What Airport Security Costs You

Reader Comments
Back to article

Our armed forces should be doing the screening and it shouldn't cost us anything.They shouldn't be overseas either,we need protection at our borders.It may be too late for that now.

taxpayer of CT 7:26PM May 29, 2012

Approx.400 000 000 million US airline passenger trips per year
Approx. 1 hour in Security/arrive early to plan for security
Equals 400 000 000 hours or 45 787 years
Given life span of 80 years = 572 lifetimes spent in line each year.
Is all this worth it?

Doug of AR 9:11PM November 15, 2010

9/11 will ultimately be seen as the beginning of the end for society as we know it. The economic costs alone (and I'm talking all inclusive, from the estimated $40 billion in insurance claims from that day, to rise in oil costs, associated products which have to be shipped, and last but not least security upgrades and the war on terror) are in the trillions of dollars and rising by hundreds of millions each day (and don't forget about interest on the national debt). Mark my words, if we don't get our act straight (i.e.; profiling in terminals not frisking little old ladies) in our lifetime we'll devolve into a country of martial law resulting from ever increasing insurgent attacks (not only from abroad, but from within due to civilians fed up with government intrusion and overregulation). It'll be interesting to see where the ever increasing airport security requirements take us. I don't doubt that we'll see federal security taxes exceed the cost of the ticket itself!

A concerned citizen of KS 4:37PM November 15, 2010

"One idea is the creation of a registered travel program. Frequent fliers could undergo extensive background checks and, if they pass, would receive biometric cards that would allow them to pass through a quicker security line at the airport. Think of it as a fast-pass lane at toll road stations."
Ask Steven Brill's investors how well that idea worked out: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/06/steve_brills_clear_airport_fas.html

Zorro for the Common Good of NY 3:32PM November 15, 2010

It doesn't matter that how much airposrt security costs you. If you want to travel on a plane that everyone thinks the bomb (its a natural and signs everywhere). I say the whole body scan or not to fly. This is invasive, but if it means I have not blown up 30 000 m scan away! At the end of the day are losing some ruined for everyone. http://www.airports360.net/airport-security-body-scanners-can-be-harmfull-for-the-human-body.html

Kainen28 of FL 5:22AM November 11, 2010

It does not matter how much we spend or what we do the terrorists will always find a way around our security methods.

Anthony of MN 10:22AM May 03, 2010

i can never feel truly safe unless we spend at least $1 trillion. lie detector tests should be mandatory for all passengers wanting to get on a plane.

fike2308 of WY 1:13PM April 26, 2010

There is already a sort of "Registered Travel Program" for driving between the U.S. and Canada. One of my relatives, who lives in Vermont, underwent an interview and background check and now has a card that allows him to take the fast lane when crossing the border.
Such a program would probably also work for business or frequent fliers. Let it be considered!

Georgia of MA 9:29PM January 22, 2010

I don't really believe you can put a cost on security and the lives of air travelers. I think TSA should do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of the traveling public. If that means x-ray screening or patting people down, then so be it. You are not forced to take an airplane; this type of travel is a luxury. Drive a car or take a train if you are unwilling to follow the security procedures. I really don't understand how people can talk about invasion of privacy in regards to human life, it's silly.

Jen of CO 1:46PM January 20, 2010

At JFK Airport in NY, to shut it down just requires opening a door on your way our of the terminal. If it's really a "secure" door/area why can't the TSA lock the door?
Cost of Airport Shutdow due to accidental door opening by confused passenger (Not a terrorist!) $10 Million
Masterlock door lock $35.
Airport security: priceless employment for TSA minions.

Common Sense of LA 12:15PM January 18, 2010