JAL wheelchair doesn't trip up metal detectors

[AsahinaKimi]

Kyodo News

Boarding a jet in a wheelchair can be a long, challenging process, but thanks to efforts by Japan Airlines Corp. at least part of the burden will be eased.

Wood to go: Baseball commentator Norihiro Akahoshi, who was once on the verge of requiring a wheelchair due to an injury, shows off Japan Airlines Corp.'s bamboo wheelchair at Tokyo's Haneda airport. KYODO PHOTO


On Tuesday, JAL announced a service to lend wheelchairs made of bamboo so passengers needing them can pass through security checks without setting off metal detectors.

Passengers in wheelchairs have long complained about setting off alarms even if they aren't wearing any metal, JAL officials said. After triggering an alarm, they have to undergo a physical body check.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20101222a4.html

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This is great and hopefully people will come up with something similar here in the States.

[baldguy]

1. The TSA says "No way!"

That bamboo could be broken up, sharpened and used as a weapon.

And if you grind it up, treat it with a few chemicals, heat it a little bit, then add a couple more chemicals, then grind it up again - YOU'VE GOT AN EXPLOSIVE!

This will never fly in America.