'Suspicious' men removed from Oakland plane They used cash, then spread out to different seats

The San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 10/5/02 | Henry K. Lee

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Four men removed from an America West plane at Oakland International Airport had prompted concerns because three of them paid cash for a ticket surcharge for the flight and had spread out to different seats, while the fourth was seen talking to them, authorities said Friday.

[Physicist]

I would be scared if this happened on my flight.

I would introduce myself to one of the men and appoint myself as his chaperone, taking the aisle seat, of course.

[He Rides A White Horse]

George Bush too.

[soccermom]

I realize it is better to be safe than sorry, but this doesn't sound all that suspicious. It would be one thing if they had paid cash for the entire fare -- but they just paid cash for the surcharge. And, I don't know about you, but when a flight is empty, I always like to change seats to have more room.

[EverOnward]

"They are messing with people's minds and playing games."

The game is to identify sky marshals (going so far as to find out where they live) and the flights sky marshals are most likely to fly on. Sky marshals are finding knives taped underneath seats in planes AFTER the plane's "security check." There were box cutters and another sharp object (have to recheck) found in a shampoo and a lotion bottle at the Salt Lake Airport.

[blondee123]

The mentality that they over-reacted on this flight is the same mentality that got us 9/11. Better safe than dead is a motto we need to adopt!

[mfulstone]

Lots of detractors - my, oh, my...

If someone on my plane mumbles "hi, Jack." I will strangle him with my own necktie.

We can't afford to play games with thousands of lives at stake.

Once you get on the ground, you can say anything you d@mn well please. I don't give a rip.

It's called "yelling 'FIRE!' in a crowded theatre.

[Ditter]

I have never enjoyed flying even tho I have traveled a lot. I absolutely HATE it now. If I never get on a plane again I'll be happy. Oh I forgot, I'm going to New Zealand again in the spring. I'll probably have to be knocked out & carried on. LOL

[VaBthang4]

Middle Eastern Men were acting suspicious and removed from a flight...

AAAHHH THE SKY IS FALLING AND OUR FREEDOMS ARE ALL GONE! QUICK ROBIN, TO THE STAR-SPANGLED-BANNER-MOBILE!

[junta]

Yep

[Publius6961]

They are messing with people's minds and playing games.

As are a few of the clueless on this thread.

I don't know anyone who pays cash for tickets and in many years of frequent travel it never occured to me to pay cash either.

So why all the whining comments?

[VaBthang4]

"If someone on my plane mumbles "hi, Jack." I will strangle him with my own necktie."

ROTFLOL

[Dan Day]

Isn't this special, out of respectfull sensitivities we are able to get a full report like this with no comment as to there ethnic origins or appearance.

Try reading the article again... That was reported.

Ok, those few PC readers out there let me have it.

How about those of us with good reading comprehension?

[soccermom]

Again, you have to read carefully. They didn't pay cash for the tickets. They paid cash for a surcharge that was added for having to take a different flight. I'm not one to second-guess. I'm glad the sky marshalls acted. But, honestly, paying cash for a surcharge seems reasonable to me -- as does spreading out on an empty flight.

[2rightsleftcoast]

No, nothing to see here, move along.
Don't worry about the four ME young
men splitting up. They just want to
get comfortable. Please!!!

[Texasforever]

fear the air marshalls, and the people who support them,

Could you take the hysterics down a notch?

[DentsRun]

I don't know how some Freepers get to sleep at night. They're so afraid, if they get up to take a pee, when they come back there will be four young Middle East men under their bed sitting in different seats.

[Destro]

"another put his feet on an adjoining chair, which made some passengers nervous, she said."

That's funny, I was thinking this was the obviously terrorist behavior. Note to self: On next flight, do NOT lean back your seat in an effort to get "more comfortable."

AND FOR CHRIST'S SAKE DON'T TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!!!!

[Destro]

I don't know how some Freepers get to sleep at night. They're so afraid, if they get up to take a pee, when they come back there will be four young Middle East men under their bed sitting in different seats.

with their feet up, and not using coasters.

[McGavin999]

Yes, liberty endangers lives. The Founders chose liberty. Many "conservatives" are trading in the Founders for Commie culture.

Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll just keep my gun at home from now on, after all, I should be free to travel around without worrying about someone trying to mug me or something. After all, this is a free country, and I really shouldn't worry so much about my safety that I carry. What the heck, why be so freightened of someone trying to take my life when I can walk around totally unconcerned about my surroundings and taking normal precautions.

Wow, just think of all the time I wasted target practicing, taking tests, I should have just trusted my fellow Americans. Even those who are trying to kill me.

[Judith Anne]

I think you are exactly correct, that is, to identify air marshalls. I think the episode with the lady in the restaurant with the "medical students" was the same kind of exercise--to find out what the official response would be, so scenarios could be invented to evade it.

Tin-foil hat FIRMLY ON. With no apologies to the "religion of peace."