Security Screening - Sydney

[oz_mark]

Going through Syd QF domestic today, I was sent through security screening at the far left hand end of the terminal, rather than the more normal centraol screening position. My fisrst inkling that something had changed was when there were only two screening locations open in the middle.

As there is signage indicating that it is a new screening position, I wonder just how long has it been there? And why is it so sensitive to shoes! Nearly everyone ended up having to take their shoes off! (Lets hope the pilots don;t use these lanes!)

I just wonder why they have even bothered.

 

[Yada Yada]

And why is it so sensitive to shoes! Nearly everyone ended up having to take their shoes off! (Lets hope the pilots don;t use these lanes!)

My shoes set off the QF beeper in PER every time, yet I have no problem anywhere else in the country. I'll try out this new entry point in SYD to see if I get the same thing!

 

[dajop]

As there is signage indicating that it is a new screening position, I wonder just how long has it been there?

It has been there as long as I remember (I assume you're talking about the screening point at the main runway end of the terminal). I always use it when transferring between from QFLink flights in T2 to mainline flights in T3. Only issue is that it is usually not busy, and so there's at least a 50:50 chance of getting explosive screened (in my experience). Similarly there is a "hidden" security entrance to T2 nearby the Rex boarding area. It is even quieter, which means probably at least an 80:20 chance of explosive screening...

 

[oz_mark]

It has been there as long as I remember (I assume you're talking about the screening point at the main runway end of the terminal). I always use it when transferring between from QFLink flights in T2 to mainline flights in T3. Only issue is that it is usually not busy, and so there's at least a 50:50 chance of getting explosive screened (in my experience). Similarly there is a "hidden" security entrance to T2 nearby the Rex boarding area. It is even quieter, which means probably at least an 80:20 chance of explosive screening...

I had never noticed it before, and only did this time as there was a large group of us sent from the other screening point down there. There is definitely a sign that says something about a new screening point. Maybe they are goig to use it more heavily for some reason.

 

[Ikara]

Perth gives me problems as well. I travel out of Adelaide every week and into either Brisbane, Syd, Melb or Perth. If I take off my watch and my RM Williams belt I can get through the screening at every airport except Perth with my RM Williams boots on. Never miss.

 

[Soundguy]

Flew out of SYD to LAX a couple of weeks ago. For flights to the US they have additional security measures, they search all carry-on and everyone gets a pat-down. You cannot pick up a bottle from duty free and carry it on; they have to deliver it to the plane for you meaning there is an early cut-off time for duty free bottles. Meaning we couldn't buy any.

The problem with the extra security screening is that things were a little chaotic and confused and they use contractors who really don't care that much. I was initially ignored, probably could have just walked through. But I waited around then was patted down briefly then was approached and asked by another security guy if I had been patted down yet? I was carrying a toddler who recieved no searching or attention at all. My wife was carrying our carry-on bags which were both searched yet they ignored the handbag slung over her shoulder.

The idea is there, but in practise.....

 

[Shano]

Flew out of SYD to LAX a couple of weeks ago. For flights to the US they have additional security measures, they search all carry-on and everyone gets a pat-down. You cannot pick up a bottle from duty free and carry it on; they have to deliver it to the plane for you meaning there is an early cut-off time for duty free bottles. Meaning we couldn't buy any.

The problem with the extra security screening is that things were a little chaotic and confused and they use contractors who really don't care that much. I was initially ignored, probably could have just walked through. But I waited around then was patted down briefly then was approached and asked by another security guy if I had been patted down yet? I was carrying a toddler who recieved no searching or attention at all. My wife was carrying our carry-on bags which were both searched yet they ignored the handbag slung over her shoulder.

The idea is there, but in practise.....

True.

On my recent flight MEL - LAX on Grand Final Day I was wearing my Swans shirt (damn those WC Eagles). The girl doing the additional screening before boarding the flight was more interested in talking about the grand final than thoroughly searching my carry-on bag (she was also a Swan's supporter). I had a bottle of contact lens cleaning solution (approximately 200 ml) that attracted no attention.