I use Bristol quite a lot, and the good thing about that airport's security is that if you feel like removing your shoes you head for the scanner/AMD channel which is demanding that, and if not you go for the other scanner/AMD channel.

It's been the same on the last few occasions. I usually choose not to remove my shoes, but sometimes I do otherwise just for the sake of a change.

It's very good of the management to allow customers to choose, and I applaud that. Especially if the customer's shoes are packed with incendaries.

I have to agree with spiney. At the end of the day, whether consistent or not, polite or surly, these people are working in pretty c**p jobs for low pay. All of us whether frequent fliers or not just pass through and get on a flight made as safe as current measures can make it, which surely must count for something.

If I have any criticism it would be the huge queues at the scanners when up to half the lanes are closed. Not a staff problem, just BAA saving on the recruitment and ovetime money.

NEO

My latest encounter was at T5. They look at the box containing the medicine.
'You can't have that, it's over 100mL'
'Yes I can, it's medicine'
'Where's the prescription?'
'On the bottle'

Then (first time in 27 flights this year) 'You'll have to taste it'
'NO'
'Why not?'
'Because I've had the dose for today, and it tells you that it's dangerous to exceed the stated dose'

(note the dose is 8mL, so tasting it would push over 8ml, even on the end of one's finger. Plus, it's very sticky)

Fetches supervisor.

'You've got to taste it'
'No'
'Why not?'
'Because I've had the dose for today, and it tells you that it's dangerous to exceed the stated dose'
'Well Im allowed discretion but the DfT says it should be tasted.'
'Oh yes? Where on the DfT web site with all the rules does it say that?'
'Well, OK this time'

Now the DfT site specifically mentions that baby food is to be tasted, but not medicines.........

Did we have a case of some local invention?

Absolutely, and don't forget whilst all this security checking is going on the general public are being grouped up nicely.:ugh:

Coming through LAX 2 weeks before my operation for a hip replacement.

I'm not a newbie, so no liquid/pointy stuff etc and everything metallic from my pockets in the carry on, notebook out etc.

The "Shoes Off" rule.

I asked if there was a chair for me to be able to remove my shoes due to the limited movement in my hip joint, explained the reason politely and got


"Well, actually, that doesn't work. Limited movement in my hip joint etc. Can I rest against the table"

"No. You'll have to go through extra security if you don't take your shoes off. I'm trying to think of a solution for you"

"If I can rest against the table, I can get my shoes off"

"I SAID I'M TRYING TO THINK OF A SOLUTION FOR YOU"

While she was thinking of a solution (which appeared to consume all her limited brain CPU, because she didn't register what I was doing,) I rested against the table, took off my shoes, put them in the tray and was gone.

The last time I saw her, she was still looking blankly into the distance, doubtlessly trying to think of a solution for me......

<sigh>

If only all this security malarkey actually had any effect other than to dissuade people from flying....

<thought bubble: ping!>
Hold on: it's all a plot by the greens, isn't it?

RevMan2 - had a similar incident in Hawaii a few years ago.

Had a trapped nerve in my neck and probably shouldn't have been travelling, but I had had to get someone at the hotel to put my socks and shoes on before setting off as I couldn't find any way (even sitting) of reaching them.

"Take your shoes off"

"Sorry, can't - but you are welcome to take them off for me"

"No - extra security for you and you will take them off there anyway"

At "extra security" I was able to sit down, then

"Take your shoes off"

"Sorry, can't - but you're welcome to take them off for me"

(repeat 10-15 times)

Then

"I'm not permitted to remove your shoes, so I'll wand them and off you go"

That was it - the shoes stayed on !