Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners) - Manhandled at FRA Terminal C security check (LITERALLY!)

Returning from a weekend trip, I transferred at FRA to my flight to GVA. Normally, all LH european connections are gated at Terminal B, but on the rare occasion a C gate is used.

Terminal C is used mainly for passengers departing for the US. As a result, the security check is managed by a different company than in Terminal B. Each passenger is individually checked by a "handler".

I have never had such a "thorough" and "personal" search as was carried out at FRA Terminal C. In fact, the contact was downright inappropriate. There was a gentlemen ahead of me who actually began to get angry at the screener for how he was being touched. I had exactly the same experience.

If this "special screening" is deemed necessary for passengers departing for the US, then it is incumbent upon LH to make sure that their european departures DO NOT use Terminal C.

I complained to the FRA Airport Authority and I was told that they receive more than twenty (>20) complaints daily. I also reported to LH that they should relocate all of their european departures to Terminal B.

Has anyone else been "manhandled" in the way that I have described at FRA Terminal C?

Wow, Gigantor, that really sucks out loud.

I mentioned in another thread (I'm not sure which one and I don't have time to search right now - it may have been in the UA forum) that when I ever have to transfer from B to C, I exit immigration, walk through the public area checkin desks, and go through C terminal security as if I were entering from outside. They have x-ray machines, and you're treated humanely. Sort of. This only works if you have enough time and if the lines to enter Germany are short enough. I've always had enough time, fortunately.

The patting down and generally unacceptable, rude treatment you found at the transfer "security" check is avoided that way. I avoid running that transfer gauntlet at all costs. They've confiscated my tweezers and nail clippers (and a friend's tweezers and nail clippers on a different occasion - and I was there to see it!) as well - why does nobody else in FRA - or in the world, come to think of it - confiscate those I wonder...

Will

Returning from a weekend trip, I transferred at FRA to my flight to GVA. Normally, all LH european connections are gated at Terminal B, but on the rare occasion a C gate is used.

Terminal C is used mainly for passengers departing for the US. As a result, the security check is managed by a different company than in Terminal B. Each passenger is individually checked by a "handler".

I have never had such a "thorough" and "personal" search as was carried out at FRA Terminal C. In fact, the contact was downright inappropriate. There was a gentlemen ahead of me who actually began to get angry at the screener for how he was being touched. I had exactly the same experience.

If this "special screening" is deemed necessary for passengers departing for the US, then it is incumbent upon LH to make sure that their european departures DO NOT use Terminal C.

I complained to the FRA Airport Authority and I was told that they receive more than twenty (>20) complaints daily. I also reported to LH that they should relocate all of their european departures to Terminal B.

Has anyone else been "manhandled" in the way that I have described at FRA Terminal C?
I am almost with you, but please don't blame LH for gate assignments. This is in the hand of FRAPORT. LH is their biggest customer and can request a lot, of course. But at the end it still can happen, that a 744 is loaded/unloaded by coach or some non-Schengen flights depart from C instead of B or A50s/60s.

I was not amused too last year, when I had to pass 2 security screenings in order to enter a 28min flight FRA-ZRH. Which is still the case, it is just me and a handful others lucky enough to be HON and bypass all that .....

Doesn't FRAPORT own its own security company nowadays?

In any event, I'm not a fan of FRA's version of "security".

..Has anyone else been "manhandled" in the way that I have described at FRA Terminal C?
Patted down yes ... on my way to the US in terminal C, quite often. But hardly
ever inappropriately.
The only almost cavity search I experienced was in TXL after I queued in the
wrong lane - as I erred in the assumption that one could choose between
the lady and the gentleman 'patter'. One could not, it was magically pre-assigned
and we were not told :eek: ...

One non-US airport made me take off my pants but allowed me to keep my underwear on. They also inspected everything in my bag carefully. They concluded the search after I took off my pants and after I asked "do you want to look inside my mouth?" in a bland way without expression or hostility.

Last time when i was flying to US via FRA Terminal C ... security was nothing special ... the worst experience i ever had was in AMS ... i really expected to get xrayed myself.

What I do not understand when flying to US is this 2nd security which is just for nothing and when you are in the states on a domestic flight ... everywhere pseudo security ... ahhh you have a lighter ... remove it ... but on the 2nd screening for US flights nobody cares about ...

Should I tell you which airport has some sort of security ?
VIE because even when you are connecting within schengen you have a security screening...
so i hate VIE to connect 1st the bus mafia then the security screening ...


