We need to learn from the Israelis and engage in greater behavioral screening (which is not racial profiling). Terrorists’ methods will change as they adapt to our defensive measures. What remains much more constant, however, are the wiring of the human brain, the body’s reactions to stress, and the signals that reveal someone is lying or being deceitful. Teaching airport security personnel to identify the behavioral cues consistent with illegal activity will be far more effective than investing in another generation of super scanners. New scanners and other technologies should be deployed randomly to keep terrorists guessing but universal deployment is a waste of time and money. The “thing” will never be foolproof and under-investing in human capabilities in order to buy more machines is short-sighted at best.

Further, we the traveling public must take seriously the role we have as first preventers and first responders. It was passengers who saved the Northwest flight and any of us may be called upon to take similar action. We are not merely along for the ride: we are part of the security system. While the TSA can be an easy target for our rage, we must accept some responsibility ourselves.

Meanwhile as the lines grow longer for the masses, airlines are rolling out more perks for those who have achieved the most elite status in their frequent flier programs. As the New York Times reports:

“Members at these levels, in addition to getting bragging rights, might be offered free access to airport clubs and automatic check-in, might get fees for extra bags waived, and might be allowed to go to the front of any line — and sit in the front of the cabin — even when other travelers paid more for their tickets.

Once inside those airline clubs, these elite fliers can get free cocktails and buffet meals, perhaps a shower, and in the case of some Delta clubs, practice time on putting greens.”

I have no issue with those who rack up buckets of miles getting extra benefits. Flying enough to get to that status takes a toll on the body, mind, home life, and more so a couple of free cocktails is small compensation. What bothers me is that these additional perks seem to come at the expense of even minimal levels of service in the main cabin. I don’t begrudge anyone their pass to the Red Carpet Club unless it comes at the expense of my on-board pillow. (Full disclosure: I have enjoyed elite status with various airlines from time to time though because of my varied travel schedule and preference for direct, non-stop flights as well as an editorial interest in sampling various carriers, hotels, car rental companies, etc.,  I’m not a mile slut who will do whatever it takes to get the most miles on a single airline. I generally fly steerage plus domestically).

One of my hopes for 2010 is that frequent flier programs get more rational. For example, the airlines shouldn’t encourage everyone who flies to become a member (it’s expensive to maintain those memberships and people who fly only a few flights a year won’t earn any free travel). Set a threshold for membership. This is what we did when I helped launch the first retail frequent buyer program (Mark Cross Preferred around 1984) and the threshold helped ensure that only frequent buyers were in the program and allowed us to make the benefits more generous because we avoided the expense of tracking purchases of occasional customers.

Second, the programs need to wean themselves from the sale of miles to be “given away” through marginally related third parties (like credit card companies). I know that the airlines like the cash as it helps them to offer seats at below cost (this twisted business model is fodder for another post) but it pollutes (and dilutes the effectiveness of) the program by mixing those who actually fly frequently with those who buy groceries using their Delta Amex card so they can get a free flight once a year to see the grandchildren. Keep the mileage accumulating opportunities related to the behavior you hope to enourage.

Third, and this is really a combination of the first two: it’s time for a giant flush of the system because there are far more miles accumulated than there are seats to fulfill them. Thus we find airlines sending us catalogs through which one can buy cameras and televisions using miles. Get back to a point where those loyal fliers who can’t make it to the double-dip elite super status still have some chance of deriving actual benefits from the program.

But enough ranting. Let’s end 2009 on a high note. If you haven’t yet seen Up in the Air, the new film staring George Clooney as an uber-traveler, fly on down to the nearest theater and grab a seat on the aisle. It’s well-written, well-acted, and quite thought provoking. And Vera Farmiga is a shoo-in for the Academy Award for best shot involving a neck tie. It might even encourage a resurgence in men’s neckwear (though perhaps more as lingerie then office attire).

Happy New Year! See you in the 10.

Photo: George Clooney in Up in the Air.

Fiction
Devices and Desires (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries, No. by P.D. James. There’s nothing quite like a classic British mystery for summertime reading. Dashing Inspector Adam Dalgliesh once again works his magic.

