no way. US Gov. can not be trusted with keeping ANT data confidential and or safe

Posted By Bill on February 25, 2008, 12:17 PM

Absolutely! Anything we can do to make travel safer should be done. There is absolutely no need to place me and my family at risk because of someone's perceived idea of as threat to their privacy. When you get on an airplace with me, and I place my life in the hands of that airline, I want as many assurances as possible that my flight will be 100% safe! Shame on you for even thinking about putting me at risk!

Posted By Philip Wedding on February 25, 2008, 12:33 PM

Good idea! Fingerprints and full information should be required from every person entering the US. That includes US citizens traveling abroad. I have nothing to hide...do you? And I would vote for an air marshall or 2 on every plane!

Posted By Sherwin on February 25, 2008, 12:34 PM

I don't have a problem with the government having unfiltered access to personal information on passengers on any or all flights either coming to the US or originating in the US. Further, I believe that putting armed air marshals on any flight will improve security. Terrorists are not interested in our well being and don't intend to be "nice" to us should they take over an airplane. Having an armed air marshal is a good idea and I support it.

As far as other measures that could/should be taken I think that fingerprint scans of all passengers should be done. This can occur while we are going through the security check line before entrance to the boarding area. Having flown over New York and close to the Twin Towers site on 9-16-01 I still have a very vivid memory of the smoke rising up from the spot where the buildings had been and I don't want to see that again, if it is at all possible.

Posted By Bob C. on February 25, 2008, 12:40 PM

Absolutely NOT, where our confidentiality is going to end up? OUTRAGED.

Posted By Sunny on February 25, 2008, 12:41 PM

Armed marshalls and info aren't going to make any significant security difference...unless you consider making sure that non-US residents go out of their way to avoid the US an important anti-terrorist measure. Already foreigners try to avoid stopping in the US. This is just another reason for them to stay out of the country...and to spend their money elsewhere.

Posted By Bobette Jones on February 25, 2008, 12:42 PM

Absolutely a good idea. ...if you are a law abiding citizen with nothing to hide you won't protest. If you don't like it- don't fly!

Posted By Lynn Evans on February 25, 2008, 12:48 PM

They need to take any steps necessary to make travel safe for us & our families. I think it is a small price to pay. "They who have nothing to hide, hide nothing"

Posted By Sue on February 25, 2008, 1:06 PM

I agree with armed marshalls on all flights. We live in an age with too many wack jobs as well as terrorists and I feel better to have an added level of security.

Posted By Philip Gannon on February 25, 2008, 1:11 PM

I have a solution for the differences of opinion of whether or not to let the US Government have passenger information for all people flying into the USA, and for or against having armed Air Marshals on every flight. The solution is to let the people that are so afraid of their own government, and so trusting of terrorists, to fly on aircraft with no security of any kind, no info, no marshals, no security scanning at the gate, NOTHING. They can all get on their airplanes and flyaway knowing that their personal information and privacy is safe from everyone. The rest of us that have common sense and know that the world is a different place now than it was prior to 9/11 will fly on aircraft that have the security measures taken to keep us safe. Have you ever flown on Israel's airline? You have no idea the security measures they take prior to allowing you onboard, and did you know they have never had any incidents on any of their aircraft!!

Posted By Jim M. on February 25, 2008, 1:20 PM

Armed marshalls? Yes, please. There wouldn't be much threat from lunatics with box cutters.

Access to personal info: Absolutely! If you don't like it, stay home!

Posted By Chuck on February 25, 2008, 1:21 PM

Absolutly, they should use whatever means it takes to keep people safe.

Jh

Posted By Judy Henderson on February 25, 2008, 1:31 PM

Please hurry, we [4] are flying home fr. London to NY on 4/28...my grandsons
later that week on a
round trip & another grandson is a student there & will return abt. 5/15. As sr. citizens
& having fought in WW2 we would be happy to have the
comfort of armed protection

Posted By elayne on February 25, 2008, 1:41 PM

Air Marshalls and any security measures necessary to protect people flying should be used.

Posted By Donna Johnson on February 25, 2008, 1:54 PM

I do feel better that armed air marshals are on flights across the atlantic. I hope we have airmarshalls on more domestic flights. I hope they use bullets like Glazer bullets that might not penetrate the skin of the airplane. Hoorah!!

Posted By Bill Vogen on February 25, 2008, 2:07 PM

Absolutely. . .I have nothing to hide. There are folks who think nothing of life. . .theirs or mine. I also agree with finger prints.

Posted By JLFulton on February 25, 2008, 2:25 PM

Is the United States completely out of control?
We avoid flying through the United States already. Air Marshals? Good grief! A country that believes it is satisfactory for the average citizen to own a gun does not inspire confidence (for me) in this area.

Posted By P. Campbell on February 25, 2008, 2:26 PM

Get the armed marshalls on all flights. Especially trans atlantic. If you have nothing to hide, you'll welcome it. I'm sick and tired of the ACLU getting involved in issues that affect our security and ridding the world of terrorists who threaten our ability to enjoy traveling the world. Get with the program, US, if you've traveled to Israel, or even to Spain, there are armed police all over the place and it is quite welcome!

