I flew out of FRA yesterday enroute to IAD. After going through security, I went into the RCC. Soon there was an anouncement that all passangers must vacate the RRC and again go through a security check. Fortunately, I was third in line because soon the line had become quite long. Apparently all passangers forward of the security check had to return and go through once more. Of course we all stood there waiting for the process to begin, but before anyone could be screened the toilets and all areas had to be cleared. Again I returned to the RCC and asked if this happened often. The reply was, "Yes, it's something new every day". When the flight was called, I went to the gate for a third security check. Again a long line which caused a thirty minute delay in the flight's departure. I like to feel secure, but is this security overkill ?

Definitely.

Complain to UA who will hopefully one day grow a spine and complain to the TSA, which is the disgusting organization that forces airports like FRA to harass people traveling to the US with this nonsense.

Very weird. I was through FRA on Saturday, and I only went through 1 check this time, versus the 2 I've had in the past (one to get into the gate areas, and one before the UA gates). This time the flight left from C4, right below the IFC Lounge. Much easier than going over to the B gates.

I hope there's some legitimate information that's prompting this, not just someone's idea that increased random checks are automatically a good idea. I can see that idea coming from someone at TSA but I'd hope that the authorities at FRA would be smarter in what to do to increase security.

I think SFO is one of the worst. Yesterday the priority line was 30-40 deep and I don�t believe they enforce the �priority� for everyone. And how is it that only SFO �recommends� that you take off your shoes, and if you don�t, you will automatically be singled out for secondary screening even if it does not cause the alarm to sound.

ORD, SNA, LAX, BOS, SJC does not �recommend� you to take off your shoes.

BOS TSA agents asked me the other day. I of course, told them to get stuffed!

Nope, this kind of nonsense happens only for US and UK bound flights.

I flew to ZRH from FRA and had no such issues. Also, if one flies UA after connecting from LH, one has to get harassed again making the transition from Terminal B to Terminal C. There is no such harassment in the opposite direction.

In PHX they always made me take off my shoes no matter what I was wearing that day. I thought it was a bit rediculous but then again if you show the slightest amount of resistence to what they're asking you gotta fear to be sent over to the secondary screening which is just humiliating becasue you feel like a criminal. and IMO it does very little to provide more security for the airlines anyway.

Yeah, this is a TOTAL farce! This totally goes against the TSA rules that shoes can stay on, and no secondary required if they dont set off the detectors. So many "random" secondaries? I wish we had the Registered Traveller program here...couldn't make me take them off then.

Randomman

Passengers shouldn't be blackmailed into giving up personal information so they can avoid harassment that shouldn't ever be happening in the first place. It is none of the government's business who travels domestically.

Is the Shoe Carnival an issue at the UA gates at PHX or all gates there?

Just remember, it can be worse. Try flying El Al, or most any flight to Israel. You get questioned - in depth - by a uniformed soldier carrying an Uzi. And likely as not the soldier is female, and maybe 20 years old.

That's probably punishment for the way they drive in Israel - literally on the sidewalks in places!

Seriously, one does hope there is a real reason to do all that security. For one, it's expensive.

Flying C from LHR-SFO, there was not a screening at the gate if you used the special Elite/Premium Cabin entrance when I went thru a week ago.

SJC always makes me take off my shoes. I've protested multiple times (like when I'm wearing sneakers, which I know have no metal in them), and they're always firm on that.

Haven't been through LAX in a while, but I seem to remember them being the same.

Last I checked, the people who ask the security questions for El Al in Israel and abroad are not Israeli soldiers though they are likely to have military experience for an obvious reason.

I have never been security-questioned by anyone with a uniform or a gun as part of the Israeli security routine.

Is this anecdote from personal experience?

In Israel, there is an obvious need.