Increased aviation security at Australian airports

[Tassieoptom]

Thank you.
Sounds like arriving 90 minutes ahead of departure should be ok ?

Hobart today Mrs and myself. 90mins early for flight, no people at checkin, no people waiting at security, no people waiting at gate. Was announced yesterday that extra security had now stopped. However extra security was still in active use, all electronic stuff separated including phone, tablet, charger, headphones and every passenger was explosive residue swabbed. But efficient and friendly, we are flying carry on only so no dramas.

So summary arrive Hobart about 20-30mins earlier than normal. And be prepared with electronic gear of any sort to be removed and separated. Obviously this is not representative of a real size airport.

 

[zig]

Travelled through BNE domestic yesterday and it was business as usual. There were no additional checks in place.

 

[Melburnian1]

'The Weekend Australian' on Saturday 5 August has a detailed leading article 'security boost at all Australian airports.'

I haven't yet read it in print, but there may be further analysis in the print edition that many of us who buy it will read later today.

In summary, Federal Cabinet may discuss as early as Monday - but perhaps later - the introduction of ID checks (not necessarily at the boarding gate), a replication of the 100ml x 10/ maximum one litre of LAGs and perhaps the banning of those without a boarding pass from airsides in domestic terminals. Biometric checks also rate a mention, as does 'minimising the cost to industry' (that is, the airlines and to some degree airports, although the latter probably pass on all costs where there are common user terminals.

Australia (and the Western world) has a major problem with Islamic terrorists, but unfortunately these measures, regrettably, are unlikely to stop these people. They just try to find new targets, such as potentially those queued in landside airport queues, or they move on to other transport, entertainment venues, sporting arenas or high street targets despite the acknowledged fascination with aviation. The other thing they do is infiltrate through the placement or use of airport airside staff. There are always weak points ripe for exploitation by criminal minds. 98 per cent of us may not think about such weak points because we just want to travel and have no interest in harming others.

Then there are other problems such as the equipment used for checking travellers allegedly being unable to detect plastic explosives or toothpaste bombs. Before reading comments by some security consultant earlier this week many of us may not have known that something as small as a toothpaste tube could do so much harm. I certainly didn't.

Sadly this is a case of 1.5 to 2 per cent of the population dictating to the rest of us that we need to spend millions of dollars, employ more 'checkers', slow down the process of checking in, passing from landside to airside and boarding and make travellers' lives more arduous without solving the problem.

There is repeated reference in the article to what the USA does. Whether the TSA is a good role model will be hotly debated. Those with experience of domestic air travel in the USA may have a view.

 

[nutwood]

The sad reality is that anyone who wishes to cause mayhem in a peaceful society can do so. The degree of mayhem depends on the abilities and resources of the perpetrator but a good attack will always beat a good defence as the initiative is with the attacker.
Personally, I think it would be a big help if the media stopped making such a big deal about it. There's a very, very small number of people trying to attention seek. Massive headlines are the reward for their efforts and encourages others. It'd be better if we laughed at them and, if you think about it, there is a funny side if you ignore the potential for tragedy.

 

[Melburnian1]

... It'd be better if we laughed at them and, if you think about it, there is a funny side if you ignore the potential for tragedy.

I know what you're saying and it's well intentioned, but one doubts that those whose relatives lost their lives in the Lindt Cafe or Melbourne Bourke Street incidents would see any funny side at all. Ever. Nor would the Federal policeman who one charming individual wanted to remove his head from in Dandenong.

 

[nutwood]

I know what you're saying and it's well intentioned, but one doubts that those whose relatives lost their lives in the Lindt Cafe or Melbourne Bourke Street incidents would see any funny side at all. Ever. Nor would the Federal policeman who one charming individual wanted to remove his head from in Dandenong.

Nor would I in their position. No doubt relatives of those who died this week past in various car accidents are also not interested in jokes about bad drivers. Death at the hands of a nutter is unfortunately becoming a risk of modern life. In the cases you mention, I think religious beliefs takes second place to mental issues.

 

[kpc]

'The Weekend Australian' on Saturday 5 August has a detailed leading article 'security boost at all Australian airports.'

I haven't yet read it in print, but there may be further analysis in the print edition that many of us who buy it will read later today.

In summary, Federal Cabinet may discuss as early as Monday - but perhaps later - the introduction of ID checks (not necessarily at the boarding gate), a replication of the 100ml x 10/ maximum one litre of LAGs and perhaps the banning of those without a boarding pass from airsides in domestic terminals. Biometric checks also rate a mention, as does 'minimising the cost to industry' (that is, the airlines and to some degree airports, although the latter probably pass on all costs where there are common user terminals.

Not sure if it is the same article: Tighter security for domestic flights
I think stopping people without a BP going airside domestically is a good idea but banning liquids a la internationally...arrrgh!

 

[drron]

Though one Sydney Council disagrees with PC thought-
https://wentworthreport.com/2017/08...-leaves-jewish-community-shocked-and-furious/

Yes a Jewish synagogue has been banned because it would be a terrorist target.
The Land and Environment Court has upheld the councils decision.
Also interesting is that the first 8 pages of google search for the ban there is no ABC or Fairfax hit.

 

[Denali]

Left Sydney airport hotel at 4.45am and was sitting in the VA lounge at 4.59am. Checked in bags and then used the kerbside lounge entry. Both hubby and I swabbed for drugs and explosives.

Arrived Melbourne domestic approx 8.20am and the security queue was about 30 deep but moving quickly.

