new year's holdiay vegas trip
 

we've had plans for months to go to vegas for the new year's holiday. i am concerned about the elevated terrorist threat and am considering postponing our trip. what does everyone think?

does yes mean postpone, or to go?

I'm going to Vegas (business trip) on the 7th and have no particular worries.

oops. yes means go now. no means don't go or postpone.

I would go. You can't live your life in feer. If you do that, the terrorists are getting their way! ;)

Mike

Additionally, airport security is at a peak right now with the "Terror" level where it is. I recently dropped off a rental car at an Airport, and upon entering airport property, the car was thoroughly searched by airport security. Also, a couple weeks ago I flew out of Baltimore/Washington airport and i felt the security to be very very tight. I know my carry-on bag was completely searched and they checked to insure my computer was real and that it powered on and such. I couldnt imagine anyne getting anything of danger through an airport checkpoint.

Mike

I was in Las Vegas for the Millenium New Year. That was one of the greatest nights of my life. LV is awesome on New Years Eve. Translation - i would go if i had to fly over Iraq to get there.

How many flyers die every year from DVT? It is a far bigger threat than terrorism will ever be and yet it doesn't stop people from flying.

Fly now!!!! The rates are rediculously low. You can fly to Florida on Southeast for $59 ROUND TRIP!!!!!!! It's crazy. I love to fly, and there is no way I wouldn't. You're more likely to die on the way to the airport then in the plane anyway. Statisticly speaking!!!

You forgot a few.
 

!!!!!!!!

Just showing my enthusiasm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bummer! the best i could find was just under $290 round trip when i booked this flight over two months ago. i ended up paying $320 with great flight times.

thanks for the input. but i must clarify one thing. i'm not necessarily concerned about the flight itself. just might what happen while i'm there.

Also, a couple weeks ago I flew out of Baltimore/Washington airport and i felt the security to be very very tight. I know my carry-on bag was completely searched and they checked to insure my computer was real and that it powered on and such. I couldnt imagine anyne getting anything of danger through an airport checkpoint.

Mike [/B][/QUOTE]




Well then, Mike, you'll LOVE this one.

This Thanksgiving week I flew out of BWI to Sacramento, to help Ahnold with the budget crisis, & to visit my daughter's turkey dinner. My only carry-on bag was a small "cooler" type thing (The Phillips Foods bag, remember?). In the bag was my "toilet" articles, ha-ha, a camera, & a flask of cheap wine (just kidding). At least I THOUGHT that was all that was in there. The bag went through the scanner with no problems. I DID have to remove the switchblade strapped to my ankle, however.

So after 6 days of California, it's time to return. I toss the bag on the belt at the Sacramento airport. Ding-Ding-Ding!!!
Mr. Search Agent informs me that he'll have to open the bag & take a peek. "Go for it, sir" - As I had added nothing to the bag that would have interested a real terrorist.

He unzips the top, takes out my "toilet" bag & opens it.
Voila! There it is, (they are?) My barber scissors! Oh, no! I had actually packed the scissors without thinking subversive thoughts, before I left Baltimore. That means - Yup; went right through the machine at BWI - no questions asked.

Mr. Search Agent tells me that I no longer own the scissors unless I want to take the time to fill out forms etc. & I'm already late for my flight, so I make them a gift to the airport & move on.

This story still ain't over folks. (intermission)


SO.....I arrive back at BWI unscathed & go home.
I unpack.
Hmmm...."What's this in this in the little zipper compartment in the front of the bag"?

Holy crap - TWO 3" paring knives!!!

Yes! Now I remember - I had put them there to cut food items, & peel apples months ago when I took the bag to the Oak Ridge meet.

So, in summary, I had THREE dangerous concealed weapons, two of which got by two airport scanners. AND.. I could pass for a Middle Eastern looking person!

Just lucky I'm not Richard Reid, & I swear this story is true.

Oh...as the original question was, "Is it safe to fly"?

Sure - unless you're afraid someone giving you a bad haircut on the way to Vegas.

Ron (I was dying to tell that story).

What's the worst that could happen in Vegas?? Married to a show girl after a night of drunken excess, down $40k to the "house", persistant voice mails from a guy named "Vinny" about some "bisness", and a mug shot in your pocket???? Sounds like a winner to me!!!! Go for it!!!!!

well i'm back from my trip. and nothing eventful happened. i did, however, lose enough money to have purchased another svx for my collection. :(