Is flying worth doing these days?

Much as I think all this pat downs at airports are absurd, I cannot do anything about it. Terrorism will not stop because of that and the terrorists always find other ways of getting around. It has happened since the begining of mankind because terrorism is not a new thing. What is new though is to keep everyone terrorized through these measures. It´s easier to govern terified people. The problem does not lie in airplanes and that´s the only way we can use to reach some places. By the way, all this bothersome attitude does not belong only to american airports. My niece lives in London. When her baby was about 4 months old, she came to Chile with her baby so we would meet her. At the London airport (I don´t know which one of them) the people there confiscated her the cream the baby used for her hehind. In Cancún, the airport people opened every bag of the economic class. Luckily, that was the first and only time I went in busines class because the friends I was with, paid the difference. I blame all this on governments. Airports follow rules and unfortunatly some employees (everywhere) take advantage of that.

I'm not sure what the situation is like over there now, but it just got a whole lot better! QANTAS & American Airlines have partnered & we now have one more destination airport to choose from in America - Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport! As of a few days ago, they're running four flights a week there from Sydney & Brisbane. It'll benefit businesses & tourism. The partnership is looking to expand services shortly. I didn't know that the Dallas region was the fourth largest & fastest growing metropolitan area in the US! We're all set to codeshare with American Airlines & add 51 new destination airports to the US, Canada & Mexico. It should give a two-way boost to the American economy & give us a chance to experience more of that famous southern hospitality. My holiday starts when I get to choose destinations. You can put as many restrictions on us as you like, but the gain is worth more than the pain!

Airports everywhere have very tight security ever since the news of terrorism are widespread. We have no choice but to undergo body and luggage scanning before boarding the plane as it is for our own good. When I travel overseas, I make sure that I put on sandals as the security officers at the airport demand that boots and shoes be taken off for security check. With all these hassles at the airports, it is still worth traveling to see the world. There are so many budget airlines throwing away cheap airfares now so taking vacations is no longer a luxury and is still worth it to take advantage of the cheap fares.

I just flew a few weeks ago with my husband. I even got a pat down but to me it was no big deal. It only took a few seconds. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Yeah, the whole deal with the liquids can be a pain but then again, to me, safety is first. Also you can have water but you just have to buy it at the airport once you go past security.

I do not fly often, I just have no reason to, however my mom flew in early December. She was not bothered by the body scan, she said it took about 3 seconds and was not embarasing or anything. She did not have to go through a pat down because you choose one or the other. Before the body scans she normally did have to go through a pat down or search of some sort because she has had many surgerys and has metal implanted in her spine. My opinion of the scans or pat downs is that I would rather go through that than have to deal with the dangers of not having them in place.

I'm not in the USA, nor have I ever flown there, nor have I experienced these sort of security measures. I've recently flown domestically - just got back, but no sign of any of these invasive methods here yet. Security is tighter, to the point where you can get arrested for talking, joking about or even mentioning the word "bomb" - in any context. I like to travel light & buy anything I really need at the destination.

i don't fly often unless if it is really necessary... i only fly maximum once a year for holiday or back to my home country to visit my family, friends and relatives... that's all... i read an article posted by one of the mylot member about the body scanning and pat down policies at US airports yesterday... it scares me and will definitely defers me from traveling overseas by plane... take care and have a nice day...

I have never been scanned by see-thru body scanners. Even if I was told to do this, I would cooperate. Even though I feel uncomfortable but I do not want to create problems that could lead to bigger problems. If I am in airport I really need to catch a flight, missing a flight costing me time and money so I don't see the reason of refusing authority's request. Well I cannot do anything since I have to obey the policies and procedures. The main priority is to get to the destination safely, even they want to do countless amount of safety checks.

If you want to fly then you don't have a choice, raise a stink and you are considered a threat. The terrorists have won because now we are patting down old ladies, its ridiculous! I know that people who we don't want to offend can get passed right on through. We have given up every freedom in this country to accommodate people in other countries. When I flew I had to take off my shoes and then had to pat me down because I've got an artificial hip, it was annoying but what could I do?

It depends on how far you are going. If I was just going to travel a state over, I would just drive. I haven't ever been on a plane and with the way things are getting, I don't really want to. But I do want to visit other countries and I'm not about to take a boat unless it's a cruise ship. So I guess one day I will have to deal with it. It's such bs though and things really need to change.

hello maxim, i find it annoying but what can we do? we have to submit to it. i just think of the reason why it is done - for the security of everyone. i think every airport whereever it is, do this to passengers. happy new year! ann

Maybe in the bigger picture, I think it IS okay to have the pat-downs, especially if you're in the plane already. In a way, it is a form of safety, and if it captures would be terrorists, then I guess it is all worth it. But when you're in the middle of it, it is indeed uncomfortable and embarassing. And you'd just wish that there is a better way.

No it is not worth it. There are too many worries. Even without the slightly dubious pat downs, it just costs too much to fly. Not that I ever did fly, but that was just one more reason not to. Plus in this day in age, I have no reason to get on an airplane and fly anywhere. Perhaps there might come a day where I change my tune. But now, its not until the price changes.