Originally Posted by
Chramil
Hi all - I’ve read that security pat-downs are common at Chinese airports. In other countries you can request this happens in a private room. Is this possible in China? (Specifically, Shanghai and Beijing?)
Hi and welcome to FT
It is true that pat-downs are very common - but they are very different to the ones you may be thinking of in the USA. In China you will simply be asked to stand where you are immediately after coming out of the x-ray or metal detector. There is an outline of a pair of shoes on a mat and you stand there with your arms slightly away from the side of your body. They officer will then wand around your entire body, not touching you. If the detector is set off they will lightly pat the specific area that has set off the alarm (like for a metal button on your trousers), or ask you to show them what has set off the alarm (like a necklace). There is no intrusive or invasive touching.
Just about everyone seems to set off the main detector, and everyone knows the drill for the pat down. It takes all of 10-15 seconds.
I have never seen anything more intrusive than described above, but I guess it must happen in some circumstances. Chinese officers may not be chatty but they are never rude or unpleasant... so if there is a particular reason you think you may be singled out maybe you could indicate what that is and someone on here can provide specific advice about what to ask for, and when.