But the only airport I really hate and i try to avoid and i suggest everybody to avoid is FRA it is the worst airport in the EU.

just my two cents ...

But the only airport I really hate and i try to avoid and i suggest everybody to avoid is FRA it is the worst airport in the EU...
I found a brother on FT!!!!!!!!!!
I am not alone anymore!
..so i hate VIE to connect 1st the bus mafia then the security screening
But the bus mafia is in FRA? How did it get to VIE? I never was forced on a bus in
VIE but maybe I was lucky :confused: .

How did it get to VIE? I never was forced on a bus in
VIE but maybe I was lucky :confused: .

Not a question of luck, simply a question if you flew mainline or Cityline, however even the occasional LH Boeing or Airbus gets a bus gate, when the Schengen Terminal is occupied.

Highly Physical check in FRA (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=516728&highlight=Frankfurt)

The extra security services are also 'offered' to UK LH flights, which is a complete pain as the LH lounges are on the wrong side of the security queue. It took me 40 minutes to clear this last time, (MAN, BHX and DUB flights, and a 747 to Chile, I think) even with their 'fast track' lane open.

This is putting me off transferring through FRA and I have switched my last three long hauls via AMS and KLM.

My last fondling would certainly have got me arrested if I had tried it on a stranger!

One non-US airport made me take off my pants but allowed me to keep my underwear on.

Are you serious? Was this at the main security screening area or at secondary, and in private? This seems horrible!

Not a question of luck, simply a question if you flew mainline or Cityline, however even the occasional LH Boeing or Airbus gets a bus gate, when the Schengen Terminal is occupied.

Aren't the Schengen Gates always occupied ? ;)

A little bit offtopic :D but I like the annoucments during the bus ride ...

"Welcome to Vienna - your connecting flight to city starts just in a few minutes with CAT the City Airport Train blabla you also have the possibility to check in for your return flight in the City Air Terminal Wien Mitte ..." really nice announcment but they should add that you can't check in for US flights ...

Not a question of luck, simply a question if you flew mainline or Cityline, however even the occasional LH Boeing or Airbus gets a bus gate, when the Schengen Terminal is occupied.
Thanks for the insight Threy. I am glad tha the Wolf's sway has not
yet spread to my OS realm.
The 'occasional Boeing' would not be a 744 as in FRA though, would it?Are you serious? Was this at the main security screening area or at secondary, and in private? This seems horrible!
Same happened to me in ZRH once. They got a beep from my trousers and
offered me to take them off and rifle them through. But it was merely so they
did not have to rifle them through while I was wearing them. It was not
intrusive at all and they were open about it. Had a little change room for
it and it took less than a minute all inclusive.
I just don't think that pat-downs are such a bad thing - they are swift and
of no hygienic concern. Much unlike taking one's shoes off at an airport
with gazillions of other pax.

(...)Much unlike taking one's shoes off at an airport
with gazillions of other pax.
I TOTALLY agree. This shoe off thing will sometimes be the root cause for the biggest virus epidemy in the world. :(

Mouthmask to protect :confused: HAHAHA ! :rolleyes:

BTW, shouldn't we FTers know best how to avoid bodychecks at security control? :D

BTW, shouldn't we FTers know best how to avoid bodychecks at security control? :D
I know one good method. ;)

I know one good method. ;)
not flying ? :D

not flying ? :D
No, beeing HON. ;) :D

Those screening gentleman in the FCT give you a very warm welcome and you don't have to take off shoes or belt. Just in a few seconds they perform a screening like in the old days, then wish you a very nice flight and that they look forward and will be happy to see you soon again. ^ ^ ^

No, beeing HON. ;) :D

Those screening gentleman in the FCT give you a very warm welcome and you don't have to take off shoes or belt. Just in a few seconds they perform a screening like in the old days, then wish you a very nice flight and that they look forward and will be happy to see you soon again. ^ ^ ^

That's true, and I have to admit that if I lived in FRA or departed from there a lot, I'd probably be a HON by now, too. Avoiding all the hassle in FRA would be worth it. However, ex MUC, being HON doesn't give me any really valuable perk.

