Fliers not getting message about security

SEATAC, Wash. (AP) — Despite the focus on prohibited carry-on items since last year's terrorist attacks, some airline passengers continue to try to get potential weapons past security checkpoints.

One elderly woman was reportedly surprised when Seattle security screeners wouldn't let her bring a chain saw on board.

"She had put it in a carry-on bag, fully fueled up," said Nick Zambito, a Transportation Security Administration screening manager at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. "Sometimes I just don't know what people are thinking."

Zambino cited the incident as one example of how people still haven't gotten the message that security rules are tight since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijackings.

Earlier this week, Transportation Security Administration officials filled two pickup trucks with 1,200 pounds of surrendered items — all collected in less than three weeks at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The contraband did not include more dangerous items such as guns and large knives, which are handled by Port of Seattle police.

Zambito pointed out a 30-gallon trash can filled to the top with scissors, knives, cocktail forks, sharp tools and other potential weapons.

The barrel, one of five at Sea-Tac, was filled in just three days.

Security officials at the airport say most fliers just forget they have these items in their bags, and do not intend to harm anyone.

However, some fliers do intentionally conceal weapons. Sea-Tac screeners have found sharp blades concealed inside phony credit cards and razor blades smuggled within cell phones, security officials say.

More at:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2002/2002-12-22-sea-security.htm