Our most frequent flyer, Rob, shows us how to navigate flight security hassles since the underpants bomber incident.
Flight security systems all over the world have a common core aim – to keep flights safe for passengers, for crew and (since 9/11) for those on the ground. Despite this common aim, and the attempts of some countries’ security organisations (notably the TSA in the USA), there is a wide disparity on how security is applied.
Some of the main security changes since the underpants bomber incident are outlined below. There’s also some advice on how to reduce the hassles of flight security garnered from the experience of over a thousand flights including over a dozen since Christmas 2009.
Rules are changing almost daily, however at the time of writing there have been two main changes which seem likely to remain.
The first change is that international passengers flying to the USA are getting a pat-down and inspection of carry-on luggage at the gate. In some places this is being taken very seriously with a thorough check, but in many places the checks are cursory as people don’t think it contributes much to safety. It is compulsory for certain countries and passengers but otherwise random.
The second change is that the USA is increasing the number of air marshalls on flights to, from and within their country. Action by passengers, whether security personnel or other flyers (e.g. Jasper Schuringa on December 25th) is now seen as the most effective improvement in flight security since 9/11 (and including United flight 93 on 9/11).
It is not clear if a third significant change, the increased rollout of the nude imaging screening machines, will be temporary or permanent. There are a number of concerns that have not yet been adequately resolved – protection of children being one. While children could be exempted from using these machines this opens a big security loophole.
It is also likely that moves announced in 2009 to remove the liquids carry-on restrictions will be quietly dropped for political reasons.
Changes to flight security rules are going to keep lines long and painful.
There are things passengers can do to reduce the hassle:
How do you feel about the latest security changes? Please share any tips you have on navigating flight security more easily.
Written by: Rob, the Global Traveler
Posted on: Monday, January 25th, 2010
Posted in: Articles, Other
Responses: 9 so far
Honestly, security issues can ruin any good trip.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:53 pmFlights headed for Australia are also getting the extra security check at the gate. At least ours (ex Johannesburg) did. No liquids, so don’t bother filling up your water bottle after you get through the first security check.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:44 pmYuck! Who were you flying with, Chris? Qantas? Do you know if it was the airline or airport authorities who enforced that?
January 25th, 2010 at 4:49 pmWhat happens if you have to go to the bathroom when stuck in one of these lines?
January 25th, 2010 at 8:41 pmSue – most security areas have bathrooms. If you are travelling by yourself then you’ll lose your place in the queue, but if travelling with others they might be able to save your spot.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:02 pmWe were flying SAA. It wasn’t the airline enforcing that, it was The Rules Ex Australia. I don’t think it’s voluntary…
January 27th, 2010 at 4:54 pmI am okay with increased security. It may be more time consuming and difficult, but I believe the ultimate goal is to protect me and others. However, I think tips are good for us to make the process more efficient. I am sometimes amazed at what people think is logical and then wonder why they are pulled aside. Good post guys.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:37 amThat issue about secondary security checks and no liquids never made any sense to me. After all, the liquids you have at that point were bought in the sterile, air side, area and are perfectly safe. Had a problem with this on a flight to the US shortly after the liquid bomber scare, and was a royal pain. Hopefully the security theater we’re seeing now will subside, but I’m not holding out any great hope…
February 12th, 2010 at 4:20 amThe entire security hassle is getting way out of hand. There really needs to be a full overhaul of how airport security is handled, at least in the US. The delays are getting ridiculous, if you look at Israel, passengers refuse to wait more than 30 minutes to be all the way through security, and overall Israel has greater security threats than the United States.
The US could take some great hints from Israel, but it’s never going to happen as long as people just accept insane delays in the name of mostly ineffective security. Time online had a great article regarding the US-Israeli difference in security approaches a month or two ago as well.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:43 am