It obviously must hppend in Frankfurt. I avoid to transfer via those airport at all cost. It's unbelivable how rude and stone-headed can be security, emigration officers and ground staff in Frankfurt (and Berlin either).
I got uncountable amount of passport -controls; stupid questions (what is the reason for you to travel i.e. to Madrid); taking-off the shoes and so on JUST IN FANKFURT. I suppose it's their interpretation of "Ornung".
Just book you flight via Amstrerdam or Copenhagen - never had such a problems on there I got a few flights on KL to NYC and Sao Paulo on KLM and must admit that AMS is a really pleasure and hassle-free airport to transfer.

(...) taking-off the shoes and so on JUST IN FANKFURT. I suppose it's their interpretation of "Ornung". (...)
Have you ever been in the US lately, in particular in ATL, ORD, MIA?

Guess not, otherwise you can't make such a statement.

I assume, you mean "Ordnung" by the way. ;)

That's true, and I have to admit that if I lived in FRA or departed from there a lot, I'd probably be a HON by now, too. Avoiding all the hassle in FRA would be worth it. However, ex MUC, being HON doesn't give me any really valuable perk.
I completely agree, but I think there is some hope for MUC in the future. Don't believe the current FCL is more, than an interim solution.

..I got uncountable amount of passport -controls; stupid questions (what is the reason for you to travel i.e. to Madrid); taking-off the shoes and so on JUST IN FANKFURT...
As much as Ioath FRA - the secuity on non-US flights and the passport controls
are its mildest worries.
Security into the US depature area is hopeless though, I admit. It looks much as
it the staff and the airport management are perfectly inept to handle it.
Security in AMS is a real pain in the largest muscle as well. The two screenings
and the document check in AMS take forever if you fly US bound. Why can't
they all do it like good ol'SYD. Never have to wait for more than 30 secs.
I TOTALLY agree. This shoe off thing will sometimes be the root cause for the biggest virus epidemy in the world. :(..
An FTer once told me that you can refuse to take off the shoes and instead go
for the SSSS. Tried that about 5 times and always was refused that option.
Just had the same oddish discussion with the TSA agent in IAD. "please take
your shoes off sir, it'll make it much quicker for everyone" - me "I don't
mind the time involved, have plenty of connection time. So can we go for
choice B, the slow one with shoes on" - "there is no choice B, you have to
take those shoes off....".
These days, I now use the disposal socks from the amenity kit to 'survive'
the shoeless strip at the airport - yuck.

Doesn't FRAPORT own its own security company nowadays?

In any event, I'm not a fan of FRA's version of "security".
Nope it is contracted by them and supervised by the Bundespolizei...

An FTer once told me that you can refuse to take off the shoes and instead go
for the SSSS. Tried that about 5 times and always was refused that option.
Just had the same oddish discussion with the TSA agent in IAD. "please take
your shoes off sir, it'll make it much quicker for everyone" - me "I don't
mind the time involved, have plenty of connection time. So can we go for
choice B, the slow one with shoes on" - "there is no choice B, you have to
take those shoes off....".
These days, I now use the disposal socks from the amenity kit to 'survive'
the shoeless strip at the airport - yuck.
IAD has now boxes with disposable socks / covers for oyur socks ...

An FTer once told me that you can refuse to take off the shoes and instead go
for the SSSS. Tried that about 5 times and always was refused that option.
Just had the same oddish discussion with the TSA agent in IAD. "please take
your shoes off sir, it'll make it much quicker for everyone" - me "I don't
mind the time involved, have plenty of connection time. So can we go for
choice B, the slow one with shoes on" - "there is no choice B, you have to
take those shoes off....".

In LAS, which is one of the worst TSA shoe carnival sites, they still have option B, but it involves the full terrorist treatment. Very sad.

OTOH, LAX (at least ex TBIT) is just great. It's a perfectly managed checkpoint with no waiting times and with friendly staffers who do their job efficiently w/o harassement. I was so impressed by this that I actually commended them for doing a good job. Since then, the lead screener remembers me, and as soon as he spots me he'll open up their VIP line. I definitely prefer the VIP treatment over the terrorist treatment. So, as always, YMMV.

An FTer once told me that you can refuse to take off the shoes and instead go
for the SSSS. Tried that about 5 times and always was refused that option.
Just had the same oddish discussion with the TSA agent in IAD. "please take
your shoes off sir, it'll make it much quicker for everyone" - me "I don't
mind the time involved, have plenty of connection time. So can we go for
choice B, the slow one with shoes on" - "there is no choice B, you have to
take those shoes off....".
These days, I now use the disposal socks from the amenity kit to 'survive'
the shoeless strip at the airport - yuck.

