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Mosnews.com
www.MosNews.Com
August 28, 2004
Would You Board a Russian Plane?
By Masha Kozlova

Since the shocking yet expected announcements about traces of explosives found on the crash site of one of the two Russian planes that dropped from the sky on Tuesday night, the double plane crash has become Russia’s latest terror-related tragedy. And, as with all Russian terror tragedies, this latest incident has already been marked with “the Chechen trace.”

Adding to the fear of all frequent flyers is the looming presidential election in Chechnya, scheduled for Sunday, August 29. For the next weeks, boarding a plane is bound to remain an act of courage for Russians of all ethnic origins, including regular, law-abiding Chechens ­ who are harassed enough in their everyday existence.

After 9/11, there was a sad joke that if you want to avoid being thoroughly searched and bothered at the airport, it’s easily achieved ­ just make sure to get in line behind someone who looks like an Arab. MosNews has decided to ask three Russian airlines ­ who’ve all issued official statements about heightening security onboard ­ about the effect of the recent purported terror act on boarding procedures.

When this reporter called Aeroflot, Russia’s biggest air carrier, to find out whether her hypothetical Chechen husband would encounter any problems booking plane tickets or boarding a plane, she was told that “only a fortune-teller would be able to predict what’s going to happen at the airport.” When she repeatedly expressed concern about her husband being able to board the plane, the information telephone operator assured her that “everything should be all right if his papers are ok. He’ll be able to board and fly wherever he pleases.”

A helpful female voice at the customer service line of Transaero, another major Russian carrier, pacified the concerned “wife” by saying that “naturally, no harsh measures will be undertaken” and that possibly, if airport employees see fit, a passenger might be inspected a bit more carefully, or perhaps his luggage might be searched ­ “and there’s nothing horrible about that, is there?”

Sibir, the owner of one of the planes that crashed on Tuesday and that has since replaced the company website with all the pertinent information with an all-black webpage with news related solely to the crash, seems to have been predictably plagued by questioning reporters. At any rate, the customer service representative who picked up the phone blocked it with her hand (ineffectively, we might add) and proceeded to complain to her coworkers of a woman asking “provocative” questions. A male coworker took over for her, cautiously explaining that the registration procedures are the same for all passengers alike ­ “it doesn’t matter, if he’s Russian, German, Chechen, or black,” and advising to address all such concerns to airports.

Both planes that crashed on Tuesday had left from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport. Customer service at the airport gave no information about boarding and registration procedures, explaining that that’s up to passport control and customs, and that they do not have a number for them.

A number of Russian newspapers have written on the ease with which terrorists could have brought bombs on board, citing anti-terrorist drills during which participants were able to pass all airport inspection and bring along a forbidden item. Izvestia also recounted examples of corrupt customs officers and airport employees helping passengers avoid paying dues on cash and purchased goods by carrying them on board for them. These weaknesses could be easily exploited by terrorists, as well, the paper concluded.

Airlines’ responses to MosNews’ queries show that, if anything, the airlines are able to stick to political correctness in the face of mounting tension, which is commendable. It remains to be seen, however, whether courteous treatment of passengers regardless of nationality will be supplemented by actual security onboard.