Belfast International-2
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I passed through Bfs on Monday about 2.00pm. Security not that busy and I was using priority lane. 4/5 pax in front of me.
One pax had about 20 bottles of liquid not in bags. To be fair, the security agent was re-packing all this into a number of plastic bags. That I didn't agree with. We have had these rules now for 10+ years, I think people who do this should be sent back to pack liquids properly. End result was that I had to wait maybe 15 minutes whilst all this confusion was going on. But I had paid for a fast service. To make matters worse, the guy who was causing the problem was complaining it was taking too long and he could miss his flight.
I make over 50 flights a year and my goal is to try and make sure the security alarm does not go off. So I take everything off that could cause a problem. So when I passed through the arch, I had only my wedding ring on that was metal. But it went off. So I had to take shoes off and go through the scanner. Last time I did this, nothing showed. This time, something in my left trouser pocket as I checked the screen. After the full body search I had to bring out what was in my pocket, 2 £20 notes. He took them off me and opened them up to check inside. I made a comment that there was something wrong with security when it had got to the point on checking inside bank notes. Apparently they make all sorts of major discoveries inside bank notes, I was told.
Then my liquids came through, had to be tested for traces of explosive.
Then my jacket came through, my phone was in the inside pocket. I was asked what was in the pocket, they had to see the phone. Then it was a question that there was something else, that was my credit card wallet, they had to see it.
By this stage I could really have lost my temper.
I did observe that the alarm was sounding for a very large number of people, I have seen that before. I don't know what was going on on Monday, everyone seemed to be getting a hard time at security, but it was not a good experience.
I returned through Lgw last night, I took the same steps and walked right through security, no questions asked. Both airports should have the same levels, why do they not?
One pax had about 20 bottles of liquid not in bags. To be fair, the security agent was re-packing all this into a number of plastic bags. That I didn't agree with. We have had these rules now for 10+ years, I think people who do this should be sent back to pack liquids properly. End result was that I had to wait maybe 15 minutes whilst all this confusion was going on. But I had paid for a fast service. To make matters worse, the guy who was causing the problem was complaining it was taking too long and he could miss his flight.
I make over 50 flights a year and my goal is to try and make sure the security alarm does not go off. So I take everything off that could cause a problem. So when I passed through the arch, I had only my wedding ring on that was metal. But it went off. So I had to take shoes off and go through the scanner. Last time I did this, nothing showed. This time, something in my left trouser pocket as I checked the screen. After the full body search I had to bring out what was in my pocket, 2 £20 notes. He took them off me and opened them up to check inside. I made a comment that there was something wrong with security when it had got to the point on checking inside bank notes. Apparently they make all sorts of major discoveries inside bank notes, I was told.
Then my liquids came through, had to be tested for traces of explosive.
Then my jacket came through, my phone was in the inside pocket. I was asked what was in the pocket, they had to see the phone. Then it was a question that there was something else, that was my credit card wallet, they had to see it.
By this stage I could really have lost my temper.
I did observe that the alarm was sounding for a very large number of people, I have seen that before. I don't know what was going on on Monday, everyone seemed to be getting a hard time at security, but it was not a good experience.
I returned through Lgw last night, I took the same steps and walked right through security, no questions asked. Both airports should have the same levels, why do they not?
As a seasoned traveller you should probably also have known to take the mobile out of your jacket pocket and put it in a tray with any other electrics.
Liquids are subject to random search for the reasons you say you know about and are happy with so I fail to see why you could 'have lost your temper' when it seems like the Security at BFS carried out a search by the numbers and the only thing you can legitimately be annoyed about is the other passenger who was not ready for search. Yet somehow the blame is transferred?
As to why LGW didn't check your phone (if it was in your pocket again) is one for them to answer. It doesn't mean BFS got it wrong just because it gave you less hassle.
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Doubt you’ll see many operators complain of such deals when they’ve probably got a few of their own on the go. Quite a few regional US airports have these deals in place and it’s open to airlines willing to match their criteria whether that be aircraft size, frequency or network offering.
Dont forget Stormont was to throw £9million at United just to keep them from axing the route.
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SecondDog. I travel enough to know that some security personnel are petty in the extreme. I also travel enough to know that there is massive inconsistency in what happens every time I go through a search.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
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SecondDog. I travel enough to know that some security personnel are petty in the extreme. I also travel enough to know that there is massive inconsistency in what happens every time I go through a search.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
Random checks are need for the same above reason. If the system is designed to not only catch suspicious items but also attempt to catch out innocent people carrying nothing it means that people will be less likely to even attempt to take anything bad on board.
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SecondDog. I travel enough to know that some security personnel are petty in the extreme. I also travel enough to know that there is massive inconsistency in what happens every time I go through a search.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
As for petty security agents, I would say there are a fair number of them that are created through repeated dealings with a-hole passengers (of which there are plenty)
An over the top brigade? You mean like 'could have got angry' because they had to check you for leaving your phone in your jacket. Takes one to know one I suppose.
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Sham, you hit the nail on the head there about schemes and complaints.
