BigHairyMonk

Hey guys,

I live in the UK and I'm about to go on holiday to Nassau. I have a Continental travel voucher which means that bizarrely the best way for me to get there is to fly from

London Heathrow -> Newark with Continental
Newark -> Miami with American Airlines
Miami -> Nassau with American Airlines

Nassau -> Newark with Continental
Newark -> London Heathrow with Continental

My question is about security checkpoints when you're just connecting between flights. Like many people on this forum, I am quite passionate in my distaste for the ridiculous security measures that are being implemented, and I fear that if I come up against one I will opt out of the scan and then become rather enraged when the TSA goon gropes me in the patdown (which would not end well for me, I fear).

I was hoping that, assuming I managed to get through Heathrow ok, will I get through Newark and Miami without being scanned/groped, since I should never have to leave the departures area?

You obviously have to put up with security checkpoints when you checkin, but would I have to put up with it if I'm just going from one gate to another?

I will have carryon luggage only, and the only terminal change would be from terminal C to terminal A at EWR for my American Airlines flight.

I am genuinely considering discarding my voucher, and paying an extra $1000 to fly direct to Nassau just to avoid this rubbish. No religious reason for it or anything - I just find the idea of being pictured naked/groped and being told it's to protect me quite hideous.

Cheers
BHM

Often1

You will clear TSA at EWR in both directions.

Ari

Why would he clear security at EWR on the way back?

jkhuggins

Well, Nassau is clearly not in the US. I suppose it's possible that he might pre-clear TSA/CBP in Nassau rather than in EWR. Either way, he'll have to transit a TSA checkpoint somehow on the return trip.

Ari

Why. If Nassau is a preclearance location-- and it has been one since 1974-- then the OP would arrive at a domestic gate in EWR.

jkhuggins

That was the piece I wasn't aware of. So, the OP will have to go through TSA-style screening in Nassau on the way back.

Ari

Perhaps, but it likely isn't as bad as actual TSA. The Canadian preclearance security isn't as bad as true TSA . . .

Often1

Sorry - Nassau is pre-clearance. OP won't clear TSA in EWR on return, but security at Nassau has to meet TSA standards.

Ari

Right. However, the TSA standards for such locations are different than what they mandate at home for themselves. For example, shoes are allowed on in Canada and they don't have the same gropes as true TSA, even for transborder flights.

alexb133

Official CATSA policy is actually shoes-off for US flights (while domestic and int'l are indeed not required to remove shoes).

However, plenty of people (myself included) have passed thru transborder security without the need to remove shoes. And the security is definitely less "personal" than the TSA in the US.

I don't think that TSA sets the standard for security at pre-clearance posts. They can make such a request, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be honoured.

alexb133

I highly recommend that. Intl-Intl flights via the US are not exactly a terrific experience. Not just the security - but the whole clearing immigration (which btw - EWR has long lines depending on what time you land), is a huge factor that I'd weigh in. Also the ESTA you have to fill out online... Which costs money.

Pay $1,000, and avoid starting your vacation with the nonsense down in the US.

BigHairyMonk

Thanks guys.

Can you tell me what OP stands for please?

I think I'll probably take your advice. The $1000 will knock about 7-9 hours off my travel time because it's direct, and if the alternative involves molestation then direct sounds even more attractive.

Also I didn't realise I'd have to fill out the ESTA just to pass through an airport.

Thanks for the advice!

BHM

Ari

That's the best idea.

By the way, OP means original poster.

And welcome to flyertalk.

BigHairyMonk

Thanks

I'll catch up on the abbreviations soon.

DeafBlonde

You may want to look at this stickey-thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-glossary.html
and welcome to FT, BigHairyMonk!