Topic: Airport body scanners to become compulsory

I hate the very thought of it. I long for the old days when air travel was a pleasure and security was something that delivered money to banks. Unfortunately the terrorists have won and we all have to dance to their tune like puppets on a string. I remember the days when with nothing better to do on a Sunday I would bring my son to the airport just to watch the planes come and go. Days gone forever. I only fly now when there is no other option but if I want to cruise I have to put up with it. By the way, does anyone know why the british are the only country in the EU that insist on passports being removed from wallet style covers. I just dont get that one at all and the curiosity is really bugging me

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I hate the very thought of it. I long for the old days when air travel was a pleasure and security was something that delivered money to banks. Unfortunately the terrorists have won and we all have to dance to their tune like puppets on a string. I remember the days when with nothing better to do on a Sunday I would bring my son to the airport just to watch the planes come and go. Days gone forever. I only fly now when there is no other option but if I want to cruise I have to put up with it. By the way, does anyone know why the british are the only country in the EU that insist on passports being removed from wallet style covers. I just dont get that one at all and the curiosity is really bugging me

Interesting enough, has been a surge in private and business jets travel by companies, individuals and groups as these jets do not use the large airport terminals. You still have to be checked in with a passport and officials as required but the body scanners are normally not used or if used , the number of people is like getting on a small bus in numbers.

Canada and the US insist on your passport being removed and examined by an offical as it is an official document including cover.

QUOTE:

I hate the very thought of it. I long for the old days when air travel was a pleasure and security was something that delivered money to banks. Unfortunately the terrorists have won and we all have to dance to their tune like puppets on a string. I remember the days when with nothing better to do on a Sunday I would bring my son to the airport just to watch the planes come and go. Days gone forever. I only fly now when there is no other option but if I want to cruise I have to put up with it. By the way, does anyone know why the british are the only country in the EU that insist on passports being removed from wallet style covers. I just dont get that one at all and the curiosity is really bugging me

You can see if it's been tampered with more easily and it goes into the reader quickly

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You can see if it's been tampered with more easily and it goes into the reader quickly

Strangely, it takes a lot longer to get through immigration at Belfast than it does in Dublin or Malaga and similarly using the Eurotunnel is a breeze heading to France but a pain coming back so I dont think going through the reader speeds things up. Dont actually recall the French, Spanish or Irish putting my passport through any readers, I just find that immigration and security are a lot less intrusive in other EU countries and the officials seem to remember how to ask, smile and say thankyou and although you have been thoroughly scanned and frisked if need be you dont feel violated as you do in Belfast International, extremely so in Belfast City and to a lesser extent in Heathrow. I just miss the old more relaxed days of the 60s when I first started travelling

Ah yes but all those EU counties mentioned do not pay £12k a year benefits to those who stay as the UK does

Jimbo