The proposed assistance to United in Belfast, whatever the real sum actually was before the media played around with it, was never actually ruled upon as being forbidden. After Dublin complained about the proposal to the EU the airline simply took cold feet about the investigation, folded up their tent of their own accord and consolidated services into Dublin before the subject was even looked at. Least-wise that’s how the position was explained to me.
That’s exactly why someone complaining and bringing possible unfair tactics forward for investigation is a more relevant matter than the actual existence and nature of the subsidy.
You can pretty well get away with anything adopting a policy of seeking forgiveness rather than permission - until someone complains.
The proposed assistance to United in Belfast, whatever the real sum actually was before the media played around with it, was never actually ruled upon as being forbidden. After Dublin complained about the proposal to the EU the airline simply took cold feet about the investigation, folded up their tent of their own accord and consolidated services into Dublin before the subject was even looked at. Least-wise that’s how the position was explained to me.
That’s exactly why someone complaining and bringing possible unfair tactics forward for investigation is a more relevant matter than the actual existence and nature of the subsidy.
You can pretty well get away with anything adopting a policy of seeking forgiveness rather than permission - until someone complains.
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and believing you are always right? that comments made by those who experience the process carry no weight? If that attitude was taken by a private business, there would be no business. Only thing that saves airport/security providers, throw the rule book at anyone who raises their voice, throw them out. And for your information, I obey the rules and respect them. You were not there, so you don't know what I experienced. I made no comment other than to the person who carried out my body search. You did not experience my experience of being almost barked at. I have put my coat through lots of times with my phone inside, maybe you could explain why it has never been queried before, including at Bfs. Regarding your comment that other countries are not to the same standard, I assume they meet the required standard otherwise the service would not be allowed to operate to the UK. I have seen security inspectors who have flown out to Turkey, watch the security process out there for a particular flight and board the same aircraft back home.Turkey has required you to remove watches for years, not needed here?
I have posted on here on a number of occasions of passing through Bfs security without any problem or serious delay. Monday was different.
I have posted on here on a number of occasions of passing through Bfs security without any problem or serious delay. Monday was different.
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Actually, if you are talking security, those countries you mentioned are considered to be not up to the same standard as UK. Perhaps your experiences reflect that. The 'nonsense' you refer to again shows that you are more interested in the relative hassle of the process as you experience it, rather than hearing or being bothered with the reality of the situation with regard to the intel that is used to create the security procedures/requirements.
As for petty security agents, I would say there are a fair number of them that are created through repeated dealings with a-hole passengers (of which there are plenty)
An over the top brigade? You mean like 'could have got angry' because they had to check you for leaving your phone in your jacket. Takes one to know one I suppose.
As for petty security agents, I would say there are a fair number of them that are created through repeated dealings with a-hole passengers (of which there are plenty)
An over the top brigade? You mean like 'could have got angry' because they had to check you for leaving your phone in your jacket. Takes one to know one I suppose.
”Any iPads or laptops in your bag?” is all I’ve ever been asked. The answer to that is usually, “They are already in that tray”. Never a mention of a phone having to be put separately. Infact, the contrary. Once at another UK airport I was told I could keep phone in coat as long as it went through the scanner!
SecondDog, perhaps you could draw a line under this by referencing the actual guidance that says phones must be removed from pockets? I can’t find it, admittedley with a very brief search on Google.
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I can’t remember a time that I personally have been asked to remove my phone from my coat pocket. I am also a seasoned traveller.
”Any iPads or laptops in your bag?” is all I’ve ever been asked. The answer to that is usually, “They are already in that tray”. Never a mention of a phone having to be put separately. Infact, the contrary. Once at another UK airport I was told I could keep phone in coat as long as it went through the scanner!
SecondDog, perhaps you could draw a line under this by referencing the actual guidance that says phones must be removed from pockets? I can’t find it, admittedley with a very brief search on Google.
A seasoned traveller, as mentioned to TB above, can often see things from the hassle-my-journey point of view.
There are many reasons for the variations people experience in searches at different airports. For example, when you were told you could leave the phone in your pocket. Did you note the make and model number of the scanner so that we could discern whether it has a more able detection/investigation system when compared to the one where A.N. Other is asked to put his/her electronics seperate in a tray? Rest assured the potential for skullduggery in a mobile is as relevant as in a tablet or laptop. Why would you choose to leave a device in your coat pocket that may be obscured when they are clearly looking at electrical devices as a risk factor? It baffles me that these sorts of questions are coming from 'seasoned' travellers. Perhaps familiarity breeds contempt.
If it wasn't for the fact that rants from people like that give as much hassle as the dopey people referenced above who don't prepare through ignorance, I might be a bit more soft soapy but you guys are as annoying as the irregular traveller who is flummoxed by the whole thing.