Non-Fiction
Strategy for Sustainability: A Business Manifesto. Adam Werbach makes the case that there is far more than simply doing the right thing for the planet in a sustainability strategy. It’s much more about ensuring that your organization has a world in which it can operate profitably for as long as possible. We’re not sure how many converts this book will make but it will provide fresh fodder with which sustainability evangelists can make their case.

Music
Woodstock: 40 Years on: Back to Yasgur’s Farm (6CD, Limited Edition). It really fills up the iPod and it really brings back memories (even if we are too young to have been there the first time around).

Non-Fiction: Shadow on the Silk Road by Colin Thubron. Cathy says “Thubron travels from Xian in China to Antioch in Syria. On the way discovers the descendants of traders, ruins, and cultural icons that made this road such a maze of art, technology, and ethnicities. Makes you want to embark on the journey.”

Fiction: The Uncommon Reader: A Novella by Alan Bennett. Cathy says, “A poignant, witty, keenly observed tale about the queen and her journey through books. I highly recommend.”

Want to be our next guest reviewer and recommender? Leave a comment with your contact info.

Landing on the Right Side of Your Ass: A Survival Guide for the Recently Unemployed

Fiction: People of the Book: A Novel. A tantalizing, emotionally rich historical novel about an ancient text, a book conservator, and the journey that book has taken over several hundred years.

Music: The Calling
by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Her wistful, lyrical voice illuminates the latest offering from this singer-songwriter. This is her first release on a new label and she has added the political to the personal in her writing.

Fiction: The Spare Wife by Alex Witchell. While the rich, glamorous protagonists and their media vocations seem so last October, there is adultery and other double-dealing fun. It’s an amusing tale that will make you happy that you aren’t among the New York glitterati.

Non-fiction: The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us And What We Can Do About It by Joshua Cooper Ramo. If you read one non-fiction book this year, make it this one. It will change how you see and think about the world.

Music: Quiet Nights by Diana Krall. This is the Diana we fell in love with way back when. Sultry, sexy, and oh-so smooth. Pop in the ear buds, close your eyes, and take off.

Non-fiction: The Brand Bubble: The Looming Crisis in Brand Value and How to Avoid It. This is critical reading for those interested in the value of brands. The authors’ research shows that companies think their brands are worth more than do the customers who buy them.

Fiction:  The Piano Teacher: A Novel. Mid-20th century Hong Kong is the setting for two love affairs that contrast cultures and explore the difficulties of love amidst war.

Music: After Slumdog Millionaire‘s romp at the Academy Awards, how could we not load Slumdog Millionaire onto the iPod? A.R. Rahman’s score captures the vibrancy and richness of Mumbai.

Fiction: Rabbit at Rest by John Updike. This final installment in the masterfully told tale of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom is a fitting read to mark the passing of one of America’s great novelists.

Non-Fiction: Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life by Dacher Keltner. Despite what seems like plentiful evidence to the contrary, it turns out that humans are hard-wired to be humane.  This book will help you understand why and how to bring out the best in yourself and others. A great antidote to Rabbit’s angst.

Music: Sweet Life by Catie Curtis. The latest from singer-songwriter Catie Curtis. It is brimming with positive energy and wry social observation.

“…reasonably-priced, attractive, easy to have a conversation, and my Striped Bass was to die for (although I felt carbon footprint guilt when I was told it was flown from Cyprus!). And they make a yummy Cosmo.”

Though the food may be great, the web site is pretty limited (it’s even hard to get their street address — 386 Third Ave, btwn 27th & 28th).

We’re all in favor of trying less well-known cuisines. It can be a way to discover new tastes, often at a prices that won’t bust your expense account.

Donna is putting the final touches on Upstarts, a book about Gen Y entrepreneurs. We look forward to reading it this fall in Seat 13C. In the meantime, follow her blog The Entrepreneurial Generation at Inc.com.

Fiction The Commoner by Jonathan Burnham Schwartz. This story of a commoner marrying the Emperor of Japan in the aftermath of WWII will sweep you away from today’s troubles..

Non-fiction The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner. This insightful look at needed education reform is a great read.

Music Waiting on the 9 by Lelia Broussard. This independent singer-songwriter serves up a soulful collection of new tunes. Be the first on your flight to discover her.