ASSOCIATED PRESS Passengers stood in a long line yesterday as they waited to have their luggage X-rayed before being allowed to board their flights outside the Southwest Airlines terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Alleged shoe-flinging
American Airlines pilot
charged in airport
security incident

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

An American Airlines pilot was charged with third-degree assault at Honolulu Airport on Thursday after allegedly injuring a security worker at a checkpoint, airport officials said.

The pilot, Harry Hartsough, 51, of Texas was arrested by state deputy sheriffs at the airport and taken to the Honolulu District Court cellblock, where he was released after posting $100 bail.

Hartsough was stopped by security screeners about 4 p.m. at the checkpoint between lobbies 6 and 7.

"He became irate because he was asked to take off his shoes," after the shoes had set off the alarm in a hand-held metal detector, said airport manager Stanford Miyamoto.

"He tossed his shoes about three feet into the air and, as the screener was bending down to pick up one of the shoes, his coat may have caught the screener in the eye, causing a minor injury," Miyamoto said. "It doesn't appear to have been intentional."

Hartsough was to have piloted American Airlines Flight No. 8, which was scheduled to depart for Dallas/Fort Worth at 4:55 p.m. The flight departed about an hour late with a different crew, Miyamoto said.

Hartsough left Honolulu yesterday morning, but will have to return for a Thursday court date.

No one from American Airlines was available for comment.

Air travel tips

Here are some tips for travelers from airlines, airports and the federal government:

>> If you have an electronic ticket, use automatic check-in kiosks. If you are checking baggage, though, you will have to go to the ticket counter if there is no agent next to the kiosk.

>> Do not joke about terrorism, bombs or other sensitive topics.

>> If you have a laptop, be prepared to go through a full security check, including taking off your shoes.

>> Check the airlines' Web sites for updates and advice, including delays, recommended check-in times and items to avoid bringing.

>> Prepare children for stringent security measures. Baby strollers will have to go through X-ray machines, children might have their bags and toys inspected, and parents carrying feeding bottles might be asked to sip from them. All toy guns will be confiscated if not packed in checked baggage.