Breast Searches

I flew into and out of MCO pre 9/11 and don't remember ever having to take off my shoes, my belt, et cetera.

I'm not fond of MCO anyway - much prefer Miami Int'l.  But now Virgin only flies out of Heathrow to Miami and I don't like Heathrow!  Ugh.  

I was talking about the security procedure upon arrival, that is similar to what one is used to having to do when departing,, also, having to pick up your checked in luggage, only to turn it back in again where it goes thru security before being picked up again at the main terminal That is the bit that I recall having to do even before 9/11. I have only flown into Houston and Orlando from the UK, so my expirence is based on just those two airports.  I hate flying into Orlando, maybe flying into Miami would be a good option for the next time we go on holiday in Florida. Will keep that in mind anyway.

I can't say about belts or shoes before 9/11.  I have had to remove my shoes in Gatwick almost every time I fly, but this was the first time I have had to do so in Houston.  My older daughter had to remove a metal studded belt and her huge combat boots before  when just going on a domestic flight.  I did warn her not to wear alot of her normal chains and metal studded things,, but you know what 17 year old's are like, LOL.

I know - I really think hard before getting dressed for flights now.  No hair clips or anything with metal on them - no belt - shoes that can slip on and off easily but don't have "suspect" heels or soles.    It's ridiculous, really!

Yeah - I would recommend flying into Miami.  I love that airport, even with all the changes it's gone through.  But maybe that's because I used to live there and my father was a pilot for Pan Am *back in the day* ...

I know - I really think hard before getting dressed for flights now.  No hair clips or anything with metal on them - no belt - shoes that can slip on and off easily but don't have "suspect" heels or soles.    It's ridiculous, really!

Yeah - I would recommend flying into Miami.  I love that airport, even with all the changes it's gone through.  But maybe that's because I used to live there and my father was a pilot for Pan Am *back in the day* ...

Damn, I haven't flown in nearly 3 years and can't say I miss it now!  If we ever do go to the US again, and that's a big 'if', I think we'll fly into Mexico City and then drive up to Texas.  My parents have many friends there if we want to stay the night before heading up.  My dad loves to drive down there, so it won't be a problem for him to collect us. 

I was fully felt up by a female guard in Heathrow about 2 1/2 years ago.  (Never have been in the states) Didn't really bother me at all.  If this is what they have to do to prevent hijackers I'm all for it!  

I agree with Stacey-personally, I think everyone should be strip-searched including me. 

But then I'm a terrified flyer and have been for years, so I'm willing to do just about anything to make sure I get there safely.

I agree with Stacey-personally, I think everyone should be strip-searched including me. 

LOL!!!!

i was going to say, we're in a dry spell. i could use some strip search action.

lol.

I keep really wanting to post  "My breasts are rather easy to find, you don't have to search for them."

But I shant, for I am an adult.

 


But in all seriousness, count me in as being fed up with "security" procedures.  I'm tired of being treated like a criminal every time I fly just so people can have some false sense of security.  Terrorists are not stupid - I imagine it would be rather easy to hijack a plane with no "weapons" at all.   I know people want to feel safe - but how much are we going to give in to their scare tactics?

Of course, I can't actually say any of this at the airport, because it will just get me in trouble.  No, I need to stand there and be molested by strangers in the name of "security".

I guess the US is so control-happy that it just doesn't trust the security measures of other countries

It really isn't that bad at all. I've flown quite a few times this past year without an unusual amount of hassle.

Personally I'm glad airports are extra careful, even though it takes slightly longer, because I don't like the thought of terrorists or nutjobs being on the same plane as me when I'm thousands of feet up in the air in a closed compartment with no way out but down. You never really know for sure if it's going to be your plane next, especially with all that's going on in the world.

(I haven't heard about the boob searches though... yikes.  Somehow I don't think the male security guards are as willing to do the same thing to men's nether regions!  )

Terrorists could do almost anything almost anywhere - so how about someone stationed outside your door 24 hours to "pat you down" just in case you're "one of them"?  Or so you can feel pseudo-safe that *everyone else* has had to go through it so the world MUST be safe now?

Terrorists could do almost anything almost anywhere - so how about someone stationed outside your door 24 hours to "pat you down" just in case you're "one of them"?  Or so you can feel pseudo-safe that *everyone else* has had to go through it so the world MUST be safe now?

I agree.  They'll find a way no matter what.  Half the reason I don't fly anymore is b/c I don't enjoy being treated like a criminal (the other half is that the thought of flying with a toddler frightens me) in the name of 'security'.  That's what all these machines we have to walk through are for and having our bags, jackets and shoes searched.  I don't mind being 'wanded', but as someone who was once nearly date-raped, the thought of being 'patted down' by anyone (especially for no reason other than trying to board an aircraft) makes me extremely anxious. 

One of many articles in the last week

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/11/30/airport.patdowns.ap/index.html

I understand all the new security precautions however I think they need to remember we are people with feelings. I hate going through international security in Chicago. They make you take off your shoes, coat, belts, jewelry, etc. and then they rush ya through like cattle so you are stuck at the end of the security belt "dressing" with the guy that was standing in front of you. Its a bit embarrassing really.  I try not to make eye contact. lol

I understand all the new security precautions however I think they need to remember we are people with feelings. I hate going through international security in Chicago. They make you take off your shoes, coat, belts, jewelry, etc. and then they rush ya through like cattle so you are stuck at the end of the security belt "dressing" with the guy that was standing in front of you. Its a bit embarrassing really.  I try not to make eye contact. lol

Which I imagine makes returning to the country of your birth as wonderful an experience as a meaningless shag...