I read with interest the comments of Lyndon Yorke (Flight International, 24 February-1 March) on his experiences with US airport security. I have just returned from a trip to San Diego with a colleague. We went through security at London Gatwick, Atlanta and San Diego airports. Although we were screened and our carry-on was inspected, at no time was it found that my colleague had inadvertently packed three nail files in her carry-on bag. Such items are not allowed, but keys, which can cause just as much injury as a nail file, are allowed.
Last year you published my observations concerning the situation of one US carrier I use providing metal forks and spoons with plastic knives in first class on US/Canadian flights. I used the same carrier recently and it is now providing all-metal cutlery on first class within the USA, but still uses plastic cutlery on international first class. When I mentioned this to the cabin services director, the explanation I was given was "security". Am I missing something here?
While there have been welcome improvements in security on both sides of the Atlantic, the authorities in the USA and the UK have to discuss the issue of security, and set down consistent guidelines.
Simon Harris Hertford, UK
Source: Flight International
