Worrying trend...

I see reports on FT about LHR security requiring laptops to be removed from bags for x-ray and belts having to be removed at the metal detector..(here and here)...

Whatever next? Shoe carnival? *sigh*

[V][V]

Cheers

Michael

I wouldn't worry too much McC--after automatically removing my shoes (they're clogs with lots of metal staples so always ring the x-ray bells) at Heathrow I was actually ADMONISHED to put them back on! I am infamous for being secondarily screened in US airports so practically remove everything (well, not everything--not that I haven't had THOSE scans as well!) that might ping when I go through security.

When I advised the security gent that my shoes were highly likely to fail the scan--he said, "We don't do that here."


I did go ahead and send my shoes down the chute and walked stockinged through the scan, but laughing all the way.

I have found security at small sites like Southampton airport to be far more restrictive than Heathrow.

RR

stockings?

Originally posted by roadrunner
at Heathrow I was actually ADMONISHED to put them back on!

Too right [y][y]:)

When I advised the security gent that my shoes were highly likely to fail the scan--he said, "We don't do that here."

Yeah, it's not the current procedures that I'm particularly concerned about (well, before this current laptop & belt malarky) - just the worrying trend towards following the US "model" [V][V]

I can hear the repeats of the cries now: "anything for security" *sigh*

Cheers

Michael

But how would another Richard Reid get caught if the shoes arn't x-rayed?

Paul

I will avoid the cry for "anything for security" Mcuth. But what is the problem with removing your shoes and belt? How does it differ from emptying your pockets? Similarly with the laptop; is it such a hardship?

[Decker]

Nothing IF you're wearing slip on shoes. If you're wearing trainers with laces and a velcro strap which are a PITA to remove it's a .... hmm what's the word... PITA [8D]

Originally posted by Decker
Nothing IF you're wearing slip on shoes. If you're wearing trainers with laces and a velcro strap which are a PITA to remove it's a .... hmm what's the word... PITA [8D]

Decker if your wearing these you may find you get arrested.....
by the Fashion Police!:D:D hmm, velcro...

Paul

[HighFlyer]

Fashion police LOL

I also hate the shoe carnival - with avengance. I usually wear flat slip on sandals to the airport now (so at least its easier) but if you even just glance at my shoes you know there is no way i can hide anything in them, they are a sole, strap and a heel the size of a sugar cube, but i always have to remove them. At SFO in Jan i had to remove a suit jacket - not sure why? Id never seen this before.

I think we are all happy to do things that help security, but IMHO, the whole shoe carnival and laptop thing has nowt to do with that, its all a huge palava to me, and its refreshing to travel outside the US so you do not have to go through it all. I speak probably with a little more angst than some as i always set off the metal detector so have to deal with the delights of a thorough search by TSA on every trip.

[/rant over]

Originally posted by Decker
hmm what's the word... PITA [8D]

PITA is 4 words. Sorry, came over all pedantic again!;)[:#]

Sure, I understand the point. But is taking of a pair off shoes really that big a deal. It seems to me that we have had several threads here about how silly it is that people get all worked up over small things (eg M&M's springs to mind[}:)][:o)]). Is leaving a phone in flight safe mode a hazard- of course not - but posters here still say it is VS's rule to turn them off so we should comply. Is this not similar?

I guess the answer to this is personal perception, so we will probably never agree.

Originally posted by sailor99
PITA is 4 words. Sorry, came over all pedantic again!;)[:#]
Sure, I understand the point. But is taking of a pair off shoes really that big a deal. It seems to me that we have had several threads here about how silly it is that people get all worked up over small things (eg M&M's springs to mind[}:)][:o)]). Is leaving a phone in flight safe mode a hazard- of course not - but posters here still say it is VS's rule to turn them off so we should comply. Is this not similar?
I guess the answer to this is personal perception, so we will probably never agree.

Actually - pita can be one word[:#]: dictionary.com define it as the obvious above , but not as an acronym..... all in lower case

Further, as a pita is a flat bread of Mid-East origin which can be opened to form a pocket for filling... possibly not the best acronym with regards shoes @ security [:0].

I agree , personally I dont have a problem with it & have always removed laptop from case (well since the powerpack in conjunction with laptop showed up funny on a scan @ Cologne a couple years ago!).

Due to the lottery of my belt's buckle setting off scanner, I just remove it too - likewise change in my pocket etc.
Ive usually got between 30mins and an hour to kill once Im through security & its hardly a hassle to spend a minute putting my belt & shows on again.
Similarly I've no issue with removing my shoes, minor inconvenience for me versus alternate options of setting off a scanner when I walk through.

But what should be removed from the person to be sent down the conveyor for screening? I've managed to set off the detectors on at least 90% of occasions and it's always been my underwear[:I]

Regards

Pat


(PJ - Edited for typo)

[preiffer]

Ummm... I'll say it, as everyone else is thinking it - I presume you mean your "upper", underwear, Pat?

(please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.... [ii])

[HighFlyer]

^ ROTFLPMP

Ummm... I'll say it, as everyone else is thinking it - I presume you mean your "upper", underwear, Pat?

(please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.... )

Paul.

Hey Paul

I couldn't possibly comment on this and would hate to keep you in "suspense" as well - you'll need to come to your own conclusion;).


Regards

Pat

[mitchja]

Official note about this on the VS web site now. It's also on the BA web site as well. Makes it worse been a busy weekend for travel.

Regards

[Scrooge]

Never had this problem in our household.