[monday]

"Each airline DOES provide their security. They contract with the lowest bidder."

Wrong..... The security company is hired by the various transportation authorities that run the individual airports. These transportation authorities are, suprise, suprise, government beauracies. Now tell me again how it is United's fault?

[RightRules]

I'll double check, but I think you're wrong. For instance, different firms handle security for different airline gates at O'Hare. I would also refer you to news reports from yesterday (11/6) where United announces that it has hired a contractor to audit their gate security.