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Air Travel Restrictions Designed To Aid Safety
By Charlie Cunningham

Through the decades of aviation history, there have always been air travel restrictions, put in place to enhance the safety of the flying public. From the weight of everyone's suitcase and the size of luggage allowed on board the aircraft, air travel restrictions have existed to insure the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft.

Many travelers seem to forget the safety aspect of being onboard an airliner and complain about many of the air travel restrictions in place. They seem to believe the rules are in place for no valid reason and should not apply to them. Despite the air travel restrictions regarding the size of carry-on luggage, they deserve a special exception and be allowed to bring on whatever they want, regardless of other passengers.

Since September 11, 2001, additional air travel restrictions have been put in force designed to make a repeat of that day improbable. While many travelers understand the purpose behind many of the restrictions there are some travelers who believe that some of the restrictions are arbitrary and capricious. Another thing they may not understand is that the majority of the rules in place are due to the Federal Aviation Administration and not the individual airlines.

Airlines Adhere To Federal Air Travel Restrictions

The FAA supervises basically all things relating to commercial air travel and as a result works with Homeland Security and other agencies, to insure the safety of airliners and the procedures they employ. Airlines have no choice but to follow the rules and procedures established or face possibly being grounded. While a few may view a few rules as ridiculous, there is a valid history behind each of the air travel restrictions in place.

For example, allowing no lighters on board carry-on suitcases or in a person's pockets is due to a would-be bomber attempting to light an explosive device hidden in their shoe. That one incident, which ended lighters on planes, could have been disastrous for hundreds of passengers had he been successful. It is these types of air travel restrictions that are born out of history that many do not understand.

Fortunately, for every flyer that raises a ruckus about air travel restrictions there are at least a hundred more that understand the need for tighter controls. While they may not appreciate giving up what they see as freedom in flying, they also know the airlines are safer because of it and they have a better chance to reach their destination.

Author Details:
Charlie Cunningham is widely travelled using bed and breakfast and hotels his prefered mode of transportation is air travel but he does enjoy an annual cruise.

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