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SecondDog, you may well be correct in everything you say, I will give you that. But it also does no harm to occasionally ask, did we get it right this time? I do follow the rules, I have been asked about laptops, tablets etc, never phones to be put in a tray. I try my very best to be as organised as I can be, liquids, tablet etc out. No coins in my pockets, watch off. Do as much as possible to keep that alarm from going off, but I understand that there are random checks. But here is the point. For a number of years now, I have put my phone in my carry -on bag at security. It has never been questioned. I thought I was doing a good thing, no phone on my person, my body. The last few times, it has been in my jacket pocket, that is going through Xray. Never queried until yesterday. This has been through multiple airports, majority UK.
This is a genuine question. What is the difference in having my phone in my carry-on bag and in my coat pocket? Both end up in the cabin. Thanks in advance for your reply, it might help some of us understand better what the issues are.
I do think you are being a little bit unfair in thinking we are all arrogant business travellers, I respect the rules. But I am also the payer for the cost of security.
This is a genuine question. What is the difference in having my phone in my carry-on bag and in my coat pocket? Both end up in the cabin. Thanks in advance for your reply, it might help some of us understand better what the issues are.
I do think you are being a little bit unfair in thinking we are all arrogant business travellers, I respect the rules. But I am also the payer for the cost of security.
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SecondDog, you may well be correct in everything you say, I will give you that. But it also does no harm to occasionally ask, did we get it right this time? I do follow the rules, I have been asked about laptops, tablets etc, never phones to be put in a tray. I try my very best to be as organised as I can be, liquids, tablet etc out. No coins in my pockets, watch off. Do as much as possible to keep that alarm from going off, but I understand that there are random checks. But here is the point. For a number of years now, I have put my phone in my carry -on bag at security. It has never been questioned. I thought I was doing a good thing, no phone on my person, my body. The last few times, it has been in my jacket pocket, that is going through Xray. Never queried until yesterday. This has been through multiple airports, majority UK.
This is a genuine question. What is the difference in having my phone in my carry-on bag and in my coat pocket? Both end up in the cabin. Thanks in advance for your reply, it might help some of us understand better what the issues are.
I do think you are being a little bit unfair in thinking we are all arrogant business travellers, I respect the rules. But I am also the payer for the cost of security.
This is a genuine question. What is the difference in having my phone in my carry-on bag and in my coat pocket? Both end up in the cabin. Thanks in advance for your reply, it might help some of us understand better what the issues are.
I do think you are being a little bit unfair in thinking we are all arrogant business travellers, I respect the rules. But I am also the payer for the cost of security.
As for the reason I leave it in my coat, it’s because I then have one less thing to repack when I get through. You know, effeciency and clearing myself and my trays away as soon as possible so I can get out of every elses way.
So no, I’m not just a whingy business traveller who thinks the rules shouldn’t apply to them. It’s the opposite. I am someone who is always prepared for security and ready to go. I’m a guy with my belt off, laptop out and liquids bag in my hand before I even reach the belt.
That said, your ‘nkt on Google’ rant didn’t answer my question. If phones need to be placed with electronics, where do I find that information? And why is that not made explictly clear to everyone? Afterall it is only one more word to the standard sentence i’m always asked when my laptop is already visible in the tray in front of me!
Well, I put my phone in my hand luggage, or suit carrier, in the knowledge that technology has advanced sufficiently for a security scanner to penetrate a jacket, a bag, a suit carrier etc etc to see what’s in it. Arguments to the contrary which contain “different machines blah blah” without proper technological explanation are just bullsh*t.
Fundamentally True Blue (with whom I have not always agreed) had a poor experience at BFS security. Why doubt this? Instead of going on the defensive, try and figure out why this was a negative experience. Instead of questioning (inanely) knowledge of security protocol, put your hands up and say “yeah, admittedly in a potentially busy and maybe even stressful work environment, THEY GOT IT WRONG”. Not difficult Dog. Certainly about as difficult as scanning the contents of a jacket at a “modern” airport.
Fundamentally True Blue (with whom I have not always agreed) had a poor experience at BFS security. Why doubt this? Instead of going on the defensive, try and figure out why this was a negative experience. Instead of questioning (inanely) knowledge of security protocol, put your hands up and say “yeah, admittedly in a potentially busy and maybe even stressful work environment, THEY GOT IT WRONG”. Not difficult Dog. Certainly about as difficult as scanning the contents of a jacket at a “modern” airport.
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SecondDog. I travel enough to know that some security personnel are petty in the extreme. I also travel enough to know that there is massive inconsistency in what happens every time I go through a search.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
If the system is so good, why are random searches needed? You see, some of the nonsense we are subjected to in UK airports I haven't experienced in Spain, Turkey or other countries. And you can hardly claim they do it worse, can you?
So when I am convinced that everything we are subjected to as pax is absolutely necessary, then I will accept it. But at the minute, I believe there is a fair amount of input from the over the top brigade.
It's a spreadsheet exercise...as are the random searches. And often, it gets totally out of perspective.
And I agree totally...those who aren't prepared for the game, and need to repack, should at very least be asked to step aside.
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https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/opinion/we-will-not-get-airport-provision-right-in-northern-ireland-until-we-have-bold-politicians-willing-to-take-hard-decisions-1-8651627