International travel security
 

Brethern,
I need some information. My wife is going to London at the end of the month as part of a pretrip security survey for my sons High School band which is playing in the Queens 50th anniversary parade Jan. 1. She is getting a guided "tour" to put to rest any fears about security in response to Sept. 11. Being a rotorhead I don't get around airports much, much less Heathrow and London, so I can't give her any real advice as what to look for and what to expect in the way of good security measures. Any information or advice in this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, a Yank who appreciates a Brit.

Ancient,

I would suggest that a public forum is not the place to air what steps have been taken to increase security.

If the British government is willing to give a tour then they must be very confident of the measures they have taken. They are very good at what they do.

wish you well :D

I've been to a number of North American airports. I don't know about what changes have happened, but based on how things used to be, I would recommend flying out of Canada.

I guess you have to put confidence in those that are responsible for the security. Recent happenings have made everyone more aware of these concerns, so I would have more faith now in security than I did prior to 11 September.

I agree that a public forum isn't the place to discuss specific security measures.

Matthew.

Ancient pelican

My wife and I are going to visit Florida in Feb 2002. In view of what you said, do you think it would be a good idea to send her on a pretrip security survey before we go there?
Do you believe she should have a " guided tour" of Florida to put to rest any fears we could have, or do you think it should be O.K ?
Any infos appreciated. Many thanks.

To AP and PG,
Dont stand near any dark skinned types who look suspicious, or are about six four with a goatee beard,and a raggy sort of head, dont take any luggage appart from your money belt, and have a hell of a good time, apart from that Just act normal !$%*&>> Oh and if possible travel with Tony Blair!! ;) :cool:

Ancient Pelican

I find your post disturbing. It could simply be that you have unintentionally used very patronising phrasing, or that I have missed your point in some other way. Would you care to clarify why such a guided tour is deemed necessary in the UK?

Ancient Pelican,

please don't take this the wrong way, but with the world situation being what it is at the moment, anyone asking questions about security arrangements at British airports is liable to get you a visit from men in dark suits.

chopperman.

Seems to me there are two options.

1. Don't fly.

2. Trust the professionals who are undoubtedly more vigilant and trained than ever before, don't let the terrorist win. Go Fly.

Being a stubborn old fart, I would go for option 2. However, if on the day the aircraft captain's greeting sounds anything like "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Bin Laden speaking" I would revert back to option 1, say I had forgotten important (like feeding the dog) and demand to get off.

;)

ShyT

p.s. Sorry if this sounds flippant but I think it's important to keep a perspective on things otherwise these ba$tards have achieved their aim.

Ancient Pelican
I didn't see anything patronising in your phrasing, but I admit to being puzzled about what it is you're actually asking, and baffled about what exactly the advance recce is supposed to achieve - unless the group is bringing their own security advisers to make an assessment.
Most pilots, f/w or rotary are unlikely to be experts in security. We leave it to the experts. The UK's track record is good.

I agree 100% with Shy Torque. If we get too paranoid about the terrorists, adopt a fortress mentality, give up our freedom and change our way of life, they've won anyway.