The Luggage Blog

The liquid ban got some attention recently when Virgin Airways called for a review of the carry-on limits, particularly concerning liquids.   At the time the Department of Transportation said it had no intentions of changing the restrictions stating “…a generic capability exists to create liquid bombs from domestic items.”

Not even a month later the TSA sings a different tune.  They’ve announced that they foresee the liquid restrictions to be more relaxed.  ” TSA Chief Kip Hawley says,

“I think realistically in one year we, the TSA and foreign colleagues, will be a position to relax liquids restrictions. We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process.”

The reason for the change of heart? A new X-ray machine that can detect explosives.  The machines are already in use, but the software that detects the bombs is still being tested.  With the new technology liquids will most likely still have to be removed first, but the limits on quantity may be relaxed in ‘09.  In the meantime? Get out your 1 qt baggies and 3oz bottles.

TSA Likely to Relax Liquid Ban in 2009 [MSN Travel]

Photo by msmail

The road to hell is paved on MALINTENT

Our good friends from the Department for Homeland Security are developing a system that will monitor various responses from travelers and determine whether or not they may be suspicious or have criminal intent.  The TSA already employs methods of psychological and behavioral screening, which they claim to be quite successful… but it’s done by actual trained human beings.  The MALINTENT device has the ability to detect subtle facial movements as well as body temperature, heart rate and respiration.  While a human being may overlook slight changes in a persons physiology, the device will always detect it.  The makers of the device also claim that it can differentiate between a stressed passenger and a malicious terrorist.

Project leader Bob Burns said:

“If you focus on looking at the person, you don’t have to worry about detecting the device itself… It analyses you against baseline stats when you walk in the door, it measures reactions and variations when you approach and go through the portal.”

Personally, I find the implications of that statement rather unsettling.  Rather than looking for harmful devices and dangerous situations, we would be relying on the device to find people who are untrustworthy and up to no good… potentially arresting the nervous hoodlum teenager and missing the deranged sociopath who’s able to walk through without displaying any sign of “malintent”.  Perhaps that conclusion is a bit extreme, but isn’t the point of all of our aviation abuse to take zero risks and avoid every possible negative situation?

The goal of MALINTENT is to avoid long lines and abolish the dreaded liquid bans.  But there are less invasive means of dealing with the issue of liquids and bombs, such as using devices that test liquids for explosives.  Even the TSA is attempting to test different methods of detecting bombs hidden in shoes.

The intentions of the developers of this technology seem to be based on good notions, but can we afford to continue to let the government push the envelope on exploitative technology in order to keep us safe?  Especially when it becomes a replacement for training and common sense and the people doing the screening are exempt from their own rules? I’m reminded of a phrase that I think the creators of MALINTENT may have missed…

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Sky News

Alternately, “BLOGS ON A PLANE!“

As what was once an addictive fad grows into a modern necessity, it’s no surprise that someone would develop a way to get WiFi on a plane.  American Airlines now offers in-flight WiFi with Aircell’s Gogo internet service.  It’s currently available on select flights within the US for $12.95.  According to LaptopMag’s Joanna Stern, the service is sound, which she tests by multitasking—streaming video, chatting, email—it all works just fine.  And if you’re not exactly tech-savvy,  Stern mentions that there’s a Gogo rep right on the plane to offer assistance.  It seems that there isn’t any content being filtered, however Gogo blocks VOIP (voice over IP internet phone service) for the obvious reason that in-flight phone conversations would be extremely distracting to other passengers.  (Of course, as she mentions there’s already a way around the block).  Currently American Airlines is the only airline offering Gogo, but Delta and Virgin America will be soon to follow.

It’s actually surprising to see an airline offering a service like this for so little when you can find free ways online to entertain yourself… with all the price gouging lately you’d half expect to see them charge an additional $2 to access YouTube and Hulu. (I hope I didn’t just give them any ideas!)

I’m not sure what everyone thinks about the new Live Luggage but I wouldn’t mind having luggage that’s power assisted.  Live Luggage is a British company who made these innovative suitcases with many cool features and it seems pretty durable and secure.  Live Luggage has an anti-gravity handle that allows most of the weight to be transferred to the wheels, which makes it more maneuverable.  Tilt sensors will kick in if you accidentailly drop your bag and it will continue behind you. The power assistance kicks in only when needed to keep you from draining the rechargeable battery too quickly.  At $1,365.25USD this bag seems pricey but can you really put a price on a bag that does all the work for you?