I flew out of the LH F terminal at FRA today. There were 3 people standing by at the checkpoint. They helped me with my bags and they were very kind in every request. No barking at me to take my shoes and belt off. I set off the detector; I think due to my watch. The wanding was very dignified. No pulling my pants waist down or anything like that. It was just as fast as any other checkpoint.

This was done by the same government staff that does the normal security at FRA. No steps were skipped. To me it was proof that security can be done in a kind and dignified manner. I'm guessing that not only does Lufthansa pay a lot to the government for this private first-class service, but the security staff like working this duty as well. I wonder if there is some lesson that can be learned by other airports, and especially by the TSA, and applied to common security checkpoints.

Excellent post. What I find funny is that I would describe my experience with US airport security for 30+ years (ending on September 11, 2001) exactly the same way. Simply place my stuff in the x-ray, matter of factly walk thru the WTMD, collect my bag, and be on my way.

It's somewhat telling that the frequent flyers on Flyertalk rarely (if ever) mentioned negative experiences with airport security prior to September 14, 2001. From that point on, however, FFs have had issues with airport security. Formation of the TSA (and its gradual takeover of checkpoints beginning in about April, 2002) seemed to intensify the dissatisfaction.

Lots of people claim there was something wrong with airport security - funny how there aren't any posts on Flyertalk from May, 1998 thru August, 2001 supporting those claims.

Perhaps September 11 2001 was sufficent proof?

Yeah, except for the fact that September 11 2001 had nothing to do with bad aviation security.

Was something brought on board that was prohibited at the time? Did people board without ID?

If the rules from before were in effect with the TSA of today, what would have happened differently?

If someone on a plane uses their shoelaces and laptop to do something, is that the fault of security?

All September 11 2001 is proof of is lack of imagination.

Were you going to the US or the UK from FRA?

I think the extra harassment that occurs for those flights out of FRA is a disgrace. I'm not using FRA for such flights for the forseeable future?

Sept 11th was caused by passengers/crew cooperating with terrorists and pilots opening cockpit doors.

There's no legitimate correlation between airport security and the events that happened that day.

Yes! I flew FRA-DEN. NO EXTRA HASSLE FOR FLYING TO THE US!!!!!

LH first class passengers do not get hassled at FRA when flying to the US, but the rest of the slugs do. What does that tell you about how important the extra security is? As I said, all the normal steps were taken. Xray bags, metal detector, wanding, passport check, etc. But none of the extra ridiculous junk that they have added since 9/11.

So if none of the extra things they have added since 9/11 truly matter, why do they do it?

Forgive me as I know you are a valuable contributor here on Flyertalk. But after all we have discussed here since 9/11 that comment seems to be pretty ignorant to me. Lots of people said the same thing right after 9/11, but it's 2006 now and we know better.

Maybe I am missing something?

If one didn't alarm at the WTMD, why is one wanded? Completely unnecessary harassment, in my opinion.

One passport check should be enough. They should not ask to see a passport other than to leave the country and if the airline wants to see if you are legally permitted to visit your intended destination.

Just to be clear, I was only wanded because I did set off the WTMD. The wanding was done in a simple dignified manner. No pat downs.

At the FRA F lounge, the staff takes your passport and does their work on it while you relax. There is an official immigration officer there to check and stamp your passport and he hands it back to you.

????? what????

The guys actually had nothing ILLEGAL on them. The blades they carired were approved so it had nothing to do with screening ...

BTW one thing that happens in Germany as well is that they put your passport and other documents through the x-ray. I asked them why...
ever thought that a blade is VERY flat and fits neatly between the pages ????

I ALWAYS tell that the TSA guys just to let them know that thier screening is a pure show.

That question has been the subject of oh, several thousand posts in this forum .

One view is that the extra procedures Make Us Safer�.
One view is that the extra procedures appear to Make Us Safer�.
One view is that the extra procedures do both.
One view is that the extra procedures do neither.
One view is that the extra procedures are simply a government employment scheme.

Take your pick.

You all should see the Dubai International Business/First Class Check In/Security. Extremely efficient, no shoes off, no laptops out of bags, extremely friendly, and the best part no lines. Honestly, it saves an hour of time going through this check in, but it's only available to those who fly Emirates.

Billman

Such should be the standard security experience for all travelers at all airports.

Instead, we have little pieces of filth like Comrade-Secretary Chertoff and Comrade Hawley advocating harassment for all.

[QUOTE=stimpy]Just to be clear, The wanding was done in a simple dignified manner. No pat downs.

Oh, Stimpy. The point seems to have eluded you. When could a wanding EVER be "dignified" since the implication is more akin to: "You are a damned, dangerous liar!"

As Alice said about Wonderland, "...things are becoming curiouser and curiouser..."