I still find it ironic that we were just discussing knives on planes a few weeks ago. I recall discussions on what may be too threatening to security personnel and risk confiscation. Then hijackers on at least four different flights board planes with box cutters. Box cutters??? How the hell did they let them through?<br><br>Anyway, the new age of air travel is upon us. Not only do we have to contend with the fear of having a carry on item that might be construed as a weapon, but there are new nuances in fear that we never had to deal with in the past. <br><br>First, what do you do if you’re on a plane that’s hijacked? Do you sit passively and wait it out? Or do you rise up and take action against the hijackers? <br><br>Second, yesterday a pair of F-16s “escorted” an American Airlines flight back to O’Hare after it experienced radio problems and lost contract with controllers. I would presume that under the right circumstances, such as a confirmed hijacking headed towards a major metropolitan area (where most suitable airports for landing are located), the pilots might be given orders to shoot.<br><br>That though sort of puts an edge onto the first scenario, what do you, as a passenger, do in the event of a hijacking?<br><br>I personally have no problem with the knife/blade restrictions as long as passengers are treated fairly and not as guilty criminals. I suspect that will happen once the smoke clears. I also think there should be no problem with knives packed in checked in luggage. I can’t think of a scenario where they would present a threat. The only way hijackers could gain access to the luggage would be if they controlled the [plane already using some other threat or force.<br><br>I also do not condone mass hysteria or vigilantes in the air. Obviously, the passengers on flight 93 knew of the three previous crashes. Plus the plane’s crew was killed or dying and clearly not in control of the aircraft. So they had little choice but to take action. But those are a very unique set of circumstances that may never occur again. <br><br>The Transportation Secretary has worked quickly with the different agencies, both civilian and governmental, to institute new security guidelines as well as operational procedures, evidenced by the quick coordination between the air traffic controllers, FAA and NORAD yesterday in the American Airlines flight I mentioned. But what hasn’t happened, as far as I can tell, is effective communications to passengers on what to expect (other than long lines and hand searches). Air travelers need to know how the nation’s airways are being managed, not just at the gate, but once the planes are airborne as well. Otherwise there may be accidental incidents in the sky.<br><br>**** Off soap box ****<br><br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL