Concern about increased airport security in Australia
#16
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#17
Join Date: Nov 2006
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I imagine it would be the airlines checking the ID at boarding, rather than security at the checkpoint, since currently non-passengers can go airside and they'd have to change that. Sure it's a nuisance (and I don't necessarily support it) but it's not the end of the world.
Neil
#18
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Interesting that the airlines don't already do this for revenue protection reasons. In the UK there's no rule saying that you have to show ID for domestic flights, and I believe for some (BA?) you don't need to. But most airlines require it off their own back, mainly to prevent people transferring tickets, though sometimes incorrectly justified as for "security reasons".
Dave
#19
Join Date: Nov 2006
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It isn't about selling on return halves. It's about speculatively booking tickets when they are cheap, and reselling them when they are expensive - touting, if you like. Disallowing name changes other than minor spelling corrections (or charging up to the current fare if you do allow them) makes this work, but only if you check ID!
OT, but I'm surprised that given the problem with touting of gig tickets that these don't have your name on them and require ID as well.
Neil
#20
Join Date: Apr 2007
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showing ID for flights is pretty rare intra-Europe
I don't recall any Schengen countries that check ID and boarding pass at security, though they all check that you have a boarding pass (paper or electronic).
For domestic and intra-EU (intra-Schengen), some airlines check ID at the gate, but definitely not all and not in all countries. Sometimes it seems pretty random.
Trying to recall from some recent flights... No check domestic Sweden or intra-Scandinavia on SK, at least with an SK frequent flyer card. No check on LH departing from Germany (automated boarding pass reader). Recent flight to BCN via ZRH was checked on only of four legs (BCN-ZRH) - I remember that one because I couldn't keep track of whether to keep my passport in my bag or my hand.
For domestic and intra-EU (intra-Schengen), some airlines check ID at the gate, but definitely not all and not in all countries. Sometimes it seems pretty random.
Trying to recall from some recent flights... No check domestic Sweden or intra-Scandinavia on SK, at least with an SK frequent flyer card. No check on LH departing from Germany (automated boarding pass reader). Recent flight to BCN via ZRH was checked on only of four legs (BCN-ZRH) - I remember that one because I couldn't keep track of whether to keep my passport in my bag or my hand.
#21
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Join Date: Nov 2010
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Here is a link to the latest news regarding the introduction of body scanners to Australia.
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...725-1hw8s.html
This is listed as a trial for secondary screening. Does this mean that body scanners will eventually only be used for secondary screening there? I am still also wondering whether opt out will be possible there and if there is any hope that after the trial, Australia will decide not to keep the body scanners.
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...725-1hw8s.html
This is listed as a trial for secondary screening. Does this mean that body scanners will eventually only be used for secondary screening there? I am still also wondering whether opt out will be possible there and if there is any hope that after the trial, Australia will decide not to keep the body scanners.
#22
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The article does point out that being scanned is an optional alternative to being patted down if a passenger triggers the WTMD.
I'm in MEL in the back end of October (the trial there runs in September) so I'll see how things are.
I'm in MEL in the back end of October (the trial there runs in September) so I'll see how things are.
#23
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#24
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
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Also, the patdown at Australian airports is not as bad as the TSA version. The longest I've waited is ~45 seconds, and the longest it's taken is about 90 seconds. It's hard to imagine the Aussie security screeners making the patdown worse to try to force people through the NoS.
#25
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
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Trial of body scanners in Australia
Just saw a snippet on the preview for the TV news, and found this on the interwebs: Sydney Airport trials full body scanners
Key points:
1. Appears to be MMW (the picture in the link above isn't clear but the TV news image looked like the MMW phone-booth setup. Linked article compares exposure to mobile phone power but politicians are idiots, so that's not necessarily indicative.)
2. Uses ATR with the security person at the scanner instead of a backroom perv.
3. "The program is voluntary and any passengers not wanting to try the scanner will go through the standard screening procedures."
I'd prefer not to see this at all, but the health and privacy issues seem to be mitigated, and "standard screening" in Australia is quite reasonable. (I had a patdown last week in CBR which was not at all invasive or rude, and yet the woman doing it was apologetic throughout.)
I have a (very technical) colleague flying out of SYD int'l during the trial and will try to get a front-line report.
ETA: Comments on news sites seem overwhelmingly against the scanner. Radiation concerns (?), privacy, "why does Australia need this?", accusations of political boondoggles. I'm proud of my adopted fellow countrymen!
Key points:
1. Appears to be MMW (the picture in the link above isn't clear but the TV news image looked like the MMW phone-booth setup. Linked article compares exposure to mobile phone power but politicians are idiots, so that's not necessarily indicative.)
2. Uses ATR with the security person at the scanner instead of a backroom perv.
3. "The program is voluntary and any passengers not wanting to try the scanner will go through the standard screening procedures."
I'd prefer not to see this at all, but the health and privacy issues seem to be mitigated, and "standard screening" in Australia is quite reasonable. (I had a patdown last week in CBR which was not at all invasive or rude, and yet the woman doing it was apologetic throughout.)
I have a (very technical) colleague flying out of SYD int'l during the trial and will try to get a front-line report.
ETA: Comments on news sites seem overwhelmingly against the scanner. Radiation concerns (?), privacy, "why does Australia need this?", accusations of political boondoggles. I'm proud of my adopted fellow countrymen!
Last edited by RadioGirl; Aug 1, 2011 at 5:06 am
#26
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 805
I saw this on the news too. Couldn't believe the trash coming from the Minister's mouth about it being so necessary. The ABC news basically said 'authorities have made their decision', which is disappointing, I thought they might ask at least some questions, but perhaps they are trying to keep in the good books of the government.
#27
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I saw this on the news too. Couldn't believe the trash coming from the Minister's mouth about it being so necessary. The ABC news basically said 'authorities have made their decision', which is disappointing, I thought they might ask at least some questions, but perhaps they are trying to keep in the good books of the government.
- Old process: WTMD. If you beep, pat-down.
- New process: WTMD. If you beep, you choose pat-down or scan.
#28
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
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I saw a story about the SYD trial in The Daily Telegraph today. The story claimed the machine uses radio waves. I sent an SMS to the editor correcting that.
I've been looking for an online version of the story which I can comment on, but haven't had any luck finding a site which allows comments.
The Courier Mail site's story says:
I think we might need to spam the idiotic Anthony Albanese.
I've been looking for an online version of the story which I can comment on, but haven't had any luck finding a site which allows comments.
The Courier Mail site's story says:
While the trial is voluntary and any passenger not wishing to participate will be processed normally, he said scans would "absolutely'' become compulsory after the trial.
#29
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 580
This part scares me. Does this mean that there will be no opt out available after the trial is over (as in Britain)? And is this just going to be used in the international terminals, or will it also be used in the domestic terminals?
Is there any hope of preventing this from ruining travel in Australia? I always find travel within Australia to be a pleasure. I know that the country's tourism industry is already having financial problems. The country does not need something to make the experience worse for everyone.
Is there any hope of preventing this from ruining travel in Australia? I always find travel within Australia to be a pleasure. I know that the country's tourism industry is already having financial problems. The country does not need something to make the experience worse for everyone.
#30
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
Posts: 5,304
This is the info on the trial/scanners that the government is spewing.
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...info_sheet.pdf
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...assessment.pdf
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...fact_sheet.pdf
and a feedback contact
[email protected]
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...info_sheet.pdf
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...assessment.pdf
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.g...fact_sheet.pdf
and a feedback contact
[email protected]