profiling. My grown son looks somewhat "Middle Eastern". He is part Hawaiian and has a heavy beard. When he travels alone he frequently is pulled aside for the full treatment, (pat downs, shoe removal, etc.). When he travels with me this doesn't happen. A person in his Bible study group told him that he "looks like a terrorist".

That said, I would have been at least observant on this flight, but even supposing something had happened, it sounds like one of the greatest problems to deal with would have been all the people having panic attacks.

[jimbo123]

Why did these Syrians bring their cell phones and cameras with them into the bathroom to perform WuDu? Is that a Muslim ritual, too?

[mtbopfuyn]

The fact that these people took their valuables with them to the lavatory or carried a McDonalds bag means nothing.

The ambiance of airliner potties is such that it's a wonder more don't dine in them.