1. The airlines are responsible for security of their passengers. If you fly out of LHR, then the airlines are forced to contract this to BAA. However, the airline is the liable party.

2. The machines in use have either (a) been giving false confidence for a long time or (b) work ok with laptops in the bag anyway. In general, the newer machines that are in use with neutron backscattering etc can see what is important anyway with laptops in the bag.

3. What if you carry printed circuit boards, batteries etc in your checked in luggage? With 100% hold baggage screening that we have had for years in the UK (post Lockerbie) then are you suggesting that every bag which has one of these items is broken into, the items placed on a tray, and then matched up again prior to being placed into the hold of an aircraft?

4. The machines in the US were generally not as capable as those in the UK and therefore, it may be reasonable for our former colonial cousins to take this route of laptops out. All it says to me, at the end of the day, is that they have not invested in the right technology.

5. My Blackberry (useless as it times out before I can punch the security code into it so I cannot get emails!) also performs most of the functions of my computer. My previous O2 Xda (even more useless) also had most of the functions. Now, the signs say that you should put your mobile phone in your bag.......

Never confuse awkwardness with competence!

Spottie