We once had to check in an extra bag to avoid having to throw away a pair of tweezers, lol. I agree that security doesn't seem to do much besides hold the line up and confiscate people's everyday items. It seems a bit ridiculous sometimes, but they've got to look like they're doing something even if it's nothing. I guess what I wrote before wasn't fully indicative of what I think, I shouldn't post so hurriedly in the future. I suppose what I understand as flying being safe is the planes themselves carrying more advanced technology and being less susceptible to mechanical failure, the thoroughness of pilot training and their six-monthly tests. Human error or mechanical failure is what I would be mostly worried about when it comes to flying, but the probability of either of those occurring has been reduced to almost zero in recent years. Those are the 'safety precautions' which I am referring more to. Terrorism is nowhere near as big a threat in people's minds here (at least according to what I've heard) as in the US - which is understandable as the US has been the target of those tragic hijackings in 2001, whereas nothing has really happened here of that nature. I don't think it's as likely to happen here either due to us being a country of small population, which honestly doesn't wield much power on the global stage. There also aren't any conflicts involving us or our government as a major party. Of course that doesn't make us immune but I'm tending to think it decreases the likelihood significantly. That's why my idea of safety and air travel might be a bit different from yours. Although this recent incident with the Malaysian plane is a little close for comfort, there were even 6 Australians on board the flight.
If it's US related, unless it makes the major international news I probably wouldn't know it.
