TERROR IN THE AIR

Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is currently being held in U.S. federal prison, after a failed attempt to detonate an incendiary device (similar to one used by “shoe bomber” Richard Reid) aboard a Northwest Airline flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas day.

Eyewitnesses aboard Northwest Flight #253 between Amsterdam and Detroit on Christmas spoke of a loud bang, a struggle, smoke and screams shortly before the plane touched down at its destination. The chaotic scenes were that of flight attendants and fellow passengers tackling the man with the detonation device shrewdly concealed by being sewn into his underwear. The man was said to have boarded the flight in Lagos, Nigeria, where safety procedures are extremely lax, prior to the flight heading to Amsterdam and then Detroit.  That he was unsuccessful in his apparent attempt to bring down the airliner is a miracle testament to the quick reactions of those traveling with him and the seemingly experimental nature of the device he was using.

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Passenger Jasper Schuringa is credited with the heroic effort of jumping over several rows of seats to tackle the man, whose motivation for attacking the airliner is said to have been directed by al-Qaeda. Police on both sides of the Atlantic have already begun extensive operations to ascertain whether he was acting alone under the inspiration of the fundamentalist terror group or whether he is part of a wider conspiracy.  U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is also reviewing security measures for flights originating outside but headed for the United States.

Ironically, a disturbance erupted on the identical Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Sunday, but was later discovered to be non-serious and caused by a non English speaking passenger who had become ill.

With the latest airline threats, Transportation officials have made drastic and immediate alterations to air travel.  Among changes that were implemented Saturday:  passengers may no longer stand or be out of their seats 1 hour prior to landing; passengers may no longer access any stored carry-on baggage or have personal belongings or other items on their laps 1 hour prior to landing (this includes pillows, coats, blankets, etc.); all in flight entertainment/food/etc. will be discontinued prior to initial plane descent; and anyone needing to go to the bathroom 1 hour prior to landing must be escorted to and from their seat by a flight attendant.  Anyone traveling within the coming days should expect exceptionally longer lines due to new safety checks being immediately implemented.  Passengers are also reminded to check with the airlines prior to airport arrival for the new rules everyone will be expected to adhere to once on board.