Nigerian Man attempts to blow up Plane

[charlie2010]

Originally Posted by AGDee

You're right on target. As they noted, this guy went through screening in Nigeria but NOT in Amsterdam (where this would have been more likely to be detected too) because he never left the secure area once he landed in Amsterdam. Therein lies part of the problem. If someone flies from a country with little to security to another country and changes planes, they do not get screened again. Maybe they should be, but can you imagine how long a lay over you'd have to make sure you had to be able to get through security screening again?

Actually, I heard different reports here (i.e. Amsterdam). I think he must have gone through some sort of security procedure, as you're being questioned and your bags are being checked right before you actually get on the plane, at the gate (at least, that has been the case the past 10 (or so) Amsterdam-US flights I took). All US-bound flights leave from a certain section of the airport, and security there is tighter than anywhere else in the airport (except, maybe, the El Al departure gates)

Don't know how much of an exception is made if you are on a connecting flight but since a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.......

I also heard (but that may be rumors) that this guy managed to wiggle out of screening in Lagos altogether as he (or his family) knew people in "higher places".

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by charlie2010

Actually, I heard different reports here (i.e. Amsterdam). I think he must have gone through some sort of security procedure, as you're being questioned and your bags are being checked right before you actually get on the plane, at the gate (at least, that has been the case the past 10 (or so) Amsterdam-US flights I took). All US-bound flights leave from a certain section of the airport, and security there is tighter than anywhere else in the airport (except, maybe, the El Al departure gates)

Don't know how much of an exception is made if you are on a connecting flight but since a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.......

I also heard (but that may be rumors) that this guy managed to wiggle out of screening in Lagos altogether as he (or his family) knew people in "higher places".

But do you actually go through the metal detector, air blower thing, etc. if you're connecting? CNN gave the impression that you don't. I have absolutely no personal experience with traveling outside of North America.

[charlie2010]

Originally Posted by AGDee

But do you actually go through the metal detector, air blower thing, etc. if you're connecting? CNN gave the impression that you don't. I have absolutely no personal experience with traveling outside of North America.

Metal detector, yes, (hand) luggage screening, yes (both x-ray and manual), taking shoes, belts etc of yes, being 'searched' in person: yes.

Have seen the air blower in a few European airports, though can't say for sure I have seen it in Amsterdam. Have had the pleasure of being x-rayed there, although, as per last week, that wasn't standard procedure yet. They say it will be now...

All in all, most times it is pretty similar to American airports (although they clearly messed up somehow last week....) but it still could, and should, be tighter. Then again, once a friend of mine flew out of DC, a few months after 9/11, carrying a pocket knife... so mishaps happen anywhere. It's not for lack of money, or even lack of expertise. I guess a lot of people here still believe that 'stuff like that only happens in America', or maybe in England. Well.... dream on!

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by charlie2010

Metal detector, yes, (hand) luggage screening, yes (both x-ray and manual), taking shoes, belts etc of yes, being 'searched' in person: yes.

Have seen the air blower in a few European airports, though can't say for sure I have seen it in Amsterdam. Have had the pleasure of being x-rayed there, although, as per last week, that wasn't standard procedure yet. They say it will be now...

All in all, most times it is pretty similar to American airports (although they clearly messed up somehow last week....) but it still could, and should, be tighter. Then again, once a friend of mine flew out of DC, a few months after 9/11, carrying a pocket knife... so mishaps happen anywhere. It's not for lack of money, or even lack of expertise. I guess a lot of people here still believe that 'stuff like that only happens in America', or maybe in England. Well.... dream on!

See, now in my experience, I've only had to do all that at the first airport, not at every connecting airport. I've never ever had to go through security screening a second time, in the US when I was connecting flights. As long as I stayed in the "secured area" near the gates, it was all good.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by AGDee

See, now in my experience, I've only had to do all that at the first airport, not at every connecting airport. I've never ever had to go through security screening a second time, in the US when I was connecting flights. As long as I stayed in the "secured area" near the gates, it was all good.

A lot of airports make you go out of secure areas to connect to international flights. LAX and O'Hare both do off the top of my head...I'm trying to remember where I connected when I went to Brazil...we definitely had to leave security. Usually this involves flying on a non-US carrier so you actually have to check-in, get your boarding pass, then go back through security. These are usually shorter lines, though, because not that many people travel internationally....lots more domestic traffic. I like to fly direct from DC if I can to avoid all of that upfront!

[AnchorAlum]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

A lot of airports make you go out of secure areas to connect to international flights. LAX and O'Hare both do off the top of my head...I'm trying to remember where I connected when I went to Brazil...we definitely had to leave security. Usually this involves flying on a non-US carrier so you actually have to check-in, get your boarding pass, then go back through security. These are usually shorter lines, though, because not that many people travel internationally....lots more domestic traffic. I like to fly direct from DC if I can to avoid all of that upfront!

THIS. That is what happens. At least, what is supposed to happen.

And when you get on a plane with NO baggage checked, despite the fact that you're traveling halfway across the world with a one way CASH ticket....

UGH. I don't think I should be using the words I want to describe for this except ....cluster....