Terror in the sky.

The near catastrophe on a Qantas flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne creates a new problem for air travellers.

One thing only is certain. There was an explosion of some sort in the baggage hold and this blew away part of the outer skin of the aircraft. This allowed the cabin to lose pressure and only the skill of the crew prevented a crash. The fact that the aircraft managed to limp into Manila is a tribute to the training of Qantas pilots.

Investigators will eventually discover the cause of that explosion - and at this stage it is suggested that the emergency oxygen bottles may have malfunctioned.

It has also been suggested that some sort of pressurised container in passenger luggage - deodorant - hair spray - or other cosmetic may have been the cause.

This accident is sure to focus attention on luggage content. Already passengers are severely limited as to what they can have as cabin luggage and it is likely that further restrictions will apply to the bags that are checked to be carried in the aircraft's hold.

We have come a long way from the placid days of air travel - when some passengers were even invited to visit the flight deck. Ever increasing restrictions apply to our movement through the terminal - with some people asked to remove their shoes and all having to pass through metal detectors.

It seems destined to get worse - and some will question whether air travel is worth the hassle.

All this at a time when skyrocketing fuel prices are being matched by similar increases in air fares. Coach holidays to see Australia - and cruising on the deep blue ocean have never been more appealing !