When I reach security, I go into auto-pilot: have boarding pass ready to show agent, take off belt, take off watch, take off shoes, put computer in tray, put clear plastic bag with small liquid containers into tray, and if I clear the gateway without losing my pants (because I had to take off my belt!) or triggering the sensor, I have to quickly get it all back — THREE TRAYS! — because the next step 20 seconds later is that they take out EVERYTHING from my camera bags and inspect/swab it all for explosives. The bag inspection takes a while, too, since all camera equipment is suspect.

I would be more annoyed, I suppose, except I know the drill and I’m prepared to zip through it all as quickly as humanly possible. What drives me BANANAS is to be unlucky enough to arrive behind a bunch of people who are clueless, because they hold up EVERYBODY. Then they try and argue with the agent and prolong the whole painful process. If I can, I try and find the business people, because they know the drill, too, and they’re usually ready and get through faster even though we all have to take out our equipment.

I didn’t know that in USA there is not “in transit” policy!
I remember that in South Africa, in 1997, I had to pick up my back and then check in again (when going to Zambia) — it is a drag!!

Americans are always surprised when we tell them that we do not want to stay there or that we are only passing through…I don’t know why! Not everybody wants desperately to live there.

“Recently, another blogger wrote a post criticizing my attitude towards U.S security policies. Her message was simple: if you don’t like the way we do it, don’t come here.” — let me guess…she is American? Most Americans get offended when foreigners criticise their system, go figure (I had an American blogger demanding that I would delete a post I criticise Sarah Palin LOL…where does freedom of speech go in times like this?). If Europeans would get offended every time someone criticises them, they’d be dead by now of so much pain lol *nodding*.

“First, what can you put on your bags, what can you put in your carry-on?” — oh yeah…it is a drag indeed! Terrorism has turned flying into hell! A friend of mine had to leave behind two boxes of hair relaxer because it is in the prohibited items to take as well — and that stuff is kind of expensive!

LOL once, in Rome, I was wearing army boots with metal screws underneath them and when I passed by the metal detector, the damn thing started buzzing and the army came running, the police took me to a room and asked me to take off my boots and took them away. 30 minutes later they brought them back and apologised…it was embarrassing and I never wore those boots when travelling again LOL.

I agree with you, these security policies are ludicrous. One of these days we won’t be able to take tampons or pads because they may be susceptible to carry a material that may be used to blow up the plane — women with periods won’t be able to travel (or they might have to buy tampons and pads inside the plane at double its cost).

You are in France?? Oh, I didn’t know!

Bienvenue en France, cherie !

Bisous!!

I am happy for some degree of security though although I will they wouldn’t make you feel like a criminal every time you have to board a plane.

@Bluefish — I lile your feedback! I don’t think tweezers are deadly either but hey, what do I know… Love the story that you were searched by your co-workers, made me laugh!

@Adam — Oh, you will be fine! Between Canada and the USA, it’s usually straightforwards. I notice the USA immigration agents were quite nice to me since I have my permanent residence in Canada — before, with my French passport, I got questioned each time… Good luck!

@Sidney — The thing is, there have been terrorist attacks in planes, trains, subways, hotels etc. And planes are the only places with such high security…!

@khengsiong — Yes, it does depend on the person a lot. I saw a lot of professional employees and a minority of people who seemed to have fun making travelers miserable.

@beaverboosh — But what if your sweat is considered a weapon of mass destruction?

@Linguist-in-Waiting — But I think that people have been giving up too much personal freedom lately, just because the gov’ put us under permanent terrorism threat. Too bad… basically crying wolf. It’s also funny to notice that if you complain (smartly, not by yelling at the employees!) of stupidly tight security, you can be seen as anti-patriotic.

@the writer — It’s warmer than in Canada!

@Tulsa Gentleman — THank you for your input! Yes, I do try my best to comply with current regulation, but different aiports seem to have different standards, and let alone different countries… As I say, I usually pack everything in my check in luggage. I have never had a problem with the occasional lip balm or small cream sample, but Montreal was very strict about it. In France, I had water past check point last time and it was okay, but who knows this time…!

@Seraphine — It is confusing sometimes, due to the fact… that I can’t dance!

@Aiglee — I know…

@Tanya — Merci! It’s not just the U.S.A though: Canada and Western Europe as well. Coming from backpacking in South America, it was just quite a shock!

@Soleil — I can’t say I mind so much. It’s just the inconsistency of the rules and the occasional headache. Like last year, we were stuck in Montreal aiport past check point for 30 hours (yes, 30 hours!!!) because our plane was er… late… 30 hours is long when you don’t have anything with you because all your stuffs had to be checked in!

Btw, you can usually sneak a second quart-sized bag past security. I’ve done it a couple of times, no one has ever hassled me about it.

Have a great time in France! Hope the nice weather holds out during your trip!