That must be an urban legend - do not know if you have had the pleasure of SSSS - but that is far worse than normal "friendly" screening - courtesy of the TSA. And it involves taking your shoes off - sitting on a chair with your legs staight out whilst your feet are being wanded - not to mention all the other parts of checks that are being done. In addition it takes forever and it is not good trying to mention that you have a flight to catch - unless you want to ensure that you miss it.

I would advise against asking for SSSS - frankly I can not imagine an FT volonteering for it.

Cheers

Thomas

IAD has now boxes with disposable socks / covers for oyur socks ...
Just did the intl. transfer security check and was not offered sock :) . Despite
otherwise very friendly TSA crew. So I used the leftover plane sock.
Or is this a brand new thingy?

That must be an urban legend - do not know if you have had the pleasure of SSSS - but that is far worse than normal "friendly" screening..
Yes I had the SSSS many, many times. Ok mostly in good ol'FRA but about
a dozen times in the US. Until it went away entirely mid last year and I have
never enjoyed it since.
I agree with the facts in yoru statement. But I wasn's much worried about
the unpleasant treatment as I am about an infection. This is why don't mind
the German agents grabbing my behind nearly as much as taking off my shoes.
But to everyone his own - I'd take SSSS over walking on my socks any day.
..OTOH, LAX (at least ex TBIT) is just great...
Oddly enough that is true. Despite LAX is an airport much unlvoved by me due
to its unfriendly lounge agents and lack of infrastructure, security has never
been an issue there.

Yes I had the SSSS many, many times. Ok mostly in good ol'FRA but about
a dozen times in the US. Until it went away entirely mid last year and I have
never enjoyed it since.
I agree with the facts in yoru statement. But I wasn's much worried about
the unpleasant treatment as I am about an infection. This is why don't mind
the German agents grabbing my behind nearly as much as taking off my shoes.
But to everyone his own - I'd take SSSS over walking on my socks any day.


My experience was being moved around whilst in socks a tad during SSSS's - but I fully understand your view - either way one should be able to keep once shoes on unless some sort of protection is provided.

I guess this fellow is not a mate of yours barefoot (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551044&page=1&highlight=barefeet) :o

Cheers

Thomas

Doesn't FRAPORT own its own security company nowadays?

In any event, I'm not a fan of FRA's version of "security".

Nope it is contracted by them and supervised by the Bundespolizei...

I'm answering my own question now, and the answer is "yep", as Fraport does own its own security company nowadays (regardless of FRA security checkpoint WTMD/X-ray/passenger frisking):

ICTS Europe Holdings B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fraport AG, owner and operator of Frankfurt Airport, is one of the largest providers of aviation security services in the world. ICTS Europe has developed a wide customer base, expanding its operations throughout Europe and in other regions as well. At present, ICTS Europe comprises 21 group members and partnerships, maintaining offices at 66 locations, employing some 10,500 staff.

ICTS Europe is Europe's largest provider of aviation security services, in terms of quality, reliability, customer dedication, growth, innovation, product development and network coverage.

http://www.fraport.com/cms/fraport_worldwide/dok/75/75472.icts_europe_holding_b_v.htm

I avoid all German airports. Especially DUS where they strip searched my wife in front of a suspicious looking mirror a couple of years ago.

I had to go through MUC (thank goodness BA now flies to Salzburg) in December and it was scary. Very 1930's Germany.

I avoid all German airports. Especially DUS where they strip searched my wife in front of a suspicious looking mirror a couple of years ago.

I had to go through MUC (thank goodness BA now flies to Salzburg) in December and it was scary. Very 1930's Germany.

Are you talking out of own experience from that time ? - otherwise it is a very uncool comment.... : :rolleyes: :

Apart from that - interestingly enough curtousy off the requirements put forward by authorities in the US and UK on what type level of throughness that shall be applied upon the traveller - as one only has secondary screening for flights to the US and UK in general.

For normal travelling there - i.e any other destination - it is normal screening - no mirrors etc.

Cheers

Thomas

(...)I had to go through MUC (thank goodness BA now flies to Salzburg) in December and it was scary. Very 1930's Germany.
You are for sure don't know, what you are saying. :td:

You are for sure don't know, what you are saying. :td:


Sorry, should not have brought up 1930's Germany.

I have a hard time controlling my emotions after the b@stards humiliated my wife in DUS for no reason. Despite the formal apology we got from the German Ambassador to the United States, I still fear traveling in Germany.

