Airlines oppose tougher screening rules

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

USA Today reports that the Air Transport Association, which represents most major U.S. airlines, is opposed to a new bill that would require all cargo on passenger planes to be inspected for explosives.

Let me say that again, in case you missed it: The airlines are against a law that would make it safer for everyone to fly. I’ll give you three guesses why, and the first two don’t count. That’s right—it comes down to money.

According to the report, “Each year, U.S. passenger planes carry about six billion pounds of cargo, typically sent by businesses that want fast shipment. Such cargo is carried on passenger planes to speed delivery and is stored in the belly of jets along with passenger luggage.” Most of that cargo is not subject to the same kind of screening that passenger luggage undergoes.

“These requirements will slow down the flow of commerce,” says Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association.

Well, excuse me. Sorry. You know what else slows down the flow of commerce? Planes getting blown up.

I’m just saying.

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