Running the security gauntlet
Back to Forum- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 3 Jul 2009
at 03:35 by judynagy.
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Sara TurnerMemberUnfortunately, I’m one of those metal types that always beep, so tend to walk through expecting to be searched, and hence look undoubtedly suspicious. Does anyone else get nervous unnecessarily when going through security or is it just me? I know I’m innocent, but do they?
Also, I’ve noticed on recent trips that the security search is getting more, how do I put it… vigorous! While before a quick pat down sufficed, these days I leave feeling faintly violated. Has anyone else experienced this?
20 Apr 2009
at 15:48
BunnahabhainParticipantI’m much the same at customs but not security. At security at least everyone is subject to the same initial scrutiny [at a given time anyway, let’s not get into why one channel makes everyone remove shoes but nobody or only some – note the absence of the word random – at the adjacent one]. Ok you can argue that customs (where there is anyone actually present) is the same in that everyone walks the gauntlet, but this time there is the visual assessment by the officer(s) as opposed to a machine which beeps or doesn’t. They say at job interviews that first impressions are made / count very quickly, so the same goes at customs – if several flights have arrived within a short time they only have the appearance of you and your baggage plus your body language to go on to decide to let you through or stop you. Randomly of course.
20 Apr 2009
at 18:23
flyGIRLParticipantTravelbug – i always feel like that too!
Seriously though, i was once fondled inappropriately by a female security officer at LGW – she even looked up at me suggestively while feeling me up.
I didn’t complain though – I was more amused than offended.
21 Apr 2009
at 13:01
NTarrantParticipantI don’t have a problem with being stopped etc, but I do object to my property being treated without respect. Going through security at Manchester T3 a few years ago, I placed by brief case line for it to be scanned and then asked for a box to put my jacket in. I was abrubtly told that it was not needed and my jacket was almost thrown on the conveyer belt. The other end it came out all crunched up and then the girl the other end just tossed it down the belt.
There was dust all over it, I was livid, I went straight to the BA lounge and sent an email to Manchester Airport to complain. I never got a reply but a few weeks later when I went through boxes were used for jackets and the staff seemed to be most pleasant.
I am sure they would not put their jackets where dirty shoes would have been.
21 Apr 2009
at 19:26
VintageKrugParticipantManchester security is the friendliest – possibly because it is massively overstaffed and unionised council run make work scheme.
But the guys and gals there are extrememly friendly and professional and remind me how going through security used to be no more than a formality.
The attitude and mood of the staff set the tone for your whole experience, and the busybody TSA in the US were historically the worst at this, Manchester is a shining example of how to get the job done without forgetting the need for a positive customer experience.
25 Apr 2009
at 11:07
judynagyParticipantI get weary of security complaints. It’s not going away, so deal with it. I have no personal connection to any security people whatsoever. I’m just tired of the useless complaints about airport security. The security people are paid poorly, uneducated, bottom-rung workers who are lucky to have a job. If they had anything on the ball, would they be doing this job? For goodness sakes, people, remember who you’re dealing with here. Be NICE to them. You may be the only positive thing in an 8-hr shift. How could it hurt you to be pleasant? I’ve travelled all over the world for 20 years. Five years ago I got a metal hip. I have had about 3 dull cranky security people in 100 trips. My husband thinks it’s outrageous that I have to be wanded. The people at security do not make the rules. They’re trying to do a job, a really, really bad job. Why on earth be annoyed with them? OK, if they fling your new jacket on the dirty belt, you have a valid reason to pitch a fit. Otherwise, get out of your little ego shell and think about what’s really going on. You’re the one going on a glamorous exciting trip. They’re the ones stuck at a dull job where they are abused by the public most of the day. Stop complaining about people who are trying to make a living. It’s just a waste of all our time and nothing will ever get any better at airports, at least in our lifetimes.
3 Jul 2009
at 03:35 -
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