I'm not a pilot - but as a business traveler, I spend as much time in the air as many who are.
The whole airport security thing has been a joke. The metal detector/xray's are manned by contract personnel that have little training and little paychecks.
I have PERSONALLY had several recent instances, when they were busy, that I walked thru the detector and it went off - yet I was not stopped or challenged. Regardless - the 'weapons' used by the hijackers wouldn't have alarmed Barney Fife.
Arming the crew is one of the answers. Shoot first...answer questions later...in the words of Crocadile Dundee: "That's no knife [boxcutter]...THIS is a knife [9mm]!"
Someone mentioned fingerprint scanners...I would suggest an even easier solution (not all 'known' terrorists have prints on file)...as part of the 'enhanced' security precautions, eliminate all "Walk up" ticketing - reservations must be made several hours in advance. Then link the airline resv computers to the FBI/Secret Svc./Etc. Require Driver Lic/State ID numbers as part of the res process (or Passport #'s for international travel or non US Citizens). This link could alert officials to potential/known terrorists or other dangerous people. They could then be waiting for them.
The airlines would probably like this, too - they would have more info, and it would entice more travelers to join their Frequent Flyer Programs. (As a member of many programs, including "Platinum" and "Million Mile" status, several airlines have a TON of info on me - including cell phone numbers, email, etc)
There is one other (little known) technology that could be utilized - many large casinos use 'face recognition' software to identify known casino cheats...let's make THIS part of the metal detector/xray stop!
I'm not looking forward to getting back in the air soon...I'm frankly a little scared...but I'm also PISSED! The days of George W's dad's 'kindler, gentler' attitude are over!
[ 13 September 2001: Message edited by: FreqyFlyer ]