How much control do we have over security at foreign airports?

Factual Questions
1

It’s all well and good that we’ve increased security on domestic flights in the US, but how do we know that security at airports in other countries is sufficient? In the past it’s been well known that certain airports made it particularly easy for hijackers to get aboard planes. How do we know that someone on one of these flights wouldn’t hijack a plane to the US in order to wreak more havoc and destuction? How can we be sure that security procedures are being followed?

2

At a guess none.

You don’t rule the world you know.

3

http://cas.faa.gov/cas/faap.html

4

If I understand correctly, the International Civil Aviation Organization sets up guidelines for just about anything realted to international air travel, including security procedures - and the training and audits needed to maintain the security level. If you’re up for boring legalese, http://www.icao.int certainly delivers.

IOW, if you want your airport to live up to ICAO standards, the security procedures are clearly specified. If your airport does not live up to ICAO standards, the big carriers won’t go there. So there is a recognized authority in place to ensure a standard level of security and offer training etc. This would be the way to go for more stringent procedures.

S. Norman

5

In the past (i.e. before September 11, 2001), it used to be vice versa: Non-American countries complained about the U.S. handling airport security very laxly.

My personal opinion is that the new security guidelines at US airports won’t last too long (maybe they will formally, but not practically obeyed). The measures were increased very heavily due to the Sept. 11 events, but as soon as the impression from this begins to fade, the authorities will start pottering again.

6

I thought the lack of security checks at US airports were not the fault of the authorities but of the airline companies who did not want their customers delayed by these checks. I notice that kerb-side checking-in has already been reintroduced at some US airports , a practice that is almost unheard of in Europe.

7

In the US we use curb side check in, not kerb side. :slight_smile: