Inconsistencies in airport security around the world

[Virgin Bart]

Oh, and you may wonder that the guy there looked confused when you barked at him. I don't think he understands English, so repeating yourself, louder like you did, won't work either.

My parents moved to Australia in their 30s then I popped out. I cannot believe how stupid some people are, believing that speaking louder and repeating will make it understandable. Simplify your bloody sentence and perhaps point. You should know this if you work at an airport.

On another note, I actually often don't think they're repeating it in good faith, I think repeating louder again and again is about both humiliation and taking out frustration .

 

[RooFlyer]

Deviating a bit OT, I had an experience of this type of thing a few years ago at MEL international arrivals.

In the baggage collection area, there were hoardings up all over the place due to expansion etc works. You couldn't see one side to the other; there were several long queues of people with their bags and trolleys winding around the hoardings. Many were confused as to what queue, if any, they were supposed to join (remember at most INT airports, you just walk through the green lane). By their dress and appearance, clearly very many involved were visitors to Australia. Chaos.

Into which arrived a official little twerp, who proceeded to yell at people to "Join the correct queue". "No, NOT there - go over THERE" and so on. Really obnoxious stuff. Horrible for the newly arrived visitors.

I took it upon myself to walk up to him and tell him is fortune (he was in plain clothes with a tag, not a uniform, so I felt pretty safe ). The look of shock on his face was priceless, but then he recovered and told me loudly, not to make trouble. That was his next mistake ...

 

[davidj]

The new fully automated screening stations popping up in Europe are particularly annoying!!!

Yes I've had this.

I too got a blank stare when asking what they were looking for. They don't know themselves!! Computer says check, so a manual bag search is conducted to see what they 'can' uncover. Plenty of false positives in that scanning algorithm, but at least it's consistent (unlike a person).

I did like how the trays were automatically going back to the start. Great design.

 

[JohnM]

Today at JFK, get my iPad and Kindle out of my bag but the trays have run out on my x-ray. I ask the assistant at the adjacent machine to pass a tray. She tells me to put everything in my bag .

It seems like the ‘new’ TSA rules are work in progress.

 

[Happy Dude]

You don't have to go around the world to experience inconsistencies.

I'd flown numerous times with spooled fishing reels in carry on, even through CBR, before being told in CBR that's a banned item - then a bloke gets on with a cricket bat. I've seen a guy in Weipa bring on a fully rigged 8ft rod and reel (ie still has hook, sinker and swivel). I travelled with a tent peg in a work laptop bag dozens of times before I discovered it, but my diminutive 80yo aunt had her small ornamental nail clippers confiscated. I've started to put cable ties in my pocket because they showed up on the xray or during inspection of electronic equipment.

Keeps us on our toes I suppose.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Came across this today: Teen 'hassled' at airport over life-saving medicine

A child was hassled at Manchester airport because of insulin (not in a plastic LAG bag). Allegedly told by security staff it would be the familiy's fault if the plane crashed.

I can confirm Manchester airport security staff are somewhat unpleasant after my trip trough there last year. Part of that I think is the new x-ray machines. They pick up everything. And when they do, even for something minor like medication, the staff are particularly unforgiving.

 

[Deleted member]

There are enough inconsistencies within Australia without going overseas.

 

[drron]

Leaving KIX domestic yesterday I had the most intimate pat down and wanding performed by a young Japanese lady. Pleased to know my third leg doesn't contain any metal.

 

[jb747]

As opposed to the bloke doing crew pat-downs in London, who had the police called on him as he overstepped the mark to reach assault.

 

[BCons]

Singpore didn't worry about a tub of shave cream, Mel confiscated it. Fiji wanted watch off - I said nobody else ever asked so they said OK, go ahead.. Best, most respectful but def most thorough pat-down Amman. I usually hold a pair of reading glasses in my hand thru the scanner. Recently (think Syd) I entered glasses in hand and then put them in my pocket - mistake.. security said I needed to go thru again for no other reason than I change my presentation. Here's one report on the 95% fail rate in the US when TSA screening has been tested and found wanting

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...er-operation&usg=AOvVaw1l2oY9_JdBQPdeWAhjn2uN

So keep 'em guessing is one deterrent.

 

[JohnM]

Leaving KIX domestic yesterday I had the most intimate pat down and wanding performed by a young Japanese lady. Pleased to know my third leg doesn't contain any metal.

But did it take on a property of most metals in response?...

 

[drron]

No it behaved itself perfectly.

 

[snabbu]

Today at JFK, get my iPad and Kindle out of my bag but the trays have run out on my x-ray. I ask the assistant at the adjacent machine to pass a tray. She tells me to put everything in my bag .

It seems like the ‘new’ TSA rules are work in progress.

Last week going through ORD/DFW/MIA/etc all was normal... shoes off, notebook/ipad out into separate trays, yada yada. Then I come to PHX and go through the usual routine. As I begin to take my devices out the agent stops me and tells me not to worry and put the bag sideways into the tray without removing anything. She then tells me to squeeze my shoes / phone / wallet in next to the bag in the same tray.
It was the middle of the day at the B Gates security. There were plenty of TSA staff around with hardly any passengers to screen so a real wtf moment.

 

[mrsterryn]

HNL last week I ended up with 6 trays going through security (coming home)
All electronics larger than a mobile had to be separate in a tray. I was permitted 2 tablets in one tray , an ereader in another
All foodstuffs, I had m and ms, had to be separate in a tray
I think it was one of the longest set of trays I have had.
The TSA operator just kept unloading items out of my bag
Of course I also got pinged for 3 spots on the machine.
That was my highest so far. First time I have been asked if I would prefer to have my pat down in a private room
Going over was 2 trays I think plus back pack went through without a tray

 

[Deleted member 29185]

As one with two replacement knees, no matter which airport I always take them off as invariably when the alarm goes off they send me back to do so.

You take your knees off!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I haven't read all the posts but I've seen and experienced some oddities including how to bypass security entirely in a major Asian city. I don't think it would be wise to post the details here though!

One thing I do find odd which is likely OK to post as it's well known, is airside lounges and business class/first class using heavy, solid knives yet heaven help me if I forget to check my Swiss Army tool!

 

[davidj]

young Japanese lady. Pleased to know my third leg doesn't contain any metal.

Good thing she was looking for metal and not wood.

 

[Franky]

You take your knees off!

Shoes only! But going thru Abu Dhabi one time and the alarm sounded as usual, and when I told the commando who confronted me that I had replacement knees, he said ‘show us your scars’ which was a first. Rolled up the strides and was spared the usual body pat down and sweeps with the wand.

 

[drron]

In Yangon I only had to say I had a metal knee and I was waved through shoes and belt still on.

 

[opusman]

SEA this morning, everything stays in the bag, no need to take shoes or belt off.