Security at Berlin-SXF

[hasta lueGO]

I flew to Stansted this morning from Berlin SXF, can anyone tell me why there are two security checks to go through? (one after check-in to enter the departure lounge and then another one before Gate 59-65) I assume that it will be the same at all German airports and something to do with the Threat Level? Just find it strange to have two security checks in a segregated terminal.

[ATNotts]

UK being non-Schengen, passengers leaving on a UK bound flights are checked at check-in, then by the BGS, and finally by the gate-staff.

I believe I am right in saying that if you are travelling within Schengen states, then checks are limited to check-in, and possibly by the gate staff - though I cannot remember being checked last time a flew to AMS from Nürnberg.

What I always find slightly strange is that when you check-in in UK you get the "20 questions" regarding who packed your bags, if anyone have given you anything etc - but this never seems to happen at check-in elsewhere - though I understood that all passengers checking in for flight to UK were supposed to be interrogated at check-in.

I'm only SLF, and may be wrong. I'm sure I'll be corrected if am.

[hasta lueGO]

ATNotts - I'm talking about Security Screening i.e. baggage through x-rays and people through Arch Metal Detectors - Schengen refers to Immigration / Passport Controls.

[tom de luxe]

That measure applies only to UK and US bound flights, on UK or US carriers, at larger airports, where there some distance between 1st security check and the actual gate. The 2nd check will be more or less immediately before the gate area. Same at FRA. It's a PITA, but is carried out, apparently, at the request of the various Governments involved. I've experienced that procedure myself while PAXing on Buzz (RIP), BA, US, UA at FRA.

Never seen the 2nd search at LUX, or HHN, or on LH though :confused: , although I have not flown LH cross-atlantic post 9-11. Maybe the extra search is on for LH to the US of A as well.

[hasta lueGO]

So it looks as though German Government classifies UK Carriers as 'high risk' and therefore imposes the secondary check?

I just find the whole thing a bit odd; it implies that the first security check that everyone get's isn't thorough enough! The RZ (Restricted Zone / Airside) should not contain and Restricted items and as it is a segregated airport i.e. screened departing passengers are not mixing with inbound passengers who may have flown from less 'secure' airports.

If anyone else has any info, please Post Reply.

Thanks 'tom de luxe'.

[jarino]

All passengers on flights of british airlines departing in Germany (regardless of the destination!) have to be screened on a higher security level than other passengers since Gulf War II due to a German regulation.

Maybe they double-screen all passengers at SXF (even Ryanair passengers), as traffic at SXF is dominated by Easyjet.
At HHN you won't find these extra screenings because Ryanair is an Irish airline.

[cwllpl]

When I last flew from SIN turned up, bags are screened prior to check in, then screened after checkin. after their on the belt

Hand baggage screened entering airport, then at the entrance to departures, then again at the gate.

There where no delays either when all this was being carried out, very thorough security procedures.

This was also on a flight to PER, not the UK or US.

[EastMids]

All passengers on flights of british airlines departing in Germany (regardless of the destination!) have to be screened on a higher security level than other passengers since Gulf War II due to a German regulation

Oh yeah? Well try connecting through FRA to the UK from somewhere else like GVA. No security checks in FRA at all in such cases - just walk from gate to gate - and we all remember what you can buy in GVA AFTER security!!!

Andy

[tom de luxe]

Oh yeah? Well try connecting through FRA to the UK from somewhere else like GVA. No security checks in FRA at all in such cases - just walk from gate to gate - and we all remember what you can buy in GVA AFTER security!!!

I positively know that the BA gates in FRA T2, D concourse, can only be accessed via the extra security check. (The Swiss Army Knife shop that used to be in the D concourse has since gone out of business :) )

If you are on LH (T1), then no, there will not be an additional security check. But then LH is not a UK airline.

[NigelsFriend]

TXL - LHR on BA...one screening before boarding only!

[BRUpax]

Have had the double security check for BA flights at DUS for years (since 911). No problem. Nevertheless, it doesn't make me feel any safer from a determined terrorist attack. Apart from deterring the odd (non-terrorist) nutter it's just window dressing.