An outsiders view
 

An outsiders view on security

As someone who has only visited the US once,I cannot comment on the security/travel safety issues that are mainly discussed in this forum. But, as I've travelled frequently from London to the Middle East and Far East, I thought I'd throw in a few points for your information if travelling outside the USA.

1. Forget your Constitutional Rights - they don't apply.

2. Saying ''You can't do that,I'm an American'' will probably only cause more problems.

3.A lot of places have taken up American practices. ie. shoes, jackets etc must be taken off. ( no particular type/size of shoes ).

4. Pat-downs are not just for terrorists. In many countries contraband, drugs, alcohol etc. are the main reasons.

5. Bra's and groin areas are common places to hide contraband , so are checked if security are suspicious.

6. Females pat-down/search females. It is unacceptable for males to touch females. Religion and Cultural norms apply.

7. Cause a scene and the police will arrive - and probably take you away.

8. Asking for a Supervisor will only double your problems.

9. Remember, different cultures react in different ways.


This is not anti- American, it is just to point out that things you can say/do in the USA don't work overseas. In many Far/Middle Eastern countries it is far easier to ''Switch off'' and smile , it saves getting stressed out and will more than likely get you through the system quicker.

As someone who has traveled to the UK more than 100 times and to many parts of the globe quite a few times, you can rest assured that in no other country in the world do the airport security people treat me as poorly as the TSA does here in the USA.

I totally agree -- and I've spent considerable time in some very undesirable places (military dictatorships, etc.).

Bruce

Unfortunately, I think that security here tries to impress with its seriousness, but it comes off as belligerence.

I was recently struck again with the same thought when, toward the end of a 12-day Caribbean cruise, we docked in Key West and then had to endure the barked orders of the locally hired security employees when reboarding.
They weren't that obnoxious (I've endured worse) but the contrast was striking.

It's the assertiveness that blurs into aggressiveness that's so unnecessary and so annoying. :td:

Some people just need to be reminded that they are civil servants.

particularly to remember to emphasise the 'civil' portion

I think most of us go with the flow when we're in other countries. We don't want trouble with the law, understand the cultural differences, etc.

I got my crotch pat down in FRA by a security official with happy hands. Didn't like it, but I didn't cause a ruckus or complain either.

Most understand that we're guests in the particular country were visiting.

However, that doesn't mean we're going to stand for it in our own countries.

I respect another country's ways of life and their customs, that's not a problem. If anyone does the "I'm an American" business, they deserve what's coming to them.

Over the past eight months, I have flown in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa, with flights within the countries and internationally. The security overseas (and Canada) is much less humilating and more professional. The only difference is trying to learn whether I needed to take my laptop out of my briefcase, which most countries do not require (which I do not mind in any country).

Maybe that's it. In the good ol' US of A nobody likes to think of himself/herself as a servant.

R.

I suspect you're right. The end result for people in those positions is too often resentment and attitude.

I think of the people who are problematic for travellers they broadly fall into 3 groups:

1. Over enthusiastic, "Just doing my job sir", newbies who seem to ignore any latitude they have in implementing the regulations. Generally not too bad I suppose.
2. Resentful people who feel they're doing a McJob and deserve better treatment from the TSA, you, their partner, or what have you and they want you to know how they feel.
3. People drunk on their own "power".

I've encountered all of these types in immigration, customs and security at airports (and lets be honest, they exist in all walks of life). Of the three I can almost live with the first but the other two can largely be managed out of the system with the right policies and oversight.

Problem is, nobody cares enough to fix the problem so the attitudes prevail, travellers get more truculent and we increase the numbers of the people mentioned above. Vicious cycle and ONLY the senior management can do anything about it

Exactly. I realize that I do not have control over laws/policies in other countries, that responsibility lies with the citizens of those countries.

I do, however, have some control over what goes on in my own country and it is my responsibility to question/challenge/change those laws/policies with which I disagree.