Originally Posted by
scubadu
P.S. On a separate but related topic, I must say that for all the whining about TSA in the United States, going through security at LHR was perhaps one of the most demeaning/humbling airport experiences I've ever had.
LHR is a nasty airport full stop. It's overfull of people who are not happy to be there (passengers and staff).
Smaller UK airports tend to be staffed by much more polite people. I think it helps when they have a large proportion of holiday traffic (=people who want to be travelling and aren't in a hurry). In particular I find almost all of the security staff I have encountered at LTN to be polite and cheerful.
That said, one way to ensure they are not is to argue with them - you are guaranteed to get nowhere (they have no authority to waive procedures, nor should they have) - if there is a complaint to be made, make it formally in writing after the event.
Neil