Originally Posted by Herb687
I may be in the minority here but, if done properly (as in other countries), the patdown doesn't really bother me.
Coming back from LHR recently was such a treat - didn't have to take off my belt or take off my shoes to go through the detector. (I really hate getting airport floor nasties on my socks). Either my belt or shoes buzzed the metal detector at LHR but after a very professional, polite and quick patdown by the BAA security guy I was cleared and on my way.
I don't think you're in the minority. A proper patdown as done in other countries doesn't really bother me either. This year I've cleared security at:
LHR, LGW, LCY, AMS, BUD, FCO, BCN, MAD, DXB, KUL, SIN, MEL, SYD, and a handful of other airports overseas. No shoe removal, no belt removal, no silly business. If I did receive a patdown, it was professional -- my backside was not massaged and my genitals not groped.
My flights between points outside of the USA (from short Intra-European to long-haul trans-oceanic between points outside the USA) are a treat when it comes to security. I have even been able to visit the flight deck on some flights, talk with the pilots, watch some teriffic views, and see how things work up-front. I've even been on a flight where the cockpit door was kept open during the the majority of the flight with a jumpseater, pilots, and FAs talking. I'm certain this would freak some people out, but I was fine with it. Life without paranioa exists outside of the USA.
SDF_Traveler