PATIENCE RUNNING OUT AS CHAOS PERSISTS

The Telegraph ^ | 8/14/06 | David Derbyshire

[Argus]

A fifth of flights from Heathrow are due to be cancelled today as airlines struggle to cope with long queues and tightened security.

Four days after the ban on hand luggage was announced, passengers spent another frustrating day at Britain's busiest airports.

With the Bank Holiday weekend a fortnight away, there is still no clue as to when the new rules will be relaxed. Under the regulations introduced on Thursday, passengers are banned from taking hand luggage through airport security. They are permitted a small number of essentials, such as baby food, sanitary products and glasses, carried in a plastic bag.

Once in the departure lounge, most passengers are allowed to stock up on drinks and books for the journey. However, those heading for America cannot take anything on board that they did not bring through security.

The rules have led to delays, cancellations and queues. On Saturday, 500 passengers had to sleep at Heathrow.

(snip)

"The goal of these terrorists and extremists is not just to kill but also to disrupt the economic life of Britain," Mr O'Leary said. "The Government, by insisting on these heavy-handed security measures, is allowing the extremists to achieve many of their objectives."

The company said it supported "all sensible and effective security measures", but these should be targeted towards the flights at risk or groups that posed a threat.

[G8 Diplomat]

"Patience Running Out as Chaos Persists"

Sounds like a typical Senator's day in Congress.

[Pompah]

Flying into Heathrow day after tomorrow. But we'll stay clear of London Town as we head to the Cotswolds and north to Scotland.

Aye Bonny Scotland.

[Rummyfan]

Travellers are not being forced to overnight in leaking tents because of the Blitz, which was about British endurance, but because the authorities are refusing to profile the likely terrorists, which is about political correctness gone mad.

Correct! They need to institute new procedures, such as

You there! Mohammed! Come here!

[Rummyfan]

The problem is not carry-on bags and suspicious liquids. The problem is Islam.

Worth repeating.....

[mewzilla]

LOL. It really is about endurance, though. UBL recognized that years ago. And if the West goes soft, we're screwed. Folks should just belt up and muddle though. And if this is the worst thing they should ever have to put up with, they should consider themselves blessed :)

[Allan]

How hard is it to just pack all your stuff in your checked bag? Is this so hard to figure out?

Did you hear about the guy who bought an extra suitcase to pack his hand-luggage?

"they ended up losing his checked in carry-on bag.
He filed a claim but they have no idea where it is
(its disappeared from the computer system)"

[sinclair]

"Everything comes at a price."

Not if you are the hate spewing Islamofascist Imam of the mosque down the road aways from the airport. He, I can assure you, is basking in the glory of his ever increasing influence that is causing the misery you and your clients are forced to endure.

[Canard]

While this is true, there do seem to be particularly severe problems at Heathrow and specific to that airport.

[Alberta's Child]

NetJets, one of the leading companies that leases corporate jets, is a regular sponsor of Don Imus' daily radio show. He did a spot for them on his show this morning that was a classic. It ended with something like this:

"So avoid the hassle of these crowded terminals and elevated security measures, and fly NetJets instead. When you fly NetJets, you are in charge of your own flight. You can keep your shoes on . . . and take your pants off."

[Prokopton]

"Well, whinging doesn't solve anything :)"

I've accomplished many things with only a whing and a prayer.

[newcthem]

Better yet....how about throwing moslims off the planes and keeping liquids on.
Since these animals yearn for the dark ages, no use wasting airline seats.

[WestSylvanian]

Mrs. Miniver is one of my favorite movies. It starred Greer Garson who later became an American citizen and a Republican.