Posted By D. Erkeneff on February 25, 2008, 2:34 PM

Absolutely use more Marshalls. Ditto to previous comments: With nothing to hide, no need to hide anything. Can't stand the thought of armed U.S. Marshalls on international airlines? Stay home and keep your precious identity to yourself; let others fly in peace and safety.

Posted By J. Tubiolo on February 25, 2008, 2:41 PM

Sure they should. It will assist in protecting the flying public.

Posted By Thomas Kaufmann on February 25, 2008, 2:46 PM

Can you imagine a shoot out at 35,000 feet? Why would anyone feel safer?
Anyone who thinks guns make people safe need to have their heads examined.

Posted By Billie Warford on February 25, 2008, 3:50 PM

There is nothing wrong with added security

Posted By Carlos Caceres on February 25, 2008, 4:30 PM

Not only should they have on all transatlantic flights but all flights entering country from wherever!

Posted By John on February 25, 2008, 4:32 PM

Just wonder how may of these people who post opposing comments ever fly abroad or are they domestic employees of the ACLU.

Also, I don't think you have to worry about a shoot out if screening is working. Maybe a shooting but not a shoot out.

Posted By D Annis on February 25, 2008, 5:06 PM

I agree with Jim M. 100%. Loss of "Personal information" won't kill you or other innocents. Fanatics will!

Posted By VN on February 25, 2008, 5:22 PM

As a police officer of 31 years experience I've flown all over the country doing extraditions. Sky marshals are primarily former border patrol agents or else newcomers with little or no experience in civilian law enforcement. They've tended to be arrogant, with an attitude that they answer to no one except themselves. Definitely, I feel less safe with sky marshals. They are on flights to control already law-abiding citizens, not to protect them. Passenger is not served by putting more federal bullies in places of authority. As for fingerprinting passengers, those people are citizens, not criminals being booked!

Posted By Daniel J. Vandeberg on February 25, 2008, 5:28 PM

My choice would be arming the cockpit crew. They already have stronger doors.

As reported today a woman died possibly because the oxygen bottles on board were empty! The airline will pay big time on this one even if the O2 would not have prevented her demise. Since pilots have their own supply and masks I wonder if their tanks were empty as well????

And for nitpickers it was overwater flight so immediate landing wasn't possible until landfall.

Posted By duke on February 25, 2008, 5:53 PM

Hooray! About time, since the Europeans agree, it must be a good idea. Apparently the EU and the USA can agree on something.

Posted By leono on February 25, 2008, 6:11 PM

I would rather be armed myself -- I KNOW what I can do with a weapon, but I'm not convinced of what the U.S. Marshall can/could do with his should terrorists attempt to take over the aircraft.
If ALL (U.S.) passengers were armed on the flight, it would be GUARANTEED that terrorists would NOT attempt to hi-jack the aircraft. Would you want to try something stupid like that?
I don't know about the rest of you (Americans or otherwise) but I DON'T need the government to watch out for my well-being. I can fend for myself quite well, thank you.
Oh, did I mention I'm an armed (and qualified) Security Officer, ex-Deputy Sheriff and retired U.S. Army?
Posted by: R.L. Prasuhn, SSG, USA (Ret.) | February 25, 2008 7:59 PM

Posted By R.L. Prasuhn, SSG, USA(Ret.) on February 25, 2008, 8:02 PM

I don't feel secure with an armed and gung ho loose cannon with me in a sealed and pressurized box 40000 feet above the ground. Having the right to shoot they will shoot first and 9 out of 10 times find out later that they had shot an innocent and that their trained and augmented suspicion and paranoia had deceived them. This does not help the innocent who is now dead. Only a fool believes that security, and not the steady erosion of freedoms, is the reason for this action. Get us accustomed to having armed bullies around us. Security begins and ends on the ground. if nothing gets on the plane then the passengers are safe. Include sniffer dogs, random full checks, X-ray diffraction machines that identify the chemical composition of substances and other such measure.

Posted By edmund worrell on February 25, 2008, 8:24 PM

Heck, the govt. can already find out what books I've been reading from the public library, information that I can't even get from the library. They have more info on me that I don't even know about, what's a few more tidbits going to matter?
More armed sky marshals? No, that wouldn't make me feel safer but who's gonna fight city hall on this and come out looking good?

Posted By Mark on February 25, 2008, 9:16 PM

Of course we are safer when an Air Marshal is on board a flight. Don't stop with transatlantic flights. Any double aisle aircraft presents a greater danger as a misssile than the smaller plans. They should be everywhere and nowhere so we can all sleep sounder. The diversity and blending techniques used by the air marshals mean they could be anywhere on the plane, even next to you.

