Passing through security

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Sandra,

I agree with you that these checks serve a purpose.
People only get irate if they believe that they have been treated unreasonably so it appears that the authorities have taken note of the frustration that the process has caused and are using more charm and have put in place facilities to allow their customers to sort themselves out.

[Tonish]

I get irate.

The reason is inconsistency - how come I can fly from one airport and not have to remove my shoes, yet fly from another the same day and they want my shoes off?

Either it's a risk and they should all do it, or it's not and they can stop being so petty and make life a lot more pleasant for us all. Went through security at an airport last week (Dublin, I think)and they had me practically stripped to underwear - wanted watch, belt, wallet, credit cards, jacket,shoes,laptop out of bag, you name it. I had flown there from London City that morning and strolled through the security area without all that fuss.

I think they haven't a clue what they're doing so the degree of scrutiny varies according to the character of whoever is in charge of security.

[Snapper]

I think Tonish that some of the scanning machines do not scan the bottom few inches at floor level, while others do. I could be wrong there but I'm sure I remember reading this somewhere. Obviously at points where the scanners don't get those bottom couple of inches there is going to be some shoes off action.

Ultimately this is all a frame-of-mind thing if you ask me (by the travellers, not the security folks).

The security folks have a hugely hard job to do. Next time you are in a queue, just watch them for a while. They have a matter of seconds to make a decision based on a huge amount of data being presented to them; x-rays, levels of metal, different types of clothing, bags, watches, jewellery, etc. At the same time they pretty much have ultimate responsibility for the safety of the flights out of that airport. It's not a job I think I would want to do.

I'm probably one of their nightmare customers as I often travel with a laptop plus a pelican full of photography gear. Yet each time I give them a smile and pleasant words, no matter where in the world it happens to be, or who wants to check the contents of the pelican, as far as I can remember they've always had a smile and some pleasant words for me in return.

Anyone who flys is going to go through security. How you do is much more down to you than it is to the security folks. Smile, chill, and be happy ... or don't! It's your choice.

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Steve,
You are probably right and they do have a lot to deal with but being nice gets nice back having a “jobs worth” attitude upsets people. It’s a two way street and “they” are the professionals if we are nice they should be nice back.

I’m sure that everyone would have a better experience if everyone stayed calm and reasonable. Reasonable is the key.

Just smile and the whole world smiles with you, or something like that.

[ellie]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DLB-GOUROCK
Steve,
You are probably right and they do have a lot to deal with but being nice gets nice back having a “jobs worth” attitude upsets people. It’s a two way street and “they” are the professionals if we are nice they should be nice back.

I’m sure that everyone would have a better experience if everyone stayed calm and reasonable. Reasonable is the key.

Just smile and the whole world smiles with you, or something like that.

David[/quote]

David, I think you are absolutely right. I would hate to have that job, as many people are quite stressed before flying, so may behave in an uncharacteristically grumpy way, so they must have to put up with a lot. However, as you say, hopefully if we treat them with respect we can hope to be treated the same way. At least they have now realised that it is no joke to be hopping about on one leg, trying to get your shoes on, with your laptop, jacket, wheelie etc coming through the scanner and needing your attention, so the addition of chairs is very welcome.

[Mo Green]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Snapper
The whole process is pretty much the same at all airports the world over these days. [/quote]

I agree although I found Alice Springs, Australia was THE worse we have ever come across. Only one person on security and she put to one side any hand luggage she wanted to open until everyone else had passed through security. Our comments that we only had 30 minutes before boarding only resulted in our bag being left until last.

Frustrating but if it stops a terroist being on the same plane as me it is a small price to pay.

Mo

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tonish
I get irate.

The reason is inconsistency - how come I can fly from one airport and not have to remove my shoes, yet fly from another the same day and they want my shoes off?

Either it's a risk and they should all do it, or it's not and they can stop being so petty and make life a lot more pleasant for us all. Went through security at an airport last week (Dublin, I think)and they had me practically stripped to underwear - wanted watch, belt, wallet, credit cards, jacket,shoes,laptop out of bag, you name it. I had flown there from London City that morning and strolled through the security area without all that fuss.

I think they haven't a clue what they're doing so the degree of scrutiny varies according to the character of whoever is in charge of security.
[/quote]
Here at MUC they get you to remove your shoes, but only if you're travelling to the UK. If you're flying anywhere else in Europe, they don't bother!

[Cruella DeVilla]

I came from Dus to UK last Friday and had boots on which I didn't have to remove.