Define "best practices" .

I have the feeling that not everyone here would feel that the same level of searching and questioning is acceptable. And it is a balance we seek, since anything short of prohibiting air travel is taking a safety risk. First, we would need a poll on this topic, because I feel some on this board would accept to board a plane where no baggage was checked in any way. I am not sure I would, because bagage check can prevent some honest mistakes. I for one bless the screener that discovered a security metal key that I thought I had lost, and which was in the pocket of a shirt I rarely wear

But on the other hand, if I were a terrorist, I wouldn't try to smuggle explosive on board (which is currently difficult) but I would simply fire a put my explosive in the middle of a crowded area (bar, hotel...) where it is far easier. It is, after all, the way most terrorists attacks are done so far (Madrid, many times in Israel, Bali...). So I don't think it's wise to spend a lot of energy to try more than preventing honest mistakes. Especially when doing this shows we are prepared to change the way we live, which in itself is a victory for the terrorists : they succeeding in making us fear them. What will we do next ? If someone puts a bomb in a bar, injuring thousands, will we have an explosive detection device at every door ? After the train station attack in Spain, many people gathered in the street to show they didn't fear to congregate even though it was risky.

This said, I feel that what is most upsetting is not the security procedures, but the fact that they are not the same everywhere (even in the same country, I mean). It lets the traveller feels that is not treated as he should. It MAY be ok to say : this type of shoes is forbidden on a plane. It is not acceptable to have the same pair profiled sometime and sometime not (I am speaking of a theoric example here). It may be upsetting also if the security checks are to lax. I have taken the plane without ANY reasonable ID. I got up late one, arrived at the airport, was asked for ID when I wanted to buy a ticket and discovered I had none. I paid by credit card, and asked if I could use their fax machine. I called Ms Richelieu and asked her to fax me my ID card. It worked, but the printed picture was only a dark outline. I was sure I wouldn't be able to pass security. I did, no question asked, and in fact I did TWICE as I had a connecting flight. On this day, I lost all confidence in ID check in France. But if I could pass an ID check so easily, why even have them ? Even if I was glad to have my flight, I think it would be right if I had been denied boarding.

So how can you have "best practices" when some will complain when there is not enough security, and other will think this is harassment, some will tolerate removing a piece of clothing, other won't... Some will feel safer to be checked in private, I would prefer to be in public (at least there are some witnesses if things go wrong and the screener drops my laptop on the floor)... Do you really think you 'll accomodate everyone ? It's a personnal decision to decide if it's worth travelling by an airport according to the way checks are made there. I have read here that there are distinct difference between airports. Why not have a thread in the travel report forum to grade airport on their customer-friendliness ? (especially because I wouldn't mind opening my laptop if asked politely, but I would if I was barked at. It would help people decide, instead of dreaming about a perfect policy.

Another idea, difficult to implement, is to let the airlines decide the level of security they want. If a plane is hijacked, it will be shot by the air force. So 9/11-like events are unlikely to happen again. As the passengers are the one taking the risks, they should be allowed to choose. It is a totally liberal approach of the situation, and probably a dream, but it would make everyone happy.