11-year old boy dodges airport security.
Discussion
I've just got back from the Canaries and of course I was subjected to the usual rigours of border control and security. It turned out that neither I, nor my children, had semtex stuffed in our sandals. Though again Mrs Manks discovered in resort that she had carried a manicure set, with long pointy scissors and metal nail file in her hand luggage. This happens at least once a year.
We again took the view that a lot of security at airports is more an exercise in government trying to look busy than doing anything useful.
A new development this year as we came through border control at East Midlands was that for some reason the gate staff wanted to interview our children about what their names were and whether or not the grown-ups with them were Mum and Dad. At Manchester, though, more relevant questions could be, "where are Mum and Dad?", "Where's your ticket?" and "Where is your passport".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18...
We again took the view that a lot of security at airports is more an exercise in government trying to look busy than doing anything useful.
A new development this year as we came through border control at East Midlands was that for some reason the gate staff wanted to interview our children about what their names were and whether or not the grown-ups with them were Mum and Dad. At Manchester, though, more relevant questions could be, "where are Mum and Dad?", "Where's your ticket?" and "Where is your passport".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18...
Puggit said:
Clever boy - I can see how this is possible by mingling with large groups. Those of us that travel at all often will have seen how the security is cursory at best.
After many years stuck in security queues, I quite genuinely think I could smuggle something through if I wanted to. There's nothing else to think about while watching inane people be searched by inane security guards.Even a boy - as you say - mingling with large groups is very easy. A large family hands over 6 passports, for example, and seven people walk through.
Manks said:
We again took the view that a lot of security at airports is more an exercise in government trying to look busy than doing anything useful.
Obviously 
You can't take a nailfile through but you can then buy glass bottles airside...I suggest "security" need to have a look at a city centre at about 1-3am on a weekend...
I've heard a few people who are seemingly devistated that an 11 year old boy can get onto a flight like this.
Bearing in mind he'd been through the security checks, he couldn't exactly be carrying anything dangerous. Its a complete non story on a slow news day.
If anybody has been in a family group going through the boarding process you'll know how easy this can happen. Family of 5, dad gives a big wad of passports and passes to the gate staff, they look through, do a very quick mental headcount and wave the family though. Uknown to them a 4th child is stood behind somebody out of view and sneaks in. Not that difficult to be honest.
Bearing in mind he'd been through the security checks, he couldn't exactly be carrying anything dangerous. Its a complete non story on a slow news day.
If anybody has been in a family group going through the boarding process you'll know how easy this can happen. Family of 5, dad gives a big wad of passports and passes to the gate staff, they look through, do a very quick mental headcount and wave the family though. Uknown to them a 4th child is stood behind somebody out of view and sneaks in. Not that difficult to be honest.
StottyZr said:
I've heard a few people who are seemingly devistated that an 11 year old boy can get onto a flight like this.
The staff who've been suspended over it are probably none too happy. Still, top swerving from a lad with a keen sense of adventure. Big bragging rights once the ringing in his ears wears off.Puggit said:
TonyHetherington said:
After many years stuck in security queues, I quite genuinely think I could smuggle something through if I wanted to.
Well, I've accidentally carried a leatherman on to a plane at LHR (post 9-11) - so it must be quite easy.
I don't smoke any more, but when I did I would regularly carry lighters in my pocket/bag and not once did they ever get found.
I remember a flight I took last year. I had an unbagged, little pot of Nivea in my carry on. X-Ray saw it and I presumed that it'll be going in the bin.
But, the security guard actually said to me, if you go back out of security and put it in a bag then it will be fine and you can keep it.
I just looked at him like "What the bloody f
kintosh is the point in that! how does putting it in a plastic bag now make it ok?". I told him to bin it. The problem is, most of this work is done by monkeys and we're at the stage now where the security is taken for granted and everyones on zombie autopilot. If someone really wanted in, they'd probably manage it.
But, the security guard actually said to me, if you go back out of security and put it in a bag then it will be fine and you can keep it.
I just looked at him like "What the bloody f
kintosh is the point in that! how does putting it in a plastic bag now make it ok?". I told him to bin it. The problem is, most of this work is done by monkeys and we're at the stage now where the security is taken for granted and everyones on zombie autopilot. If someone really wanted in, they'd probably manage it.tonyhetherington said:
I don't smoke any more, but when I did I would regularly carry lighters in my pocket/bag and not once did they ever get found.
I do and wen through Frankfurt airport on Monday. Full search including emptying pockte which had a lighter in. After the search I was given the lighter back no problem.
Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff