I am fast becoming endangered of becoming truly Anti-American.
Maybe I missed it, but as far as I know there has yet to be a terrorist who has attempted to hijack, crash or implode an air plane with the use of a book – even a good one – at any point in the history of the world. This Toronto Star article on the pitfalls of Airport staff trying to implement the new ’security’ rules reveals this new twist.
Under rules for Canada-U.S. flights imposed by Transport Canada on Monday, no carry-on baggage is permitted – except for a “small purse” or “tote bag,” or laptop bag. But how small is “small”? If a laptop bag is also a backpack, is it a laptop bag or a backpack? What is it about a purse that gives it its pursiness? And most important and most vexing of all: Why? Why? Why?
“I don’t think it’s going to do anything,” said Jennifer Morrison, 26. “It’s ridiculous.”
Flying partner Colin Taylor, 28, held her laptop bag as they approached the check-in counter; he had to carry it with him, since she already had a purse. An airline employee, Morrison said, told her the book and magazine she had stored inside the laptop bag were acceptable even though the new rules said only computer accessories were permitted. “As long we don’t have `lots of books,’” Taylor said. “That’s what she said,” added Morrison.
For frack’s sake – now they are limited the amount of books any individual can fly with? I would be remiss if I didn’t point out there is no point in banning ‘large’ purses while still letting one carry on a ‘tote bag’. Thank G-d, there is more to the world than America.
