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Europe
Schiphol copes with new security rules for US flights
2005-10-25
...Much to the disappointment of the MSM.
New security regulations for passengers travelling to the US failed to cause a potential check-in "disaster", as Dutch airline KLM warned last week.
Stupid passengers failed to get stuck in extra long lines and gripe plaintively and pithily about e-e-e-evil America. Stupid passengers. Us professional reporters couldn't even swap made up quotes with each other at the Schiphol bar.
Extra staff were drafted to keep the check-in lines moving as passengers had to come to grips with the requirement to provide detailed information about where they intended to stay in the US.
In fact, they had to ask Alberto Gonzales personally, "Mother, may I?" before they could board the plane...after giving a DNA sample, of course.
The new regulations were introduced at the insistence of the US government as part of its security drive against terrorism.
Rotten America, always hassling us noble Euros. We would never dream of rudely interrupting your travel, unless we're going on strike.
There were long queues at Schiphol on Monday morning but news agency said this was largely due to the heavy rain.
Bad weather, why does it hate quality journalism?
Most passengers interviewed by the media said they understood the need for the new security measures.
But hey, they're sheep, what do they know?
Martinair opened extra check-in desks at Schiphol to ensure its passengers did not have to wait in line for too long. But the airline said it did not have much enthusiasm for the new security regime. "It costs time and is a nuisance and we ask ourselves if it is of value in terms of security," a spokesperson told RTL television news. Green-left party Groenlinks also demonstrated against the new regulations on Monday. Party members handed out flyers that passengers could sign to indicate their opposition to the requirement to give more detailed information. The signed flyers were later handed in at the American Embassy in The Hague.
Finally, some people making sense here. The Greenie/Commies and a disgruntled airline employee. Hallelujah! Now I can expense my Heinekens with a clear conscience.
Posted by:Seafarious

#7  Just fly to Mexico (or Canada) and come across that way.

They'd have to get past the Minutemen.
Posted by: trailing wife   2005-10-25 22:42  

#6  This is no big deal. When I was travelling to and fro Europe in the mid 90's the security at United in Heathrow and Virgin in NY gave you a mini version of El Al 3rd degree orally! What the hell is time consuming about telling them what hotel you are staying in or names of friends you are visiting? Anyway, most of the Dutch taking Martinair are coming to Orlando to visit Mickey. Some threat.
Posted by: Jack is Back!   2005-10-25 14:53  

#5  What's the big deal? Just fly to Mexico (or Canada) and come across that way.
Posted by: Jackal   2005-10-25 10:22  

#4  Ya know, I almost agree with the concept that the expanded itinerary questionnaire is a bad idea, in that it will generate a lot of meaningless paperwork for law-abiding citizens. The airlines are not interviewing the passengers personally; this information can be entered on line. Any Mastermind® worth his tabouleh would have the controller take care of this minor detail when he dispatches the killbots. The rest of us are stuck cooling our heels in the queue, explaining our lives away while the hard boyz continue to plot against us, secure in their multicultural coccoons.

I checked the KLM website just now and could find no evidence of Dire Warnings of Increased Security Measures. Maybe they only show up for ticketed passengers.

Mainly I was amused by how unhappy the reporter was that the expected angry crowds failed to materialize.
Posted by: Seafarious   2005-10-25 10:01  

#3  "It costs time and is a nuisance and we ask ourselves if it is of value in terms of security," a spokesperson told RTL television news."

Umm, maybe it is not or particular value to YOU a**holes, but it IS of a value to all of us Yanks live near, work in, or just pass close by anything that might be construed as a target.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom   2005-10-25 09:28  

#2  funny comments! But looks like they did manage one made up quote from the barstools. No piece would be complete without it.

"It costs time and is a nuisance and we ask ourselves if it is of value in terms of security," a spokesperson told RTL television news.
Posted by: 2b   2005-10-25 07:11  

#1  Green-left party Groenlinks also demonstrated against the new regulations on Monday. Party members handed out flyers that passengers could sign to indicate their opposition to the requirement to give more detailed information. The signed flyers were later handed in at the American Embassy in The Hague.

If you don't like it, take the slow camel boat to sand land.
Posted by: Red Dog   2005-10-25 04:46  

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