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Airport staff so unfriendly

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Security staff at Belfast airport failed to listen

Your letters page has had a substantial number of letters complaining about arrogant and harsh treatment by searchers at airport security.

It is long overdue for airport management to step in and organise some customer-friendly training. After all the travelling public pays their wages. Regretfully this attitude appears to be universal. Courtesy is non-existent. One feels it is a ‘privilege’ to get through the security checks.

One always remembers that when dealing with the public, “courtesy is an essential quality, and one which will smooth many a path”.

A large dollop of ‘common sense’ in searching would be appreciated.

There is enough stress and hassle in our travels without this added, unnecessary provocation.

I Baxter

Belfast

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Have just had another horrible experience yesterday going through security at Aldergrove - I fly a lot and have to say that the treatment there is consistently the worst I've experienced.

Agree with Andy M and Alistair's point of view - I don't find any smiles, just someone screaming at me to get my coat off and remove my laptop... overbearing and dictatorial doesn't even come near.

Posted by Thetrout | 24.06.09, 12:25 GMT

I Baxter's last paragraph 'stress and hassle' (that passengers feel when flying) is a problem faced by all airline staff. What is a friendly remark to one passenger is a time bomb to another. Staff often feel that a plain no nonsence approach is protection against the passenger who's temper explodes and the complaint that follows. So a smile from all passengers would go a long way to solving this problem. So smile and relax when flying. It,s safe, quick and you are doing what you want to do.

Posted by Brian Cooper | 22.06.09, 07:13 GMT

Any dedicated potential attacker would run rings around these type of security personel.

Posted by man dingo | 20.06.09, 23:51 GMT

Any more of that talk and they'll be reaching for the rubber gloves for you, Baxter.

Posted by Cavity Search | 18.06.09, 15:53 GMT

In respect of McD's comment, I strongly disagree. Police and army also enforce security and can normally do so in a professional and polite manner. Unfortunately this has not been my expeience of many (although certainly not all) of the civilian airport security staff I've encountered.

Posted by Alastair | 18.06.09, 13:48 GMT

The attitude of many security employees at The International airport is overbearing and dictatorial. Andy M is correct - unsuitable staff should be dismissed. I suggest a recruitment drive to identify intelligent personnel who are better suited to this particular role.

Posted by Al C | 18.06.09, 13:29 GMT

They are paid out of our money and government subsidy and if these arrogant "wannabe police" cannot do with their work with simple civility then get rid of them. How dare anyone suggest they are justified in being downright rude. If a terrorist wants to bomb a plane do you think those toy security people would stop them, with their powers to stop and search water bottles?

Posted by andy M | 18.06.09, 10:00 GMT