... not in the US, of course, but in Japan.

Seriously, went through security four times (2x in Sapporo, 1x each in Tokyo Narita and Haneda), and found not only were they thorough, they were polite, courteous, and soft-spoken, and had a smile on their faces at all times.

Yes, I had to show my boarding pass, take my laptop out, and they found a mini shampoo bottle that I had forgotten was in my bag, but did so without any fuss or drama, and without once having to raise their voices or bark orders to the passengers.

Japan is truly an amazing country! And is proof you can have good airport security without the circus and the shouting we have to put up with in most airports in the US! (And Japan is no stranger to terrorism either).

Ditto!!!

In Australia.

Been through SYD and BNE numberous times over last 8 months. And don't even need to have a boarding pass. Laptop out - yes. Liquid Restrictions - yes. A couple of times, was also pulled aside for a 'random' explosives check. Even then, polite smiles all over. A friendly chat, a smile, "thank you sir" and off on my way I went.

Have rarely spent more than 20 mins in the line at a check point. With carry on baggage only and self printed boarding card, I can still reach the airport 30 minutes or so before the flight and still make it (Domestic, ofcourse). FWIW, I don't even need a boarding card to go through the security (Great to just duck in and do some plane spotting as I did when I was spending a night near SYD before catching an early morning flight. The end of pier at the Jetstart terminal is great to watch the heavies begin their takeoff rolls). The security doesn't care if I am flying or not. All it cares is I take no restricted items beyond a certain point. Whether my boarding card matches my ID, or whether I am traveling on someone elses boarding card is left for the airline to sort out. (Security is to secure the sterile area, not "revenue protection" for airlines).

Looking like I do, these explosive checks aren't all that "random". And I got no objections to profiling. But i've seen a blue eyed blonde haired guy being given the exploseve check as well, so, maybe it was something with me that day when I was given the rub of the stick, a nervous twitch, looking tense, whatever...

Have never had the (mis)fortune to transit through the United States, but after reading about the security theatre, I am not sure I want to. And no, this is not a reflection on Americans as a people.

So, here's a question, is there a reason why the TSA is not as polite and friendly as the screeners I've come across in Australia, Singapore and India who seem to be doing thier job without antagonizing anyone, and do their job just as efficiently.

Reading the title, I knew that there was no chance in hell that the screening took place in the United States.

I have been going in and out of Changi abi=out every 3 weeks for the last 6 months. During that time I do not remember anyone raising their voice, or for that matter anything at all that caught my attention. Except for the time I could not find my exit card and even then I was properly and nicely treated. The person took the time told me what to do, wher to go and how to get it replaced all with a smile, of course I then found it and he laughed and said it happens all the time and sent me on my way. That will teach me to carry such a large briefcase (too many places to hide things).
One thing I like about this airport is security is at your gate, every gate has there own security checkpoint. They have even added additional WTMD's were the 380's gates are. Hmmm, this sounds like customer service and security together, totally novel concept.

The US used to be that way before 2001 and the hysteria began. /sigh

I have to say there is one US airport that we have consistantly had a good experience with and that is Tucson. It is our home airport so we are through it frequently and so far the tone has been efficient, polite and friendly every time. Thus proving it can be that way if the TSO's give a d@mn.

In fairness, I have to say that passing through LAX T2 Sunday was all of the the things in the title.

Even with casual fliers ahead who hadn't kept their BPs out for the 2nd (SSSS) check at the WTMD, and a guy who divested himself of every single piece of bling (a considerable amount) and had some kind of picture/frame which wouldn't fit through the Xray, the TSOs remained pleasant and accommodating throughout.

Yes, it does happen. Far too rarely though IME.

Perhaps half the time I traverse the LAX T-4 checkpoint I experience "no problem" screening. During the slow periods, I sometimes ride the escalator to the elite line and experience no yelling and no waiting. Dunno if the screeners are polite or friendly, since I have no interaction with them.

My only complaints about such experiences are the usual: I'm required to unpack my stuff as if I'm having a yard sale, I'm required to remove my nonprofile shoes (as are all other pax) and most asinine of all - I cannot bring liquids thru the checkpoint (other than the 3.4 oz/baggie and medical exceptions). Truly stunning that Americans put up with that nonsense.

Being pleasant does not excuse the Shoe Carnival, Liquid Idiocy, BP/ID harassment, and stupid list of prohibited items.

The person who smiles while they break your leg is still breaking your leg.

True enough, although that wasn't the topic.

Mmmmmm......ya know, Spiff, a quick trip through security at 1:00 in the morning in Terminal 2 at LAS/McCarran to get on your HA "Midnight Madness" flight back home with a snootfull of okolehau and pockets full of filthy lucre might just qualify as a "pleasant experience".

Speaking from experience!

P.S.: Please say "Hi" to your dad, from us!

It would be, if one could step out of Planet Hollywood and onto the plane with no TSA.

Will do!

The word "efficient" is in the title and there's nothing efficient about unnecessary , un-American harassment.