The US Airlines Pilots Association has warned in an internal memo that airlines need to be more vigilant concerning possible terror attacks since there is evidence probes have been carried out recently to test security. "There have been several cases recently throughout the (airline) industry of what appear to be probes, or dry runs, to test our procedures and reaction to an in-flight threat," reads the memo.
In one incident, on a US Airways Flight 1880 from Washington to Tampa on September 2, a “Middle Eastern” man was reported to have ran toward the cockpit from his seat and suddenly veer off at the last minute and lock himself in a lavatory. At the same time, three other men, also described as Middle Eastern in appearance, went through the cabin, frequently changing seats and opening overhead bins.
Experts say this may have been a dry run and it not an isolated incident. The TSA has reportedly said the incident aboard Flight 1880 requires no further investigation right now.