All Hank, all the time.

[Diane_Keaton]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Wikipedia describes it thus:

• Passengers are asked to report three hours before takeoff. In Israel, they are checked at a security barrier on the road to the terminal. Inside, they and their baggage are checked by a trained team. El Al security procedures also require that all passengers be interviewed individually prior to boarding, allowing El Al staff to identify possible security threats with probing questions such as about their origin, goal and occupation.

Bear in mind that El Al has only international flights, and those flights are of relatively long duration (they don't fly to most of the neighboring Arab states [or aren't allowed to]). So, implementing such a scheme on US flights wouldn't easily translate. All domestic flights? Well, that pretty much kills anything short of New York/Chicago or NY/DC, or NY/Bos. People will drive or go private, if you need 3 hours in advance.

If you were going to implement something like this, you'd have to do pre-screening, and provide for "safe traveller" passes, that would allow people to avoid the lines.

Also, in reviewing teh TSA website for some recent travel, and seeing the diverted flight posted above, I learned that scissors and screwdrivers are now allowed in carry-on luggage. Scissors I can understand, because people knit, sew, etc. But screwdrivers? What do you need a screwdriver on the plane for? Are you putting together a computer or a cabinet? It seems like the criterion should not be limited to potential danger, but also potential utility while in flight.

2. Since 9/11, no one I know bothers with flights to Boston or D.C., which we used to hop on all the time. Now it's Amtrak, which is fine b/c you go directly to the city streets and not one of those weird, barren places I call "airportland". Anything you can't get to by Amtrak that is within a 4 hour drive, you hit the rent-a-car. And let me tell you, driving IS safer than flying....when you have ME at the wheel, baby.