Editorial: Boost to be given to airport security

Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 | 9:57 a.m.

Finally -- an aviation security bill that is meaningful. On Thursday the House Republican leadership signed off on Senate legislation that over a one-year period would scrap the current privatization of airport security. A new security force of federal employees would be responsible for screening airline passengers. The privatization of airport security failed the nation on Sept. 11, when hijackers were able to slip past minimum-wage, poorly trained screeners. This security lapse allowed the terrorists to carry out their suicide missions, which cost more than 5,000 people their lives.

In addition to the federalization of airport security, the legislation would require that cockpit doors be fortified and the number of air marshals increased. Airports also would have 60 days to expand their inspections of checked baggage; within two years they would have to inspect all checked baggage. Even with the airport security reforms, it still will take some time before travelers are fully comfortable about flying. But the legislation is an important step in that direction to restore public confidence.