Memo Warns About Possible Terrorist ‘Dry Run’ on Flights

A recently released letter from the Security Chairman of the U.S. Airline Pilots Association (the union for US Airways) reveals that the group is concerned about supposedly suspicious incidents that have occurred on recent flights.

The security update letter details two separate events that raised alarm among flight staff. One, which occurred on a flight from Washington’s Reagan National Airport, is described as follows: “A group of Middle Eastern males boarded in DCA. Shortly after takeoff, one got up and ran [emphasis theirs] from his seat in coach towards the flight deck door. He made a hard left and entered the forward lav, where he stayed for a considerable length of time! While he was in there, the others got up and proceeded to move about the cabin, changing seats, opening overhead bins, and generally making a scene. They appeared to be trying to occupy and distract the flight attendants.” After the flight landed, the captain requested that the aircraft undergo a security inspection, and, according to the memo, “evidence of tampering was found.”

The memo also alleges a second incident, noting that “on the return flight from MCO to DCA, with the same flight number [emphasis theirs], a group of eight Middle Eastern females—concealed in full burkas—were in the boarding area for the flight to DCA … Coincidence?”

The Seattle Times reports that the TSA has confirmed an incident did take place on the date that the memo alleges, but denies that evidence of tampering was found on the plane.

What do you think? Is the union overreacting or are you concerned that there may be a real threat? Tell us in the comments, and as always, please be respectful.

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