By Jason Moore
EVER since September 11, 2001, everyone has been talking about increased airport security. Rings of steel have allegedly been placed around all major international aiports. I haven't got a problem with this state of affairs, what I do object to is that there doesn't appear to be clear policy. Earlier this year on a visit to Italy; Italian security personnel asked me to take off my belt and remove all loose change from my pockets along with mobile telephone, keys etc. Spanish customs told me to do the same when I went to Madrid recently. But in Britain I was told that I could keep my change firmly in my pocket and belts, shoes, watches were not a problem. In Spain, they want to see your boarding card and ticket, in Britain just your boarding card. It just makes travelling far more complicated. Perhaps, all European airports should have a common security policy. At least that way you are prepared and know not to wear a belt, and keep change to a minimum. I travelled to the U.S. a few months after September 11 and naturally security at John F. Kennedy airport was tight. But it was tight and professional even though some people were almost being stripped down to their underclothes. I just get the impression that in Europe it's just more for show; does anyone really check your passport? is hand luggage really screened or does it all work on random searches? We are living in dangerous times; we all know this and we want to feel protected. The travelling public doesn't have a problem with it but it would be rather nice if all European airports got together and clearly stated what was required. It would just make things much simpler.
Airport security nightmare