US Destinations – Enhanced Security – Delays expected

Expect increased security on US destined flights.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28138526

…The US homeland security department has said it will put into place “enhanced security measures” in certain overseas airports with direct flights to the US.

The department did not specify which countries would be affected nor did it say what triggered the move.

A UK transport official told the BBC the country would be among those to step-up security procedures

But it comes amid US media reports that al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria and Yemen are developing bombs to smuggle on planes.

The department said the changes would be made in the “upcoming days”.

It is unclear if the move would be permanent or for a limited period, or would affect airports in the US……

Why not inconvenience the passenger a bit more, then use the increased security measures as an excuse to increase the security charge which of course will not be bought down again.

Again, another reason for the amount of hand luggage being carried through security to be limited….

I happen to speak recently with somebody from one of the scanning machine companies who was so frustrated with the ways their machines are used. The most obvious one being the need to remove laptops and tablets from bags (this has not been required technically for years) together with asking people to take off coats and jackets (again simply not needed).
If security personal were trained properly and used the equipment correctly the delays would be much reduced. Added to that why not an attempt to make the process less stressful, I understand that in Brazil right now they are playing samba music for those waiting in security lines 🙂

canucklad – good points.

When I was a regular user of the Channel Tunnel a couple of years ago I was always frustrated by the ‘pretend’ security checks consisting of swipes of the steering wheel and door handles while failing to even look in luggage or the glove box on many days. The one day I was subject to a full check and they found a mock up of a Sidewinder missile in my boot I thought the poor G4S womble was going to faint !

MartynSinclair – nice idea but as they don’t pay the congestion charge I doubt we can get them to pay that either 🙂

Oh well , it will be busy for the wife when she gets back to work next week , what with the summer hols coming up too , more work , more overtime , more money with which to have more holidays !
With all respect Charles , the bigger question must be why does the DfT tell all UK airports to separate laptops and iPads from luggage then ? And why do their European counterparts do the same ?
Have you seen a screened image of a laden bag with a laptop covering what’s underneath ? Have you ever tried to do a thorough body search of someone in a full coat , who has alarmed because of the metal keys in their pocket ?
I know these measure pee people off , they pee me off too , but I accept the rules are what they are ( I might not agree with all of them ) I make sure I understand them clearly and prepare myself as best I can when passing through security anywhere and I get no problems , what does annoy/ irritate me is the way so many other people are unprepared and cause delays , I really do think the ” rules ” are quite easy to follow .
And I agree , a little lively music would lift the mood a bit !!