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#1
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No laser pointers through security?
To my surprise, the green laser pointer in my computer bag was
absolutely rejected by the security checkpoint at the Dublin (Ireland) airport about 5:30 am this past Tuesday morning. I've been through dozens of security screenings with it in the past, at multiple other places around the world, with no problem. Offered to remove the batteries and leave 'em behind; pushed the issue up to getting a supervisor over. No give on their part: "Sorry, sir, no lasers on planes." Had to go back out and pay an additional $15 to check my computer bag (keeping my laptop with me in a separate briefcase). Is this in fact in the rules, in the U.S. or the EU? |
#2
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No laser pointers through security?
On Sep 12, 9:39*am, AES wrote:
To my surprise, the green laser pointer in my computer bag was absolutely rejected by the security checkpoint at the Dublin (Ireland) airport about 5:30 am this past Tuesday morning. *I've been through dozens of security screenings with it in the past, at multiple other places around the world, with no problem. Offered to remove the batteries and leave 'em behind; pushed the issue up to getting a supervisor over. *No give on their part: "Sorry, sir, no lasers on planes." *Had to go back out and pay an additional $15 to check my computer bag (keeping my laptop with me in a separate briefcase). Is this in fact in the rules, in the U.S. or the EU? They have knowlingly let me keep my laser pointer in both the US and the EU. However, in 2002, the lady at the last security check in CDG took the batteries. The last time I read the TSA rules, they claim absolute discretion, and they declare that the TSA has the right to deny boarding with things even when they are explicitly on the allowed list. I think your agent was exercising similar discretion, and backed up by the supervisor only to "save face". Remeber, "Kip Hawley is an idiot!" |
#3
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No laser pointers through security?
On Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:39:52 +0100, AES wrote:
To my surprise, the green laser pointer in my computer bag was absolutely rejected by the security checkpoint at the Dublin (Ireland) airport about 5:30 am this past Tuesday morning. I've been through dozens of security screenings with it in the past, at multiple other places around the world, with no problem. Offered to remove the batteries and leave 'em behind; pushed the issue up to getting a supervisor over. No give on their part: "Sorry, sir, no lasers on planes." Had to go back out and pay an additional $15 to check my computer bag (keeping my laptop with me in a separate briefcase). Is this in fact in the rules, in the U.S. or the EU? If not, it should be. Keeping any potential dangerous items out of the cabuin is good thinking. A harmless looking lecture aide tool could easily have been modified to pack a blinding laser beam capable of knocking out the crew. |
#4
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No laser pointers through security?
Irwell writes:
If not, it should be. Keeping any potential dangerous items out of the cabuin is good thinking. A harmless looking lecture aide tool could easily have been modified to pack a blinding laser beam capable of knocking out the crew. How? |
#5
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No laser pointers through security?
In message Mxsmanic
wrote: Irwell writes: If not, it should be. Keeping any potential dangerous items out of the cabuin is good thinking. A harmless looking lecture aide tool could easily have been modified to pack a blinding laser beam capable of knocking out the crew. How? http://www.google.ca/search?q=DVD+Laser+Flashlight+Hack |
#6
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No laser pointers through security?
DevilsPGD writes:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=DVD+Laser+Flashlight+Hack That's a modification of a flashlight, not a laser pointer. And why would that make any difference for an _unmodified_ laser pointer? And before you say that all laser pointers are dangerous, how do you know that what looks like an ordinary flashlight isn't a specially modified, high-powered laser? Furthermore, how would this mega hand laser be used to incapacitate the crew, particularly the pilots? |
#7
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No laser pointers through security?
In message Mxsmanic
wrote: DevilsPGD writes: http://www.google.ca/search?q=DVD+Laser+Flashlight+Hack That's a modification of a flashlight, not a laser pointer. True, but the components are small enough that it wouldn't really make a difference. And why would that make any difference for an _unmodified_ laser pointer? Who says it's unmodified? Is there a manufacturer representative on site to verify it? Do you trust the TSA morons to figure it out? You can also buy commercial laser pointers that are sufficiently powerful, then cut the power back using nearly dead batteries so that you can perform a demo going through security, but swap the batteries to step up the power when needed. And before you say that all laser pointers are dangerous, They aren't. how do you know that what looks like an ordinary flashlight isn't a specially modified, high-powered laser? You don't. Furthermore, how would this mega hand laser be used to incapacitate the crew, particularly the pilots? Well, given that it can cause blindness at 30' or more, taking out the flight attendants will be fairly trivial -- If you don't understand how blinding people remotely incapacitates them, then I can't really help you. As for the flight crew, you start off waiting for the pilot/co-pilot to hit the bathroom, then wander up and start performing the world's fastest laser eye surgery. Sure, you'll have to pull the drink cart out of the way, but I doubt a blind flight attendant will be able to stop you. I'm not suggesting that this is a credible attack plan, or even entirely feasible, but rather, that it's sufficient enough to warrant extra paranoia. |
#8
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No laser pointers through security?
Mxsmanic wrote:
Irwell writes: If not, it should be. Keeping any potential dangerous items out of the cabuin is good thinking. A harmless looking lecture aide tool could easily have been modified to pack a blinding laser beam capable of knocking out the crew. How? By increasing the number of batteries in it from 2 to 826. It's similar to why you can have 3 ounce bottles, but not 4 ounce bottles. |
#9
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No laser pointers through security?
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#10
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No laser pointers through security?
Irwell wrote:
On Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:39:52 +0100, AES wrote: To my surprise, the green laser pointer in my computer bag was absolutely rejected by the security checkpoint at the Dublin (Ireland) airport about 5:30 am this past Tuesday morning. I've been through dozens of security screenings with it in the past, at multiple other places around the world, with no problem. Offered to remove the batteries and leave 'em behind; pushed the issue up to getting a supervisor over. No give on their part: "Sorry, sir, no lasers on planes." Had to go back out and pay an additional $15 to check my computer bag (keeping my laptop with me in a separate briefcase). Is this in fact in the rules, in the U.S. or the EU? If not, it should be. Keeping any potential dangerous items out of the cabuin is good thinking. A harmless looking lecture aide tool could easily have been modified to pack a blinding laser beam capable of knocking out the crew. Why not remove bottles and glasaware from aircraft. Even an aluminum can can make a handy weapon. Please....... laser pointers. Next they'll be taking shoelaces so nobody gets garrotted |
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