 

[blackcat20]

Melbourne domestic deserted at 10.30 this morning. Checked bags and straight through screening.

 

[bad]

As a frequent Berlin to Australia traveller I too found a difference.
I forward you my letter earlier today. My experience on leaving Germany. I travel frequently it is getting worse and worse in Germany. I cannot believe you are treating me as some sort of criminal at the line to immigration security. I am not an illegal person travelling without permission.

I will have have to change my travel plans in the future because this behaviour of entitled police reminds me off Gestpo behaviour from WW2.

I do not deserve this treatment while you enforce the aviation security act.

Very dissatisfied with the behaviour of the police at Tegel Airport. My flight BA981 at gate 4A. The federal policeman immediately on the left hand side booth was very aggressive. Towards me as well as other passengers. If the yellow line is such a big deal then it needs to be policed better with a barrier. If it is so important to stand in single file one should put up some bollards to indicate single file. Being angry at people is not the answer. I did not notice the line anyway I have glasses and wasn't looking down on the ground as there are either other people in front of me or I was next to be serviced by security. I am not used to such aggressive behaviour towards myself.

The Federal police man in the passport booth on the left hand side immediatly on me entering was posturing angrily towards me threatening me to go back behind some yellow line which was not noticeable by myself. My eyesight is not good this morning. I did not appreciate his angry posturing. If this is so important they should have bollards or more staff. I travel frequently, business usually and this has to top the rudeness angriest ..... response by anyone at airports. Wonder how My Grand Father felt in Buchanwald as a prisoner. This is the like for like treatment. I was asked to speak to him directly by staff doing the security screening. I declined as this was going to produce only more angry interactions from this person.

Is this person fit for for duty at such public areas ? Does he need rehabilitation? I would like an apology from this Policeman

I don't expect any reply from the Federal Police department in Germany.

Previous posts .....Those posts are gone now so below edit has been removed as this makes no sense now.

 

[JessicaTam]

[mod hat]
A number of posts that threaten to derail the discussion have been removed.
[/mod hat]

 

[JessicaTam]

Effectively no wait at PER international security this morning.

 

[whughes3]

I think stopping people without a BP going airside domestically is a good idea

WHY exactly??

 

[whughes3]

I have been rather bemused at the descriptions of this latest event as the "most sophisticated" attempt at terrorism so far in Australia. Yet these "sophisticated" would-be terrorists were apparently unaware of the weight restrictions on airline baggage, which led to their fairly prompt detection. I am afraid I still don't feel very threatened!

 

[Pushka]

I have been rather bemused at the descriptions of this latest event as the "most sophisticated" attempt at terrorism so far in Australia. Yet these "sophisticated" would-be terrorists were apparently unaware of the weight restrictions on airline baggage, which led to their fairly prompt detection. I am afraid I still don't feel very threatened!

Were they detected or did they later realise? Given they managed to get the items from Syria into Australia I don't share your sentiments. Ok, they didn't do anything to a plane but a similar plan in the middle of - well - just about anywhere, say Flinders Street Train station where there is no screening would wreck havoc.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have been rather bemused at the descriptions of this latest event as the "most sophisticated" attempt at terrorism so far in Australia. Yet these "sophisticated" would-be terrorists were apparently unaware of the weight restrictions on airline baggage, which led to their fairly prompt detection. I am afraid I still don't feel very threatened!

Yes it's highly amusing, given apparent dummy run tests by AFP have said that even if they had got further, the screening would have discovered it. Maybe they thought a domestic meat grinder would fool everyone. The "sophisticated" plot with H2S also makes me smile.

Reminds one if the English movie "Three Lions" I think it was called.

But one could argue that we are lucky that stupidity is contagious.

Now we have self-promoting "security experts" demanding a liquids ban on domestic aircraft, a ban that actually as never justified for international flights in the first place.

 

[marki]

Yes it's highly amusing, given apparent dummy run tests by AFP have said that even if they had got further, the screening would have discovered it. Maybe they thought a domestic meat grinder would fool everyone. The "sophisticated" plot ............snip""

Now we have self-promoting "security experts" demanding a liquids ban on domestic aircraft, a ban that actually as never justified for international flights in the first place.

That was me the other day, with a newly bought French(Moulinex) meat Mincer/grinder at the airport. (I did have to explain myself). But the most ridiculous thing that I managed to get through at LHR airport was a Black and Decker electric Drill. This was 25 years ago young and naive but I was not going to leave it behind it cost me a packet of money and it was too heavy for the luggage allowance and paying $$$ for less then a kilo over .......no

 

[TheRealTMA]

That was me the other day, with a newly bought French(Moulinex) meat Mincer/grinder at the airport. (I did have to explain myself). But the most ridiculous thing that I managed to get through at LHR airport was a Black and Decker electric Drill. This was 25 years ago young and naive but I was not going to leave it behind it cost me a packet of money and it was too heavy for the luggage allowance and paying $$$ for less then a kilo over .......no

Once upon a time (20 ish yo), we hand carried a full 12 place setting of Robert Welsh cutlery set in hand luggage. Had to to claim VAT back. Caused interest at Heathrow security but no problems however in Singapore reboarding passed through the X-ray scanner and they didn't notice 15kg of cutlery!

Never tried a meat grinder!

My loose toy cannons from the Vasa museum caused amusement on another trip.

 

[Major]

No wait at CBR this morning. Through security in about 30 seconds