Airport Patdowns

[Tink]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/12/23...wns/index.html

Back in 1994 at Heathrow I got a patdown by a female security guard that I felt was excessive. She felt all around by breasts and I thought it was creepy. I had HUGE boobs at the time, so I chalked it up to maybe they were suspicious of what was actually in my bra. I felt it was ridiculous though.

Nowadays, especially in light of the incidents where explosives were likely smuggled on board by women, I think it is indeed neccessary in *some* cases. However, what a fine line to walk for guards who have to perform these searches. I'm sure in *most* cases they're just as uncomfortable about doing it, as the person is getting it. I certainly think that whenever possible, they have female guards search females. Males search males. Not always possible though.

[Dmitri]

You know Tink I think I'll have to instill this at the shop for the next time you come down...

[Dragonfly]

I went through the airport in Munich back in high school when I was over there for spring break.
Munich being a drawing point for many neo-nazis and Hitler-fans, I understood why they would check so thoroughly.
And thankfully they had a female guard...
But not only did she slide the wand between my legs, when she got to the top she LIFTED AND PRESSED IN.
I stood there, shocked, and in the back of my mind the thought trickled forth "I wonder if I"m still a virgin after that..."
I couldn't believe it. I still don't believe it. I was too surprised to raise any issue with it, and being young at the time figured probably that no one would listen or care.
If this means riding the train from here on out to get places, though, I will do it. No one gets to touch me that way EVER again...

[KissMeKate]

The US has not really dealt with big security for as long as other countries, but the craziness of the times has made it a necessity. It does feel like a violation because you know you're not doing anything wrong. It's a hassle to wait in line and have yourself and your personal posessions pawed through before you can get on your flight. But if the paranoia pays off by actually stopping a potential threat, then it's more than worth the effort. I'm sure some of the screeners are uncomfortable with the procedures, but it's their job, and I hope they are just as thorough with everyone in their queue. [But I also hope that their main priority is safety and not the thrill of being able to assault someone without consequences.]

[Phoenix McHeit]

My problem comes from the fact that I always wear an underwire - and those plastic fake wires just don't work for me. They have to be metal. So therefore, the wand always beeps. Which means, I always get the pat-down. Any guesses how long its been since I went on a plane?

[Ysobelle]

Imagine working at the airport and having to go through this almost every day. And my underwires ALWAYS set off the wands if they have to wand me. Once, even the clasps on my bra set it off. It just depends on how high they have the wands or walk-throughs set.

Thank G-d I'm not at the airport store for the Christmas season-- I'd never get to the store. I'd be stuck in security with everyone else.

[Tink]

You know Tink I think I'll have to instill this at the shop for the next time you come down...

Dmitri darling are you attempting to hijack my thread for your own sick, perverted amusement? BAD BOY!!! Quit it before you end up on Santa's naughty list.

Who am I kidding? You've got a permanent place on it....

[KissMeKate]

I decided last time that I didn't care what I looked like on the plane, so I wore a sports bra (no underwire or hooks!), sweat pants (no zipper!), slip on shoes (no metal loops! - plus they have to go through the detector anyways), and my hair up in a scrunchy with no metal connector. Zoomed right through security! Then if you had room in your carry-on, you can change in the bathroom once you're actually in the terminal.

[Tink]

I decided last time that I didn't care what I looked like on the plane, so I wore a sports bra (no underwire or hooks!), sweat pants (no zipper!), slip on shoes (no metal loops! - plus they have to go through the detector anyways), and my hair up in a scrunchy with no metal connector. Zoomed right through security! Then if you had room in your carry-on, you can change in the bathroom once you're actually in the terminal.

That's the best bet. Be comfy on the plane and do thing to make security easier and quicker. Slip on shoes is a big one. So much easier than having to untie,remove, put back on, then , retie all while trying not to get trampled by the people behind you.

[Larkspur]

After flying my 8 yo back and forth from Jacksonville FL to San Antonio TX, I can completely empathize. I don't know how much of a risk I am, but this past week, I went to pick her up at the airport, upon scanning my purse, they confiscated my manicure scissors.

Since I can replace them easily and cheaply, it was really a non-issue for me. But you know that poor guy had probably been put through the wringer a number of times, he was so conciliatory towards me. I simply explained it wasn't a worry, wished a Merry Yule, and went on about my day. He was so relieved, I wanted to stand by his desk as the next 'offender' was brought up, and just tell them to grow up.

I don't know about the searches, but let's be nice to the people just following the rules, take a 'Don't kill the messenger' stance for the Holidays.