Airport security embarrassment

OMG you should try going through security in Sydney, or indeed any of the Aussie airports.  Those guys take every opportunity to use that wand thing as a flirtation aid.

LOL!  I remember that

I don't mind it at all personally.  They do it to everyone, makes me feel safe.  I don't even mind when the ladies at LHR feel me up.  I had a guy in front of me once with a knife in his carry-on.  He didn't understand the problem.  I'd rather be safe then sorry.

I especially love going through at JFK, they always comment on my socks. (I usually have something funky going on with my socks)

OMG you should try going through security in Sydney, or indeed any of the Aussie airports.  Those guys take every opportunity to use that wand thing as a flirtation aid.

Ah, I love a man in uniform! 

I'm not all that bothered by the airport security. It's just a minor annoyance I guess. And I'm one of the ones who ALWAYS ends up getting frisked no matter what airport and no matter what country. And I always end up getting my bags searched...even my carry-on while waiting at the gate at Gatwick to fly back to the US. But hey if it makes it safer I'm willing to go through it. I agree it can be a bit embarrassing but I think mostly people are just trying to get themselves put back together to catch their flight and not really paying attention to anyone else.

What was really weird was Six Flags Astroworld here in Houston (which closed for good last October) had started making people walk through metal detectors and then they'd use the wand on you if you set off the alarm. My friend set off the alarm and they used the wand and couldn't figure out what was causing it...she took off everything metal she could think of. So they had to take her to a little room to the side with 2 female "officers" so they could frisk her and use the wand under her clothes. Turns out it was her underwires to her bra setting it off..lol. Geez...it was a theme park for pete's sake.

I fly a ton, so I am used to everything. The only thing that really bothers me is the taking off the shoe thing.  I don't travel in nice comfy socks and trainers.  If I am lucky I am wearing knee high stockings.  Not a lot between skin and floor, if anything.  I think the least they could do is keep the area near security clean if they are asking me to walk around barefoot.

 This totally grosses me out too. I used to fly a lot for work so I know exactly what you are talking about. I really like DFW because they have these footie things you can put on as you go through Security.

 A couple weeks ago I flew to the US out of Heathrow on American. We had already went through Security, but they were doing random searches at the gate as well. A lady was patting me down and as she was going up my leg really fast, she stuck her hand in my crotch! It shocked me and I jumped. I felt so violated. I really don't think she did it on purpose, but you would think she would be more careful when patting down close to that area. 

I can't stand taking the shoes off and walking around where a thousands of other people carrying who knows what on their feet, have been. I am always very blantantly loud about this when I go through and I MAKE sure I am heard how disgusting this is!!  My dh on the other hand almost always has to have the full wand and pat down because he always sets off the alarm. He has a metal rod and pins in his leg where he severely broke it years ago. I usually take the time to collect my things as well as his.  In Chicago, he had to be pulled over and patted down and my dh tried explaining to them the reason the wand was beeping around his leg is because of the pins and rods and they tried to argue with him that the wand wouldn't pick that up!! He pointed out 2 round spots to them on his ankle and mid leg and said "here, these are the pins!" They kind of hmmppffed and let him through.  I really think the U.S. has some mean security people. I haven't experienced that kind of treatment anywhere else.

On another note: while my dh is being patted down  it's actually kind of amazing how I can just pick up his coat, bag, keys, passport, mobile, and wallet and no one even glances!

I am always very blantantly loud about this when I go through and I MAKE sure I am heard how disgusting this is!! 

It makes me very uncomfortable to be in line behind someone who complains loudly about airport security.  I don't much like having to take off my shoes either, but creating a scene doesn't change the fact that I have to do it and doesn't win me any points w/the security screeners who are probably sick to death of peoples feet and their shoes.  The employees manning the security lines are not the policy makers...only the policy enforcers.  I wear slip-on shoes, and change my socks once I'm through security.  Keeps me from having to walk through in my bare feet.  I've found that the more simple my shoes are, though (i.e., no laces, thin soles, etc.) the less likely I am to be asked to remove them.

quiet as a mouse until this point in security and will continue to do so until they can at least provide some sanitization!!

quiet as a mouse until this point in security and will continue to do so until they can at least provide some sanitization!!

