Thanks 750XL. I'm surprised that this applies to EU originated flights as I thought there was a common security practice within the EU that could be trusted.
Since there is no check of the aircraft after disembark for personal items left on board (like my bottle of water and other passenger's carry-ons I saw left under vacated seats) one can only conclude that this is a completely pointless procedure. If they are going to inconvenience people like this for security reasons at least do them the courtesy of doing it properly and thoroughly.
thanks for listening
stonemullion