As a moderately-frequent-flyer I just can't hold back on this one...
I've just flicked through the whole thread from start to finish (!) and I think you pros out there deserve to know that I, and most other pax I speak to, are well and truly on your side.
You see, every time I join you as a pax, I am placing my trust in a whole bunch of people. You - the pros in the front office, cabin crew, controllers, fuellers, maintenance engineers, ... you get the picture. And when my family flies as well, often without me, I'm placing even more trust in that exact same list of people. And I know that ultimately you are placing your trust in the same list of people.
We see the "front of house" security every time we fly, and we frequently see the crews running through the same checks. Now, while I for one do appreciate the value of these checks in keeping the occasional spur of the moment lunatic out of the seat next to me, I am under no illusion about their ability to keep out an intelligent, forward-thinking person intent on causing trouble.
Being brutally honest, what worries me more seems to be the same thing that worries everyone else who's posted so far - is the same level of security being enforced for everyone on that list? As far as I can tell they all have the potential to cause some very unpleasant situations.
Please don't think I am implying any less respect for anyone on the "Trust List" - I think we all realise that every single one plays a part in getting me safely from A to B (preferably not via C!) on time and in comfort.
What I am implying is that the enforcement of security, presumably in a manner deemed appropriate by the ... responsible ... authorities, almost certainly leaves a lot to be desired.
I mean, confiscating nail clippers. Honestly. I've done myself more damage with my own fist than I ever have with a pair of nail clippers! (Seriously - once gave myself a real shiner whilst trying to swat a mozzy on my cheek)
So, next time you pros find yourself getting frustrated going through a particularly dumb check, take a look around at the pax around you. I am willing to bet that most of them are also getting very frustrated on your behalf (if they've noticed) - I know I would be.
As for the SouthWest incidents - those pilots have my sympathy (letter on its way to SW). They are both presumably responsible professionals who have been unfortunate enough to get caught in a media-hyped circus. Would I still want either of them flying me or my family after the incidents described? Absolutely! What has bappened that changes anything with regard to their skill in the seat?
Only one comment - from a UK guy hit hard by the recent rail strikes - my sympathy was with the railway staff during the first one. Now, a number of strikes later (lost count - probably 5 or 6) I'm afraid that has changed. So, do you have my sympathy enough to make a point by working to rule - and incurring the associated delays? Absolutely. Will it cause me inconvenience? Quite possibly, but if I know in advance and it's short-lasting then not much. Will I get really upset if it goes on too long, too often, or without just cause? Very definitely. Beware.
Well, that's about it from me. Let's all just home that common sense starts to prevail at some level in the near future. Hope...
Bye.
BTW - thanks a lot to all the pilots out there who've put up with me on many occasions in the past, and never once looked frustrated or irritated. I had a habit of coming up-front for some intelligent conversation and a good dose of humour, especially during the tedious long-hauls. No more of that unfortunately. But thanks for the memories!