Sorry, should not have brought up 1930's Germany.

I have a hard time controlling my emotions after the b@stards humiliated my wife in DUS for no reason. Despite the formal apology we got from the German Ambassador to the United States, I still fear traveling in Germany.
Thanks for clarification. No problem with your point of view, as long as it is not compared to the real hell in Germany in the past century.

By the way, my daughter was treated like a very bad terrorist in October 2001 three times from DL screening stuff for US domestic flights, when we were travelling together as a family. I was as angry, as you might be now. But I didn't transfer it over to all DL stuff or to the entire US population and still fly 10+ times p.a. to the US (for business and for leisure).

My daughter was 8 years old in 2001, but probably has a suspicious first name. In particular short after 9/11, when paranoia was always and everywhere.

I don't blame the German people, just the government. Just like I hope Europeans don't blame the American people but rather President Bush.

I am surprised I didn't get special treatment in MUC last December because I probably looked as nervous as that guy from the movie Midnight Express.

My experience was being moved around whilst in socks a tad during SSSS's..
Then I understand your point of view.
I was always planted on a chair while they went through my luggage like truffle
pigs. I was more understanding for the SSSS in the early days when they
assaulted you without warning. But the 2003-2005 version when they print it
on your boarding pass was just absolutely ridiculous.
The worst SSSS I ever had was SEA when it took them about 20 mins and they
tried to prohibit me to talk to my traveling companion (idiots). The best one
was in IAD where I could jump the entire queue and was finished long before
my friends showed up ;) ..
I avoid all German airports. Especially DUS where they strip searched my wife in front of a suspicious looking mirror a couple of years ago.
Why didn't she just say no? It's always very easy to deal with German authorities.
I had to go through MUC (thank goodness BA now flies to Salzburg) in December and it was scary. Very 1930's Germany.
If you don't like what they ask for, just refuse to do it, they generally are very
accommodating.
Not nice but accommodating. It's probably the only country where I never
any argument going bad with any authorties.
Giving you the benefit of the doubt that you talk about the very early 30s -
MUC is light and open and easy .. the Great Depression is the last thing that
comes to my mind when transferring through MUC.

Even if i am sure that hardly anyone will share my opinion but i found the "new" screening area in the A section of Terminal 1 in Frankfurt quite efficient and well organised.

Even if i am sure that hardly anyone will share my opinion but i found the "new" screening area in the A section of Terminal 1 in Frankfurt quite efficient and well organised.
Not many experiences with the regular FRA screenings in these days, but had one 2 weeks ago on a JK departure and agree with you. We didn't have to take off the shoes (just the belt due to metal) and only my daughter had to open her bag to show her video camera. Went very friendly and fast. But this seems to be just the opposite of all the second screening areas for US/UK/CH/... flights

Even if i am sure that hardly anyone will share my opinion but i found the "new" screening area in the A section of Terminal 1 in Frankfurt quite efficient and well organised.
Yes, the A terminal is just fine. Coming back from shopping in the city, the check
never takes more than 2 minutes.
..But this seems to be just the opposite of all the second screening areas for US/UK/CH/... flights
The second screening for the C gates hardly poses any serious problems (for
people who are used to be fumbled at the airport). But the US screening in B
has cost me 30-45 mins easily. Very, very badly organised.

I found a brother on FT!!!!!!!!!!
I am not alone anymore!

But the bus mafia is in FRA? How did it get to VIE? I never was forced on a bus in
VIE but maybe I was lucky :confused: .

and I thought the worst airport was CDG? :confused:

Yes I had the SSSS many, many times. Ok mostly in good ol'FRA but about
a dozen times in the US. Until it went away entirely mid last year and I have
never enjoyed it since.
I agree with the facts in yoru statement. But I wasn's much worried about
the unpleasant treatment as I am about an infection. This is why don't mind
the German agents grabbing my behind nearly as much as taking off my shoes.
But to everyone his own - I'd take SSSS over walking on my socks any day.

I can identify with weero in the above. Very, very well said.
Myself OTOH, I never, ever take off my shoes in any American airport. My line is "less than an inch, no metal" pointing to my shoes. The warning launched from the surly TSA agent varies, depending on the airport. Sometimes it is like "you will be candidate for a secondary", sometimes "you must go to secondary", etc.
Of course, most of the times I'm asked to step aside for secondary, even without a hint of a beep: Kids wanna have fun... Of course, they always "take their time" betting that pretty soon some serious sweat's gonna pour down from the victim's forehead. But once a guy shows up, it is showtime:

I will never let a single beep out of that thingy without asking for an explanation. Result? I end up keeping busy at least two people: One agent performing the scanning and a supervisor explaining me the procedures. They are required to do so.

