Heightened security to worsen travel woes

al-Reuters ^ | Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:54pm ET | Kyle abu Petersonallah and Chris abu Hamza al-Reiter

[jjm2111]

CHICAGO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tighter restrictions on carry-on luggage, including bans on liquids, will disrupt air travel for at least several days and make it even more of a headache for passengers already sick of crowded planes and long lines, experts said.

U.S. security officials banned passengers from carrying any liquids onto planes after British officials said they foiled a plot to bomb flights to the United States on Thursday.

The new restrictions were sure to cause major disruptions for at least two or three days at airport security checkpoints as screeners scour carry-on bags for drinks, hair gels and lotions, experts said.

"They've got to search everything extremely carefully right now," said Joe Schwieterman, transportation expert at DePaul University. "Any time you impose a new rule there's instant chaos, but things settle down in a few weeks."

He said the increased security will be especially taxing for passengers already fed up with long lines and crowded planes during the peak summer travel season.

The heightened concern about travel safety triggered renewed calls for improved security, which can be laxly enforced by airlines and airports loathe to inconvenience passengers.

[luckystarmom]

Then you shouldn't fly. Flying in a private plane is a privilege, not a right.

[elkfersupper]

Then you shouldn't fly. Flying in a private plane is a privilege, not a right.

On the contrary, it is a right, as long as you can pay for it.

One of the benefits of the free market system is that you can choose to have yourself and yours felt up and intruded upon by federal employees who just 6 weeks ago were working at McDonald's, while I can refuse to fly commercially.

It's a beautiful thing.

[luckystarmom]

Never been searched like that ever when flying.

If I did get searched, I'd be okay with it.

It's a great benefit to be able to fly. I live in California, and my parents and other family members live in Texas. I am thankful there are planes to take me to see my family.