LHR Security

[jetset lady]

Originally Posted by lowcostdolly

....can't comment on this further as don't have the knowledge...

Blimey, there's a first!

[Jarvy]

This thread started with F3G complaining about LHR again, but as he has stated that he will not use BA ever again it really doesn't matter does it. I am sure that he will have no such problem at Zurich.
PAXboy why do you need to carry a knife in your hand luggage?

[Final 3 Greens]

This thread started with F3G complaining about LHR again, but as he has stated that he will not use BA ever again it really doesn't matter does it.

Funny logic Jarvy, sounds as if you believe that British Airways is the only carrier using LHR.

Sadly, I will still have to use LHR in the future, in fact I booked a LH flight from there today.

I find it curious that you feel to need to ask PAXBoy why he carries something that is obviously useful to him and is in compliance with the law.

[PAXboy]

Jarvy

PAXboy why do you need to carry a knife in your hand luggage?

It's not a knife, it's a short blade as part of a combination tool-like device. In the past, I used to carry a Leatherman and now only do so if I have hold baggage.

• When I go to Africa, I have my case shrink-wrapped for security (that old word again!) and the blade deals with it. If you are in an hotel, it is difficult to get one.
• Opening parcels, letters, shop packing and security sealed purchases etc.
• Mini-screwdriver: Slotted for tightening sunglasses/glasses etc.
• Mini-screwdriver: Cross-Head for same
• Crown cork bottle opener: Self evident!!

I have used the above four features on trips to any country and, as you can imagine, at any time. Once again, the blade (mixed straight edge and serrated) is 4cm long the legal limit is 6cm. It goes in the X-tray EVERY time and has NEVER been questioned. I hope that sets the matter at rest.

[davidjpowell]

A bit off topic

About three years ago, very shortly after the cabin restrictions were tightened I had to visit a number of properties in Germany for work. This also entailed measuring them. Being reasonably technical I use a laser tape measure that I thought might give me some issues. Nope it sailed through.

Also being a past boy scout, and not having time for anything to go wrong I carried a 100 ft manual tape. These come in a flat circular design, and could easily be described as remarkably similar in size and shape as Land Mines.

No issues at Manchester or Frankfurt. But at Dusseldorf had two very confused security personnel. Because of where I was stood, I could see it going backwards and forwards while they hummed and erred. Their English was poor, but it was easy to see where the problem was and we all had a good laugh when they saw what it was.

[Jarvy]

Logic not a strong point of mine, but after you have spoken of your disapointment of BA and of LHR, maybe you could try another UK airport?
They all seem just the same, well the ones I have used any way.
This morning I was dropping a friend off at Boston Logan and sat drinking my coffee watching security. Approx. 50% of people trying to pass had to be sent back due to failing to read the notices, ie failing to remove coats or to empty pockets or belts etc..
Wait time about 5 minutes, number of flights 1. Compare that to T5.

[Final 3 Greens]

Logic not a strong point of mine, but after you have spoken of your disapointment of BA and of LHR, maybe you could try another UK airport?

Please find me another airport close to London with the connections that LHR has and I will use it immediately.

Approx. 50% of people trying to pass had to be sent back due to failing to read the notices

Unlike T5, where I got sent back FOR reading the notices.

[Jarvy]

So Heathrow is a victim of its own success! Whilst at Boston it struck me that alot of major airports are public owned so no share holders to worry about. So maybe security staff are minimum wage earners at LHR whilst here in the US they are Homeland Security. Just a thought.

[PAXboy]

Jarrvy

So maybe security staff are minimum wage earners at LHR whilst here in the US they are Homeland Security. Just a thought.

That is the CORRECT thought, in my personal view. The money saving ethic of BAA plc has been evident for many years and even other privately owned UK airports have gone down the same route, LTN (Luton is a regional airport to the NW of London and similar to Stansted and Gatwick as also serving as subsidiary London ports) and their new terminal (eight years or so) is rubbish. Each time I go through, I can see where they saved money and made the pax life more awkward.

[Final 3 Greens]

So Heathrow is a victim of its own success!

If you classify success as milking a monopoly, then yes.