Sometimes, agents are so bright as to ask me to take of my shoes. OK. Returning the courtesy, I politely remind them the very reason I was seated there. When they insist, I kindly ask for another chair to put my feet on. They always comply. If they don't, I ask to talk to a supervisor and then they comply. I will stand up only when my shoes are back.

Bottomline? Having fun with people can become an expensive sport for TSA nowadays...

I should however point out that there are also people out there who know their job and don't take pax refusal to comply to stupid rules personally. Yesterday in ORD nothing beeped (as always) but I was directed to secondary since I hadn't removed my shoes. The TSA guy took a sample from my shoes (I was going to pay for a shoe-shine anyway :D) without asking me to take them off. Put it in the machine, no terrorist or drug smuggler and game over, I was good to go.

Mind you, we always end the show in about 5 minutes with the supervisor thanking me for my cooperation and it is me who asks for more. No seriously, I do cooperate! It is just amazing how easily you can turn a fairly easygoing guy into a big time badass in a matter of seconds, depending on how you will ask him to take off his shoes.

But the US screening in B
has cost me 30-45 mins easily. Very, very badly organised.

Wow. MUC really appears to be much better. On my last MUC-LAX trip, is was pretty busy though, with an unheard of 6 minute long line at the priority passport checkpoint.

Still, I cleared both security screenings, passport control, the additional visa check and walking to the gate in about 15 minutes and wasn't even the last pax to board for an on-time departure. Btw, I showed up at the LH check-in counter 32 minutes before departure (I was that early because I had to check a bag this time, I usually don't), but there was a ticket problem that took almost 20 minutes to resolve. Otherwise, I would still have had a drink in the lounge.

I am impressed andre1970 that you succeed in keeping the shoes on.
For my part when I insist in keeping them on my paws, I get a terse "you MUSHHHT
remove them sir".
And they get the batons and stun guns to convince me of the legitimacy of
their claim :eek: .
and I thought the worst airport was CDG? :confused:
If you rifle through past posts, the candidates for this award are FRA, CDG,
and LHR.
Wow. MUC really appears to be much better. On my last MUC-LAX trip, is was pretty busy though, with an unheard of 6 minute long line at the priority passport checkpoint...
Yes, MUC is ways superior to FRA handling wise. But also in FRA, the only
tedious security troubles I ever had were the US depature in B. Most UA birdies
depart from C where I face close to no worries.

Oddly enough that is true. Despite LAX is an airport much unlvoved by me due
to its unfriendly lounge agents and lack of infrastructure, security has never
been an issue there.

I take it you've never flown from terminal 2, or 6/7? I agree TBIT security is actually good by US standards but the other terminals :mad:

But the US screening in B
has cost me 30-45 mins easily. Very, very badly organised.

I've never had screening take this long at FRA, not even when heading for TLV.

But in some US airports I have had this long or longer queues at screening, and also at LHR flight connection centre :(

Luckily, we could get in the F/C line last month. It only took about 12 mins to get to the front of the line. But then, seriously, I was worked over more intensely than by some of the folks I have "dated." It was so close and personal that, despite wearing briefs, he discovered a "below the belt" piercing of mine. From there, then, I was taken into one of the booths and I had to literally pull down my pants and underwear to prove what it was--and then I was subjected to some nasty comments.

:rolleyes: At least it was a man and not a woman!

I take it you've never flown from terminal 2, or 6/7? I agree TBIT security is actually good by US standards but the other terminals :mad:
I must have ... but was able to avoid LAX from 2002 until now. So I have no
clear memories. I find immigration in LAX outright unbearable and do not
appreciate to be verbally abused by uneducated idiots who ask me how many
days I am going to stay after I handed them my ongoing intl. BP...
I've never had screening take this long at FRA, not even when heading for TLV.

But in some US airports I have had this long or longer queues at screening, and also at LHR flight connection centre :(
I know. That belongs in our drawer why I am lucky in LHR and out of luck when
it comes to FRA. I had longer waiting times in B when I still used LH for flying
over the Atlantic sometimes.
The security check alone makes flying UA more appealing to me.
And I actually experienced longer waits in the worst case than listed above :( .