Posted By John B on February 25, 2008, 9:21 PM

I just love the comments that compare the USA air carriers to Israel's!
Come on people..think this one through....
El Al has about 36 planes in its fleet....venture to take a guess with how many planes are in any given US air carrier fleet?
AND get this...one of you failed to mention when flying on El Al, YOU must be at the airport at least three hours before take-off.....YEAH..bet that idea will "fly" here in the US. PEOPLE complain when asked to be at the US airports even an hour before a flight!!!!!
While we're at it...El AL planes have reinforced steel between the passenger and baggage hold...OUR US carriers don't want to use explosive resistant baggage containers. And folks...I do believe there is a "double" door coded system for the flight deck on El Al planes. As I recall the US airlines weren't real happy about strenghtened doors?
DO you really think the US airlines are going to do any of this when it adds weight to a flight..which translates to more fuel and higher ticket prices? Sheesh..some airlines don't have in-flight movies or music...or blankets, pillows, magazines, and food ALL because it adds weight to the plane!
I ask...does some of the blame for lack of security measures lie at the feet of the airlines?
SO, stop comparing us to Israel's El Al airlines...it's like comparing apples with oranges!
FINALLY to the person who claims that El Al hasn't ever had a terrorist incident...NOT true...Seems to me there was a highjacking of El Al back in 1968..ended up lasting something like 40 days before hostages were freed.

Posted By Stephanie on February 25, 2008, 9:44 PM

The Feds should only use Info about me that relates IE say Im a member of some Muslim radical group etc. otherwise NO.
& yes expand Air Marshals.
Hire more
Hire more Spec Forces vets for role.

To Improve passenger safety I urge:
Pre Background checks.
Match ID with passenger- catch ID theft.
X Ray Tunnel- Trendhunter.com
Remote scanning passengers.
Automate TSA Stations.
Use Biometric scanning.
Profiling ( but very modified).
Treaties with host nations on airline safety estd.
Expand Air Marshals.
(try TransPac flights or to Mid East area).
Do the above.

Make flying fun or risk loss to Exec jets.

Posted By stephen russell on February 25, 2008, 10:16 PM

Absolutely! No problem with any of the recommendations or suggestions. We must be kept safe. Any measure we can implement to do so is another step in preventing any attack on persons or property.

Posted By Lee on February 26, 2008, 5:14 AM

Well stated Jim M.

Posted By karen on February 26, 2008, 9:03 AM

I spent 26 years as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent flying around the country armed. I've flown on numerous flights with multiple armed Federal Agents (and Air Marshals) and I can assure you that the Captain and Crew WELCOME us with open arms. If THEY feel more secure, why shouldn't you, a traveler who logs much LESS time in the air than them? There are also armed cockpit members on several flights each and every day now. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear from "your" government. Get a grip on reality and realize that the world has changed! As a whole we HAVE to provide greater security for the public who should be CLAMORING to demand it.

Posted By Dave Clark on February 26, 2008, 12:49 PM

No, armed goons don't make me feel safer on flights. What an impression we make on European travellers with our ill-concealed jack-booted thugs.

And, no way should the US get "19 pieces of information" on every European traveller - what goes around, comes around and soon WE will be the target of onerous intrusion. When will this foolishness end?

Posted By steve on February 26, 2008, 2:02 PM

Any enhanced security is welcome! Surely, not every air marshall is an arrogant, gun-happy individual and a
contributor to "loss of freedom". Those who want to do us harm do not seem at
all concerned about erosion - only eradication. We need to use any reasonable method, including wiretapping, to help eliminate this worldwide threat
Calling people "fools" who do not agree with your point of view adds nothing to the
discussion.

Posted By Jane Richards on February 26, 2008, 2:07 PM

Absolutely yes, the more info is avalable the better chance we have to discourage the bad guys. Also marshalls on int'l flights are a great idea.

Posted By Bob Liguori on February 26, 2008, 2:10 PM

As a flight attendant I say
HECK YES to air marshal's and
to personal information being
accessed. The public doesn't hear 1/4 of the stuff that happens on airplanes. Remember it is for your safety!

Posted By A Fletcher on February 27, 2008, 9:26 PM

As a traveler who flies a couple of times a year, I welcome the air marshals on the planes. From what I have seen, the air marshals appeared to be dedicated and highly trained individuals. The air marshal program has been in place long before 9/11. There has never been a downed aircraft as a result of "goons" as they have been described, firing their guns. Federal officers including FBI, DEA, Secret Service, ATF, ICE and others fly armed all the time. Most of the time, the public just isn't aware of it.

If you got nothing to hide, the information they are asking to be provided shouldn't alarm anyone. You should be more concerned about identity theft thieves than the government collecting data from you that anyone can pay $20 and get off the internet.

The terrorists and psychos are intent on killing us. If by giving the government some of our personal identifying information and having the air marshals fly on the planes will keep us safer, I am all for it.

Posted By Mike L on February 28, 2008, 12:49 AM

Just what information is the US government going to require of all (?) flyers?Are those in support of all flyers providing this info willing to have it shared with every country from flights go to the US? If our government has a right to the information, then shouldn't those other countries also have a right to it?

Posted By Malia S on February 29, 2008, 10:47 PM