fingertrouble | Air travel nightmares

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fuzzyjay

An interesting story about air travel and the nightmare from security it poses now: http://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/001065.html. Certainly similar things have happened in the UK, I read about one Guardian journalist who was travelling and had the police called over because she was querying something at one of the helpdesks and polite but getting frustrated (something about baggage) and then tried to take their names, their hid their name badges and called the police over. Obviously regarding you as a 'terrist' threat is easier than doing a good job and we all have to be dumb compliant lambs and one peep out of line they threaten you with security.

I'm flying in November, booked before all this current nightmare, but even then I was dreading the US-VISIT program (stupidly named, if there's one thing that'll make you NOT want to visit the US in future it's that), and now I really dread to think what's it going to be like flying to the US.

To be honest I think this estimate of 40 Million by BA of the disruption is the tip of the iceberg, I certainly don't want to fly in future - not because of the terrorist threat, that's always been there, it's no more dangerous nowadays, less so in fact I think - but because of the nasty cattle-herding jump-through-hoops security.

I think in future we (John and I) might take holidays in Europe or the UK. It's probably not worth the hassle anymore flying. So the terrorists have lost have they according to Bush et al? *laughs sarcastically*

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Are you coming to the States? Where are you going to visit?

Flying in on 7th November, leaving on the 16th to SF. :-D I might travel around a bit after the Sat, which is the gig.

So near, yet so far...

you're in Portland, right?

We're here in Vermont (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=137+country+club+dr.+e+05403&ie=UTF8&z=5&ll=42.423457,-76.59668&spn=23.99906,55.546875&t=h&om=1).

oops - I thought you moved to Portland (if so I'd fly up to see you...Vermonts a bit far away :-(

For what it's worth I've flown a lot recently (including international) and I haven't had any problems.

Speaking as a former and future airline employee, the worst thing you can do is lose your temper with anyone who works for the airline or they can make things really difficult for you. If anything should come up (delays, luggage issues, etc.) be as friendly and polite as you can. It's their job to help you and they come up against surly passengers so often that they'll probably go out of their way to help someone who isn't screaming. Go into the trip expecting the travel to take far longer than you think it should, and it will probably be smooth.

I know, but the attitude that 'we can mess you around' rather than making the experience a happy one doesn't defuse the situation - problems happen, but it seems like you are forced to being falsely cheerful and non-aggressive to the point of paranoia so you don't get pulled out of the line.

I feel it in any airport now, it makes flying stressful to know you're being profiled watched and analysed at every point...having a long beard doesn't help, but

I'm always courteous to airline staff, but now it feels like I have to be overpolite and compliant the last 2 times I've been through...the threat is always there and means I can't relax.

I took a plane from Shannon to Boston last Friday. A woman at AA desk asked me 30 questions about my trip such as:

-Why was I flying from Shannon instead from Spain? (I was in Ireland with my bro')
-Why my brother was studying in Ireland? (Didn't she know about Erasmus grants?)
-What was I going to do in the US?
-Why I wore a beard? (Answer: why not? - Her answer to that: It's my duty to ask you this)

And more and more and more questions...

I'm flying back to Europe via LHR. Thank God, her Majesty Customs service is much nicer.

(Visit Spain someday!)

Oh I have and will travel to Spain...:-D

Why you wore a beard? This is exactly what I mean...even travelling alone in the US last year on Sept 10th to NY did I get a question as invasive as that!

Yes, entering Spain they don't ask any questions, even if you have a beard like me. You just hand the officer your passport and they stamp it. I always say gracias.

I have been questioned at BCN by an employee contracted by the airline (US Air) who asked questions that are no longer asked in the US. But you can't argue with them.

I am making a point of not travelling to or through the UK until they are more civilized.

I assume that Xavi might look more "Middle Eastern" than me and hence subjected to more questioning.

Chuck

Middle Eastern? I look so spanish, imho...

Anwyay. The UK customs have been always less intrusive to me, and I used to commute to England quite often for one year.

UK residents don't get their passport stamped in Schengen countries :) They can move freely here. Gringos like you get another treatment, hehehe :)

I wasn't being clear, I was complaining about the current security procedures in the UK, not the immigration. Although I have to admit I had to answer a number of questions when I had to officially enter the UK in order to get from Heathrow to Gatwick. I won't do that again! (Change airports in London.)

Chuck

Oh, it was me who didn't get it!
:)

I'm changing airports in London as well. I arrive in LHR and I must take the flight to Madrid from LGW... I'll try the National Express coach service, although I think that the Tube + Southern option is cheaper

Don't even dare to reply "to please Allah".
This is a complete nonsense. I understand the xrays and such, but the interrogation of people and the absurd rules have gone too far.

Air travel nightmares

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Gringos like you get another treatment

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