A MYSTERY IN THE SKIES (Michelle Malkin tells of a foiled airline terror plot)

Michelle Malkin's Blog ^ | January 14, 2005 | Michelle Malkin

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"Why does FAMS director Tom Quinn continue to enforce idiotic pre-boarding policies that expose marshals' identities to observant passengers?"

I'm a very frequent flyer in the top rank of United's "Mileage Plus" program (which is excellent, by the way). I fly a mix of domestic and international flights, long and short flights, non-stop and connected flights, airliner and gooney-bird flights. Because of my mileage status, I'm routinely upgraded, and even when I'm not I get to board with the First Class passengers. Since I typically use carry-on luggage, I try to be one of the first people on the plane so there's sure to be space for me. Usually, in fact, I'm the very first one on, unless a family with small kids or an elderly person in a wheelchair has been pre-boarded.

Never, not once, have I found other passengers that could be flight marshals sitting on the plane when I board. Not once.

This part of the story strikes me as inaccurate, then. But it's essential to the storytelling...

[concretebob]

Do you remember Benchking, Craziekat, BasketsPlus? How about Aggregate?

[SuziQ]

Being of , er, "tall, dark, and somewhat scary-looking" appearance, I tend to get taken aside a lot and questioned whenever I fly here in the US. I don't mind this, but I do think it's often open to human fallacies, where untrained security guards or (understandably) suspicious passengers take it upon themselves to get a bit overenthusiastic.

With one exception, every time I've flown since 9/11, I've been pulled aside, and my backpack searched. I always have a change of clothes on board with me in case my luggage gets lost. I've learned to put my underwear in a clear plastic baggie.

It's obvious that there's no racial profiling involved, unless there's been a rash of 50-something, fat women attempting to hijack planes that I haven't heard about, that would peg me as suspect. ;o)

[RWCon]

You shouldn't post these. You'll have a lot of our men
emigrating to the Phillipines.

[rwfromkansas]

Yeah, those doctor blogs sure make up stuff all the time.

[joesnuffy]

USA Today-Air marshals charge new policies could endanger passengers

Is bureaucracy stalling armed-pilot legislation

Michelle Malkin on Air Marshal dress code

[Oorang]

Anyway, I'm pretty much against anyone but an air marshall having guns on a plane

Perhaps you are not familiar with various state concealed carry laws here in America. Americans who are serious about gun ownership and will go through the effort to get the carry permit (background check required) is a law abiding citizen. Those folks also take the responsibility of gun ownership seriously. Those are exactly the people who should be allowed to be armed on an airplane, in addition to the air marshalls.

[Oorang]

Ping to your "area of interest". Also ping to post # 77.

[wideminded]

Is Dr. Bob a psychiatrist?

[batenkaitos]

Admittedly, I only have a vague understanding of concealed gun laws in the US, but I was worried more about the risk of accidents and misjudgments--not trigger happiness--because even the most thoughtful, law-abiding person in the world can be somewhat incapacitated by, say, air sickness or what-have-you. Misjudgments happen, and I, personally, am doubtful about the general flight safety versus terrorism pay-off.

Here's a random thought, though--if an air marshall is called to spring into action on a flight, how do they usually make sure they're not mistaken for terrorists themselves? I, at least, would flip out and throw my stinky blanket into the face of anyone brandishing a gun on my plane.

[R. Scott]

I’m familiar with Michelle Malkin’s work, I just didn’t recognize her.

[pageonetoo]

IMO, they should just put a Marine on every flight. He can be located just behind the cockpit, behind a plexi shield. Arm him with whatever ammo necessary to maintain cabin integrity, and dare some idiot to challenge him... I'd fly that one!

[piasa]

Shortly after the flight attendants completed their post-boarding check of the overhead bins, an announcement came from the cockpit: the pilot stated that there had been a security breach, and everyone needed to deboard the plane for a second, more thorough, security screening. The Air Marshall and his partner were confused, as they had not triggered the security alert nor been notified of it prior to the announcement

I've pretty sure I've heard this story before on FR (rings a bell because of the phrase in bold) but for the life of me I can't recall if the source was good or not... it should be under keywords "isolatedincidents" and "airportsecurity" and "airline security" if it's still here.

[Oorang]

even the most thoughtful, law-abiding person in the world can be somewhat incapacitated by, say, air sickness or what-have-you.

Again, if someone takes their gun ownership seriously enough to get a carry permit, and they are incapacitated by anything, they are not going to pull out their gun. I am talking about allowing permit holders to carry on the airplane, not just anyone. Different mind set entirely.

Here's a random thought, though--if an air Marshall is called to spring into action on a flight, how do they usually make sure they're not mistaken for terrorists themselves? I, at least, would flip out and throw my stinky blanket into the face of anyone brandishing a gun on my plane.

I am not an air marshall so I don't know their procedure. "Brandishing" a gun is probably their last resort. If an air marshall were to get out of their seat to deal with someone I doubt (but I don't know) the first thing they would do, before proceeding down the aisle, would be to pull out their gun. They might have their hand on the gun, but I doubt it would be exposed. I also doubt that air marshalls, physically, fit the standard ME profile.

[Isabelle]

Wonder if these Middle Eastern men slimmed over the Mexican border.

[M Kehoe]

Just trying having the last name "Kehoe" in Gatwick or Heathrow, and then come talk to me about anecdotes.

Criminal, not racial profiling is absolutely necessary. If it just so happens that most terrorists' acts are committed by male muslims 20-45 years old, then it should be difficult (read inconvenient) for them to travel on airplanes.

Welcome to FR.

5.56mm

[M Kehoe]

Trying=try.

Sheesh.

5.56mm

[Stoat]

"I've never met or heard of a lady named "Rick" before "

What about Ricki Lake? It isn't a stretch to think some may call her "Rick" for short.

Point taken and I stand corrected, thank you for your reminder.

"I've never met or heard of a lady named "Rick" before "

What about Ricki Lake? It isn't a stretch to think some may call her "Rick" for short.

[Stoat]

I have a series (and hugh) question.

If I am on a plane, getting ready to pull out, and someone boards that makes me feel uncomfortable, would I be able to leave the plane and transfer to another flight? I mean, without losing my money and having to pay for another ticket?

I believe that what you are suggesting is not possible, as it would instantly undermine the procedures and 'order' that the airlines have in place.

If, while the plane was loading or taxiing you were to absolutely throw a screaming, shouting fit about the matter, you would be regarded as someone 'interfering with flight operations' and it would be considered a criminal matter.  The plane would then return to the terminal, ALL passengers would be deplaned and rescreened, ALL baggage would be unloaded and thoroughly checked.  You would have several hundred people absolutely furious with you because you have just caused them to miss their connecting flights and pickups at their destination, work responsibilities as well as their entire vacations in many cases, but that would be the least of your worries because you would be VERY roughly arrested and subjected to the maximum penalties possible.  They would definitely want to make a very lasting and very public example of you.

This sort of question is best to work through in your mind prior to buying your ticket.  If you don't want to fly with 'anyone' in particular, then it's best that you make use of the splendid American Superhighway System, where you have true freedom of association and you can provide for your own security.