Don't think that will happen any time soon....you'd be better off packing your shoes in your carryon and investing in some disposable 'booties' to wear going through the line.  Then toss them once you're through. 

I honestly think you're voicing your objections to the wrong people, though.  If you feel that strongly, contact the airport manager and/or TSA...perhaps they can make the changes you'd like.

Yeah the security we have to go through is an inconvienance.But I'd rather them have everyone walk around with no shoes  then to have someone slip by with a bomb in their shoes.
Compaining loudly about it isn't going to make them change their minds about checking you,if anything its going to make them check you more.

kind of funny how the one time i did have to take my shoes off at heathrow (this was a while back but after 9/11) they just had you step on a little floor pad and then quickly just sprayed it after you walked off. Plain and simple.  It was a whole better feeling of cleanliness.  Has anyone else done that at Heathrow?

and it's not that i mind taking my shoes off. i could care less. I just care about the sanitary conditions. 

Ah yes, those items.  They go in the checked baggage.  Even if security opens the bags, at least they can't put a face with the items.   

Ah don't bet on it. I once got pulled off a plane and returned to the boarding gate. There was my checked bag. A lot of questions later they let me pull out my wife's hair straighteners. It was still embarassing. And then you have to walk the gaunlet of glares from the other passengers.

I personally think security is over the top (minature nail clippers? - I complained to them and the guy said we have rules and then pointed to the pen in my pocket and said I could do more damage with that but we don't take them).

Although we have no choice and have to accept the situation as it is, there is no reason for the attitude/behaviour of the US security officials. Politeness costs nothing!

I have said this before and a few people justified the security's attitude/behavior by saying, 'They're only doing their job. How would you feel if you were doing their job? It must be boring as hell day in and day out for them.'

Well yes it may but the poor person behind the counter in McDonald's is in a similiar position and they are courteous. The policemen that pull me over are only doing their job yet are always firm but polite (well maybe not when I was a 70's long haired, van driving non-redneck 16 year old in MS).

There is no need for abrupt rude mean behaviour. It would go along way to making passengers less stressed in a highly stressed enviroment.

Her recently-deceased grandmother had given it to her when she taught my mom how to crochet, as a little girl. ?And apparently they said, "we have a weapon here!" ?My mom was so embarrassed; she cried.

Why can't they provide a service to hold/forward these so called weapons? I would be willing to accept a charge for such a service than having to dispose a valued treasure. We need to remember that not all people are experienced fliers and have no idea what to expect.

Although we have no choice and have to accept the situation as it is, there is no reason for the attitude/behaviour of the US security officials. Politeness costs nothing!

Perhaps I've been lucky, but I've only ever been treated in a courteous and professional manner by airport security officials.

Well yes it may but the poor person behind the counter in McDonald's is in a similiar position and they are courteous. The policemen that pull me over are only doing their job yet are always firm but polite (well maybe not when I was a 70's long haired, van driving non-redneck 16 year old in MS).

Don't get me started on the last time I went into a fast food restaurant.  The employees were rude and surly.  One woman girl was on the phone the entire time we were there (about 20 minutes), tying up the credit card line so the person at the counter had to share the drive-through credit card line.  She was speaking loudly enough that there was no doubt about the fact it was a personal call.  She was still on the phone when we left...

Why can't they provide a service to hold/forward these so called weapons? I would be willing to accept a charge for such a service than having to dispose a valued treasure. We need to remember that not all people are experienced fliers and have no idea what to expect.

I've often wondered that myself.  I wonder if someone could contract w/an airport to provide this service...I think there's some money to be made there!!!

I've often wondered that myself.  I wonder if someone could contract w/an airport to provide this service...I think there's some money to be made there!!!

some airports offer this...

It doesn't bother me anymore -- maybe at first I saw it as a bit of an inconvenience, but I'm too used to it now to bat an eye.

It is inconvenient, but I would rather have this and feel a little bit secure, than have problems on a plane.  I get nervous if security is a little more lax at an airport.  I just hate standing in the way of others while they are frantically trying to pick up their stuff and get to their planes/waiting areas.