Security bias (or the perception of such)

[JMFK]

Happens to me all the time too, but only cause I seem to be the next person in line after they finish with someone.

Bag opens, arms go up, I move on.

Not a big deal IMHO.

 

[JessicaTam]

If I notice that the screener is finished and I am still packing my bag I take it open to them and finish packing whilst they wave the wand.

Hardly adds any time at all.

 

[Boris spatsky]

I don't think they are biased - as crew in uniform, i get done more than 50% of the time...

 

[clarkkent]

Virgin Premium in SYD has a very high hit rate as very few ppl using it

Yep roughly 100% for me there as there's usually no one else going through at the same time. Staff there are really friendly though so not a bother at all.

 

[medhead]

I've experience that aggressive one in Adelaide. Made a complaint about the guy not following procedure. He tried being smart the next week. Just played the game.

I had a long run of consecutive screenings once - about 12 or so. I made a joke about always getting screened, this is 12 in a row, new record. The screening really dropped off after that. Even to point that I've been waved through when walking at them and making eye contact.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Don't worry, I get it too.
Bomb residue...
100% of the time.
Why?
My beard!
Edit: have you noticed their check sheet?
Every successful domestic security swab they do, those people make money from the domestic security tax/levy we all pay in our ticket fare.
I have seen check sheets that have just been lying around, at QF SYDd/MELd.
BEST NOT TO SCREAM (as I saw myself): I AM NOT A TERRORIST by an angry young man (above 18) at QF SYDd after he got the bomb residue test a few months ago done on him.
Don't want the AFP called in do we, boys and girls.

 

[bryanjones]

Two possible reasons:
- Tall Poppy Syndrome.
- You are carrying a bag with "cough SECURITY" written on it

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Padded parka vest!

 

[Kolo]

I'm a middle aged Caucasian man, usually casually dressed. I reckon I was tested probably about 75% of the time, when I used to make eye contact - trying to indicate that I was perfectly happy to be tested, therefore they were wasting their time . Since I stopped making eye contact, my testing rates have dropped dramatically.

 

[jackthomas]

Mid Twenties Caucasian here, usually travel in a suit or somewhat formal business attire (unless on a weekend)
I'd say I'm checked about 70% of the time... 100% in Sydney ( Due to the Premium Entry)
I never got checked in MEL before the Lounge Security opened, but that's changed now.

Theres no hassle though, just let them do their job and its over.
Have to say though, the stool they use in the SYD entry, a bit more of an obstacle than other ports.

 

[Ausbt]

Bag opens, no need to read me the spiel. It's over and done with in less than a minute.

I tend to agree. Usually when I stuff my laptop back into the briefcase I leave the zips open, to make it easier for Mr/Mrs/Miss Security to do their job. I always chat with the VA Syd premium entry team, they always seem like a friendly crew. I've never noticed any racial or demographic bias in their selections.

 

[clazman]

I would rather have 100% check.

I got pulled at a regional airport and tested positive to explosives, funny thing was they didn't know what to do.

After six more tests we isolated my back pack was positive to explosives, they searched it and found nothing and let me continue on

My conclusion was the hire car I had used for the previous 3 days was a mine spec hilux ute had been used to carry explosives prior to my usage.

Security staff in my opinion handled it professionally even when they had to search my dirty clothing

 

[mimishat]

Hubby gets checked nearly every time he flies. He is used to it and allows another 5 minutes to go through the process - doesn't seem to matter which airport either (Hervey Bay has been 100% hit rate for him so far). Must admit when I'm travelling with the kids they tend to leave me be with the odd pram explosives test.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Now, some of you will see a red "handkerchief" to a bull, and let me say, up front, its very very bad of me to say this, and if the Mod/s delete this reply, or me, I admit my errornous ways, but has anyone ever noticed if a limping person gets the "waving wand" treatment (when they have met their quota/if they are not going to pick you)?
Not as far as person in a wheelchair gets the "wand", is it?

 

[RooFlyer]

Now, some of you will see a red "handkerchief" to a bull, and let me say, up front, its very very bad of me to say this, and if the Mod/s delete this reply, or me, I admit my errornous ways, but has anyone ever noticed if a limping person gets the "waving wand" treatment (when they have met their quota/if they are not going to pick you)?
Not as far as person in a wheelchair gets the "wand", is it?

Sorry, I can't understand the point you are trying to make. Is it that limping people are apparently exempt from being subject to the hand held metal detector, and people in wheelchairs aren't?

 

[Moody]

This is not an area of travel that I have wasted my time thinking about, but my casual observations are that the additional security checks are done without bias. Once they deal with the current pax they simply pull over the next one, regardless of their demographic.

Sometimes I take note if it looks like it will be me, and then I might take a little bit longer to pack up my stuff. This often works but there has been at least one time that I was being too obvious and the officer waited for me. Fair cop.

 

[Warks]

Sometimes I take note if it looks like it will be me, and then I might take a little bit longer to pack up my stuff. This often works but there has been at least one time that I was being too obvious and the officer waited for me. Fair cop.

I recall one time doing the "take a bit longer with the bag until they are busy again" but the bloke next to me (probably one of you!) had the same idea and outlasted me. I was picked on and then had a laugh with the scanner who said that the other guy was better at it than me!

 

[strtrek]

If that was my job and I had to pull over either a well dressed business traveler or a backpacker with a couple of bags stuff full of "stuff", I'd select the businessman. Why? Less likely to get uphill, probably travels a bit and knows the drill. More likely to be quick and easy. Ie, perhaps they are just taking the lazy approach.

I'm a male caucasian. I don't travel in a suit, but am usually well dress. I have a pretty efficient method for getting my gear out for the x-ray machine, taking off all metal so I don't set the machine off and back on quickly after. I get stopped for the bomb testing more often than note. I know the drill. Bag opens, no need to read me the spiel. It's over and done with in less than a minute. Suspect they know I won't kick up a fuss and will be done with quickly.

yep, they pick the ones who DONT look dodgy, easier for them...not too good for security in general. If they did find something imagine the paperwork

I get bomb swabbed every bleeding time......I'm a 40+ Caucasian female with amazing dress sense

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I cop it too, about 60% of the time. My wife finds it amusing but it just doesn't worry me one iota. It doesn't take long, like others I look and see if I'm going to be picked (you can tell) and make sure the zip on the case is part open. I just accept it as part and parcel of flying, just like standing in a queue for check-in, hire car, luggage collection, BP check at gate, BP check on aircraft etc etc. I don't see the problem. I've also been picked probably 90% of the time since Christmas for the full body scanner and that doesn't bother me at all either. If these checks help to keep planes in the air in one piece then I'm all for it.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I recall one time doing the "take a bit longer with the bag until they are busy again" but the bloke next to me (probably one of you!) had the same idea and outlasted me. I was picked on and then had a laugh with the scanner who said that the other guy was better at it than me!

That gave me a laugh Warks. It's a trick I always try, and naively didn't realise everyone else does too!