Saying "bomb" caused family to miss holiday

We really need to be careful what we say anywhere near airport security!

 

These were my thoughts when I saw the thread title. My second thought was that this would be an over-reaction by the airport authoritiesbut then I tempered that by figuring that that there might be some language challenges. So my third thought is that the following phrases are just plain off limits:

• Bomb
• Gun
• Jihad
• Allah (sounds just like Jihad to the TSA
• Did you bring the package?
• I think this will work
• US troops out of Iraq
• GWB is a tool
• I hope they dont look in this bag

 

Don't forget greeting your mate "Hi Jack"

 

Oops forgot that - mind you teh age hijack seemed to have passed (untilo today that is) - hijacking is so 70's

 

I think its about time a group of middle eastern appearence males formed a collective whos sole purpose in life is to clog up security screening points around the world. A group of say 30-40 males dressed up to appear the stereotypical middle eastern male (because, afterall thats what most of them dress like, and it only takes most of them).

 

That mostly describes the SYD T1 security check team, LOL I joke, the habib’s in Sydney are very efficient.

I doubt there is much racial profiling used in SYD, despite what happened in Cronulla.

 

I'm of Indian background and I always get interested experiences. Hong Kong airport four out of four times have pulled me aside at Customs to x-ray my bags. Not just at the airport too, i've been pulled up at the Land border crossing with China, and several times at the ferry terminal crossing from Macau.

The couple in front of me:
"where are you arriving from?"
"bangkok"
"any tobacco or aclohol"?
"no"

They get waived through. Then my turn:

"where are you arriving from?"
"bangkok"
"any tobacco or aclohol"?
"no"

Through to X-ray sir. When I asked "howcome I get this four out of four times?" I get the usual "its a random process sir"...


On a side note: Coming back to Sydney last month was interesting too, at the immigration desk. Me with my duty free purchases in one hand approaching the "Australian Passport" holders desk. For some reason I raise the attention of the supervisor patrolling behind the desks who keeps giving me the steely eye. As i approached the desk I put my passport down, the supervisor also approaches the desk and then lean sover the immigration officers shoulder. not even 30 seconds later, my passport is returned and the officer says "have a good one". The supervisor looked disappointed that he couldnt hold me up, so iave him a pleasant "g'day" as i passed him. I can only suspect that it might've been the time that Indian Students are returning to Australia for the start of semester, and some bulletin must've been issued to be wary of Study visas??

Either way - profiling is there, it happens.

 

You compare somewhat empirical evidence in HKG with subjective feelings in SYD!

Last time I arrived into SYD T1 immigration, the Australian officer behind the counter had a traditionally Indian name and skin pigmentation! I am not debating what happens in other countries… I am sure that in some, if your hair isn’t cut the correct way you will be selected for additional processing. (That also use to happen in Australia, in the not too distant past.)

 

I guess I was comparing two different parts of the arrival process. I'm yet to come across a happy Immigration officer, anywhere, in any part of the world, being suspicious must be part of the job description.

 

Really! I am only a humble Mediterranean, Southern European, and I have been having hassles ever since I started flying again in 2003! Unfortunately I find it hard to get rid of the olive complexion I inherited at birth.

 

:shock: "humble" a word to describe JohnK...

 

Believe it or not very humble, if you ever get to meet me.

 

We're all humble here, but I'm the MOST humble of all...ok!

 

It's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way

 

A copy of the letter from the person involved can be found here

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