The Pros And Cons Of 9/11

I. Summary
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 have forever changed how commercial airlines operate. Even with today’s security measures in place, terrorism is once again on the rise. In the aviation community, the airlines are the ones left to feel the negative effects of these terroristic attacks. Logan (n.d.) explains that airlines had a 30 percent loss in demand with the initial shock of the attack of 9/11 (para. 2).
II. Problem
The problem is when there is a terrorist attack, the airlines lose revenue. Bryant (2016) explained the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels had caused easyjet, a low-cost carrier (LCC), to have a loss of revenue in a six-month period of $34.6 million (para. 3).
III. Significance of the Problem
The

significance of the problem is if terrorist attacks cannot be stopped before they happen airlines could go bankrupt after every attack. Mclntyre (2015) explained that terrorist attacks that create long interruptions could push airlines to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy (para. 11).
IV. Development of Alternative Actions
Alternative Action 1. An alternative action is to change the security provider from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to a privatized company to help improve security. Korth (2012) explains that Sioux Falls was one of the first airports in the country to switch from using the TSA to a private security outlet (para. 4).
Advantages. One advantage to this change in security is it would lower the amount of customer complaints making it a more welcoming environment for travelers. Korth (2012) quoted Dan Letellier saying “prior to the switch, the airport received a pretty regular supply of complaints of treatment and rude behavior…since then very seldom, if ever do we receive complaints about treatments by the screeners” (para. 10). Another advantage to this is it would bring much needed flexibility and experience to the security force. Korth (2012) explained that the privatized company brings a good balance between experience and flexibility that fits well with the airport (para. 13).
Disadvantages. A disadvantage of this is both the TSA and privatized companies have the same standards for security. Korth (2012) quoted Lorie Danders saying “the security standards at federalized and privatized airports are identical” (para. 8). Another disadvantage is the airport does not control on who provides security. Korth (2012) explained that the TSA is the one who decides by taking bids from different privatized companies (para. 15).
Alternative Action 2.

Another alternative action is to improve the detection devices at the airport security areas to catch terrorists before the gain further access to the airport. Eng (2014) explained that many companies are trying to create more advanced methods of detection (para. 6).
Advantages. An advantage is the ability to scan a person for concealed weapons. Eng (2014) gives an example of a machine that is designed to scan passengers instead of baggage (para. 7). Another advantage to machines of this type is it will make it easier to detect items in baggage since conventional methods are not good enough. Eng (2014) quoted Leo Boivin saying “trying to find knives at airport check points is tough…the average carry-on [bag] has more stuff in it than ever before and it makes it harder to find” (para. 3).
Disadvantages. A disadvantage is the cost of these new machines may be higher than airports are willing to pay. Eng (2014) explained that these new systems could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per machine (para. 13). Another disadvantage is these new machines could violate amendment rights. Eng (2014) states “some advanced detectors such as Trex’s archetype may bring up privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns” (para.

14).
V. Recommendation
My recommendation is to use either military or police working dogs at the airports. Baum (2016) that airport security personnel are too predictable whereas dogs are not (para. 8). An advantage of this is terrorist would not be able to tell how alert a dog is which could possibly deter them. Baum (2016) states “they don’t know how alert the dog is; there’s nothing that will tell them” (para. 9). A disadvantage of this would be security personnel would needed added training to be able to handle the dogs.