[EastMids]

Last week at LHR T1 (Star Alliance premium end), after putting a bag on the conveyor for the bag scanner, I asked the lady marshalling the bins "Should I take my shoes off or keep them on?" and was told "shoes can stay on". I walk over to the walk-through detector and just before I pass through the guy the other size shouts and points "You, go back and take your shoes off". I said "But she [pointing] just said I should keep them on" and he says [litterally] "I don't care what she said, you need to take them off". After some huffing and blowing by me, and a comment "If you'd all make up your minds one way or another and coordinate it would make things much easier for everyone" the guy rather sarcasticly says "We don't do this for our pleasure you know". Blummin monkies at LHR T1 - and they wonder why we don't think much of them!

A

[ExXB]

Bluming right, blooming idiots

I was departing from BRS on a Squeezy Flight back home. The in-laws dropped me off hours in advance - as they were off to a wonderful pub lunch quite a few miles away. I was very (very very) early!

When I got to the security area to my surprise I saw no queue - nobody between me and the machines ... So being lazy I ducked under the tape (rather than walk back and forth 4 times in the empty queue line) and presented myself to the lady. "You can't do that - you have to go back and follow the prepared path" (or something like that). "You're kidding", I said and began to place my hand luggage on the belt. "I'm not", she said pointing away. I looked around and saw a gaggle of 'Security' people staring at me. Oh (expletive deleted) I said. I re-ducked out and followed the path (not to enlightenment).

Surprise, surprise - when I went through the arch the 'gentleman' motioned me aside (I did NOT hear a beep). Trainers sent back to be x-rayed, then my belt (a very small buckle), I'm surprised he didn't shove the wand where the 'sun don't shine' because it got shoved everywhere else. Finally cleared that and went to get my bag. "Is this your bag, ..... sir" (Thinking Who xxxx else bag is it) I smiled and said yes. "Do you mind if we open it up". No, I said. At least 5 minutes of pawing (no gloves) and checking everything they let me go. Still nobody else for them to check, one of the ladies said "Next time, don't be a smartass" and smiled.

I suppose I was lucky they didn't get out the rubber gloves, for a more intimate search - but what was the point of all of that?

[MathFox]

I suppose I was lucky they didn't get out the rubber gloves, for a more intimate search - but what was the point of all of that?

You would expect them to waste that rare opportunity to learn a smartass a lesson? One of that rare moments they had the time and a smartass to play with!

I have found that quiet moments allow a very relaxed check... If you start with a "good morning guys and gals"

[Capetonian]

When I got to the security area to my surprise I saw no queue - nobody between me and the machines ... So being lazy I ducked under the tape (rather than walk back and forth 4 times in the empty queue line) and presented myself to the lady. "You can't do that - you have to go back and follow the prepared path" (or something like that). "You're kidding", I said and began to place my hand luggage on the belt. "I'm not", she said pointing away. I looked around and saw a gaggle of 'Security' people staring at me. Oh (expletive deleted) I said. I re-ducked out and followed the path (not to enlightenment)

Absolutely pathetic, just typical of the state of the country, run by 'jobsworth' bullyboys and girls.

[Seat 59A]

Well said, Capetonian, you've got it in one. In the UK, it's nothing to do with security or efficiency and everything to do with chippiness. You're a bunch of rich/idle/good-looking/upper-class/toffs/holidaymakers/lottery-winners etc., and we have to do this crap job all week long in order to make enough money to buy a big TV so the kids can watch X-Factor and we can and will f*** you up for the sake of it.

Anyway, amusing thread, as was the Gatwick N thread on a similar topic. Two nights ago at a quiet T5, with only the Mumbai and Abuja flights left to go out, passed through a deserted fast track security and decided to try the smiley route. Laptop out etc. and then a cheery "Is it a shoes-off day today?" "Yes" came the answer and off came the shoes, but (actually inadvertently) on stayed the belt (under a sweater) and in pockets stayed the keys and small change. Not a bleep, and not a second glance from the bored oaf by the scanner.

Oh, and incidentally, the roll on that was too big at LGW two weeks ago has remarkably shrunk in size so it fits perfectly at LHR.

Hmmm ... all points made, methinks. Total inconsistency. Substantial degree of negligence all around.

[carousel]

Strake

Just a correction from one of the Macdonald rejects so badly underpaid, the average full time BAA Security Officer earns at least £38,000 more if he does a bit of overtime. More if I am not mistaken than the guy in the right hand seat that you trust your life with every time you fly.