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Last time we were there as we went through second check point, one of our bags was pulled out,
then I was asked a few questions, while this was happening the customs officer wiped
something on all the zips, handles top & bottom. She explained it was a random check to see if
there was any residue for drugs or explosives on the case. Only took a few minutes, she was very curtious & polite. It was very reasurring to know these checks were in place.
They took me out of the queue to search my suitcase, despite it having been screened and returned, presumably confirmed safe.
Perhaps I exhibited a threatening demeanour?!
We arrived via Atlanta in February and noticed that the second security check was closed. We just presumed that the last international flight had arrived for that day and they had closed it.
It used to be such a pain to go through security again with very tired children. Hope it has gone.
We have always had to go through the second check where you take your shoes off, belt etc. This second check is after you have given your luggage back in to be sent to the arrivals hall. It will be great if it has gone but as some people have used it as recently as 2 weeks ago and others have walked through, I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens when I arrive in 16 days time!! Can't wait.
Sandra
When we arrived late MArch it was there and it was still being used albeit only a few people. There was for us security all the way along until the shuttles and we were scuttled into lanes by the lane dividers, and only allowed to use one side and the first cabin of the shuttle bus, they wer keeping us away from departing passangers.
When I arrived in March, some people were sent for a second security screen after we had cleared customs and collected our bags. The rest of us missed it out, handed our bags over and went straight to get the monorail.
When I went through late February it wasn't there, I was well pleased[clap], I used to hate standing in line to get through this part of screening. All that happened this time, as mentioned above, was you were 'guided' to the train whilst departing passengers were stopped to let you past by security.
The reason for the second security point in the first place, was that arriving passengers mingled with departing passengers, so the second check was to make sure you didn't have anything on you that could be handed over to a departing passenger (who would have already gone through departing security...if you know what I mean).
Hopefully they won't reinstate the second check point as it used to get my goat...!!![msnmad]
Unlike UK airports which tend to be on two levels, one for arrivals and one for departures, US airports have always mixed their passengers. They have always screened anyone entering this 'sterile' area as Matt says so you don't pass stuff on to departing passengers. I assume the don't trust the checks at the departing airport. This is also why the duty free is taken to the plane door, so you can't pass it on. Before 9/11 you could go to the gate to wave friends off as well.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ShirleyD
Before 9/11 you could go to the gate to wave friends off as well.
[/quote]
.........and therein lay the problem:(
I remember flying domestic within the States and it was like using a Greyhound bus[msneek]so it is better to see things much tighter.
Never gone through security when arriving at Orlando International as we're always on a domestic flight so don't have to go through Immigration, Customs, etc there.