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Put a check on Belfast airport security
Friday, 29 May 2009
enlargeI have travelled to more than 50 countries over the years and rate Belfast International the most unfriendly airport.
Four times a year I travel back to Ulster to visit my mother in my hometown.
Every time I leave the country, the experience at the security checks gets worse.
I was in tears in January when the staff waved my soiled underwear around, belatedly offering a private room after they had used the sniffer device to look for bombs.
Last week was especially noteworthy. They confiscated a small bottle of mustard and washing soda crystals.
They found some make-up after the bag had gone through X-ray and made me go and buy plastic bags to put it in, although it had already been through the machine. How petty is that?
It is their manner that is so upsetting. We all know security is important, but we are not all criminals.
It is paradoxical that, having been brought up with security throughout the Troubles with daily searches (that were done sympathetically), we now undergo such unpleasant treatment leaving the province.
Joan Thompson
Murcia, Spain
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Belfast International Airport is the worst airport with over-zealous security staff I have ever flown from. The staff have been smug every time I have flown from there. Recently I had to purchase a ziploc bag for my disposable contact lenses at the cost of one pound! The airport charges one pound for four bags that most other airports give away free. I will be flying from Belfast City Airport in the future. The least friendly Irish I have ever met...
Posted by Francis Hughes | 14.07.09, 01:05 GMT
I travelled from Belfast on Saturday and had my 20 ml bottle of medication confiscated because the clear, sealed, plastic bag that held it was 2cm too tall, much to my disbelief.
My understanding of airport security is that its purpose is to reduce security risk to travellers. How a 22cm tall clear plastic bag increases security risk as opposed to a 20cm bag is beyond my comprehension.
Sam Cathcart
London
Posted by Sam Cathcart | 08.06.09, 10:00 GMT
Concerned, whoever you are, can you explain to me what the rules broken are. BIA whom employs ICTS to do security, has broken no rules what so ever.
If Joan Thompsons bag had been selected for an NSM search, meaning everything was to come out, the bag to be swabbed! Not some sort of "sniffer device" because that is not used!!!
I somewhat doubt that her underwear was waved about, rather lifted out. Its just as embarrassing for the security staff.
Posted by Golf | 02.06.09, 23:09 GMT
I live in Spain and travel to Belfast at least 3 times a year and I have yet to have a pleasant experience! last christmas while looking through my baggage 1 of the staff decided to show his colleagues a little ceramic bear my mum had given to my daughter.. while I take on board he was saying nice things, it was my Private possesion and didn't appreciate it being desplayed to all in sundry! Let's not even talk about passport control! what a jobs worth the security is there!!
Posted by Karen | 01.06.09, 16:53 GMT
As a frequent air traveler I would have to agree that some security personnel at our International Airport are unfriendly and over zealous. I have noted that they tend to single out elderly people for a more thorough search, letting younger able bodied pass with no hindrance. I suggest management should consider better supervision to ensure passengers are treated with respect and dignity. Security staff at Belfast City are considerably more efficient and courteous.
Posted by Chris Co Down | 31.05.09, 12:19 GMT
I travel internationally and nationally here in the US. I have to agree the longest lines, the pettiest "Jobs Worth" Staff and by far the Least effective security are at Aldergrove. I was made to switch the ziploc bag that had my 3 small travel containers for one that they sold in the airport. I had my electric razor scanned 3 times, I didn't realize Braun, was a weapons company? This goes back to the old days in Heathrow when we were all treated like criminals.
Posted by Philip NYC | 30.05.09, 13:41 GMT
Why would the security at the airport be wearing tee-shirts and displaying tattoos? Should they not be wearing uniforms of some description?
I would, however, have to agree with you, Fiona. Body-art does not equate to thuggishness. Behaviour and attitude does.
Posted by Ulysses31 | 29.05.09, 17:15 GMT
Fiona You might be a nice person with 'tats', and you may have kindred spirits among Security at Aldergrove. I am saddened however that I have made you sick. Blame the Media - all ugly troublesome disagreeable and uncongenial people appear to wish to incline to this stereotype.
Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 29.05.09, 16:47 GMT
'You will notice that some of these people display tattoo's....'
What has that got to do with anything?? Because you have tats you must be a thug? That sort of attitude is outdated and unfounded. Attitudes like that make me sick.
Posted by Fiona | 29.05.09, 13:38 GMT
Joan this is ridiculous, you need to complain about this as they have broke a number of security rules themselves.
Posted by Concerned | 29.05.09, 13:10 GMT
This is the problem, Joan, I would contact your MP or better still, Stephen Nolan (who himself is a regular air traveller) and perhaps things might start to change. I too remember the Troubles and how friendly our airport was compared to the dreaded Gate 49 Departure Lounge (dump) at London's Heathrow
Posted by Donegore | 29.05.09, 11:33 GMT
You will notice that some of these people display tattoo's. Many of us are uncomfortable having to deal with people where tattoo's, bald heads, and tee shirts are part of the sub culture. None of the other Airports use this sort of security for sound business reasons.
Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 29.05.09, 11:22 GMT
Question is, why were you carrying soiled underwear?
Posted by James | 29.05.09, 10:42 GMT