View Full Version : WIFI Hotspot name delays Qantas plane 2 hours
A Qantas plane was delayed in Melbourne after some passengers noticed an online 'terror threat' after they boarded the flight
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/31482752/qantas-plane-grounded-after-passengers-received-terror-threat-email/
the mind boggles.
Ultralights
1st May 2016, 11:46
those chaser boys filming an episode over there? or are we so paranoid now we are literally scared witless by names?
mgahan
1st May 2016, 14:03
That the bad guys have won.
I now leave "home" at least three hours before ETD (4 in the good old US of A) and just accept the security paranoia. Thankfully the time in the terminal is not wasted as I can get lounge access in most places and get on with work.
Can't blame the crew: they have to take ultimate responsibility and a 14 year old with a tablet is as much a threat these days as the guy with a plastic gun in the early '70's.
Sign of the times guys and gals; guess we have to just get used to it.
Think it's bad now? We were in Montreal at the ACI international conference when Sept 11 occurred. You should have seen the security a few days later when we flew out, having dumped the US legs of the trade mission. I still smile at the sight of a middle aged lady asked to demonstrate in the security queue in public that her "toy" would actually turn on and vibrate!!!!
MJG
Apparently the hotspot name was “Mobile Detonation Device”
Qantas Airline WiFi Hotspot Name Delays Flight (http://time.com/4314139/qantas-airline-plane-wifi-hostpot-name/)
While not entirely on topic, contrary to the above, I actually find security screening in the USA to be an absolute pleasure compared to Australia.
I can quite happily put my bag through the machine with a laptop, iPad and 2 bottles vodka and not receive even a sideways glance. I then walk through the scanner with my hat on my head and jacket on, never once beep (nor get forced through the nude-o-scope) and receive a courteous "thank you sir" as I walk away.
Try doing that in Sydney or Brisbane... We've become the worlds leading nanny state and it doesn't take much to create a scare.
mikewil
6th May 2016, 06:04
I actually find security screening in the USA to be an absolute pleasure compared to Australia.
I can quite happily put my bag through the machine with a laptop, iPad and 2 bottles vodka and not receive even a sideways glance. I then walk through the scanner with my hat on my head and jacket on, never once beep (nor get forced through the nude-o-scope) and receive a courteous "thank you sir" as I walk away.
Is this post a wind up?
Was in the USA at the start of this year. Every single terminal (domestic/international) I went through was the same routine. Shoes off, jacket off, belt off. Even small bottles of water either had to be emptied or completely discarded before going through the check point (forcing you to buy a rip off US$4 bottle of water from one of the airport cafes.
Australia's airports were such a welcome breeze to come home to. So friendly and smooth flowing in comparison.
I suspect VHFRT is talking about the experience as crew. It's a very different experience to being a pax in the US. I had a choice of going through international security screening in Australia or the US I'd pick the US every day of the week. They don't treat crew as a threat but as a fellow member of the team required to secure an aircraft.
Of course, in Australia security staff treat crew with the same disdain they treat everyone else. Aussies are good like that. :E
mikewil
6th May 2016, 10:02
I suspect VHFRT is talking about the experience as crew.
Yeah suspected that after I posted it. Of course I am talking as a pax.
Over there the crew seems to use different screening points and procedures.
Though I never would have suspected Australia is particularly bad for crew anyway as it is usually pretty good and friendly for pax anyway.
maggot
6th May 2016, 10:17
Australia is shockingly bad for crew treatment. Up there with london
The usa treat the crew as part of the solution. Fancy that.
A big **** you to dotars
Howard Hughes
7th May 2016, 06:14
Of course, in Australia security staff treat crew with the same disdain they treat everyone else. Aussies are good like that.
And with bloody good reason too in some cases!
Yea sorry, should have been clearer. I was talking about the crew experience.
As a passenger, I don't think there are too many pleasant security checks anywhere