Friendlier Skies

But more screening too

Last year the security guards now posted in just about all U.S. airports seized precisely 2,034 weapons--most of them carried by passengers about to board planes, others discarded in airport washrooms or behind the plastic palms in the waiting areas. Despite the sharp increase in air travel so far this year, the weapons take is off by about 25%. As of mid-August, the Federal Aviation Administration reports, the total of pistols, rifles, Mace canisters and assorted other items of hardware seized had reached "only" 962.

With air travel on the rise because of the profusion of cheaper fares, FAA Chief Langhorne Bond speculates that the industry may be seeing a "new breed" of gentler, friendlier mass air traveler. Nonetheless, the bad old kind is still a problem. Worldwide, there were 31 skyjacking attempts last year, vs. only 15 in 1976. This year the number of such incidents has remained high, with 14 attempts so far, including three in the U.S.--all of which were unsuccessful. New breed or no, the FAA has extended its requirement for the screening of air travelers from just scheduled flights to charters as well. -

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