The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cites passengers as one of 20 layers of security in place “to ensure the security of the traveling public,” according to a chart on its Web site.
The TSA and its ability to protect air travelers from terrorists are under close scrutiny following an attempted attack on Christmas Day. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian national, was able to board a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit with explosives hidden in his underwear. His attempt to blow up Northwest Flight 253 shortly before it landed was unsuccessful, thanks in part to a Dutch passenger who subdued Abdulmutallab.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/59262