Townsville Security

[DC3]

... I don't see what all the moaning is about, it takes 5 seconds to take it out and put it on a tray. Makes security faster for everyone. Why do you have to be told to do the right thing? If you travel often you should know these things.

Is it really that people are not doing the right thing? It’s the inconsistency across major airports in Oz, TSV included.

I respect everyone’s opinion on AFF. And we are all entitled to have our say and share information? ‘Moaning’ might be a bit harsh, just for contributing to the conversation?

 

[justinbrett]

I can't prove that somebody didn't say something to you, I can only show official policy at the major airports and that from my own experience I'm almost always told to take laptops, tablets & aerosols out at Australian airports. I've been bounced a few times for forgetting to do this both in Australia and the USA resulting in unwanted delays - hence I just take them out proactively now, I don't need to be told.

The whole premise of this thread is suggesting TVL is doing something unusual by asking to take tablets out - in fact it's very normal both in Australia and the US. I guess it all comes down to which airports, which terminals and the individual staff on duty. Just take them out and move on with your life - and keep airport security running quicker for all of us. Or just wait until the new scanners are rolled out, then you can leave them in (in fact further evidence, as they've been spruiking that you can leave laptops and electronics in your bag as part of the rollout).

 

[jb747]

What is really annoying is when you go through places all the time (as crew), and just about every time, the requirement changes. And then they get snarky, 'cos you (as crew) should know. Well, not if you keep changing your mind I don't.

 

[DC3]

.. the requirement changes. And then they get snarky, 'cos you (as crew) should know. Well, not if you keep changing your mind I don't.

That’s it. Inconsistency.

 

[flyer89]

What is really annoying is when you go through places all the time (as crew), and just about every time, the requirement changes. And then they get snarky, 'cos you (as crew) should know. Well, not if you keep changing your mind I don't.

I’d imagine they know you aren’t going to carry on like a pork chop in uniform either. Path of least resistance....

 

[Deleted member]

I have found that so many travellers don’t listen to or are aware of the security detail, I make it a point of having watch off, (in my jacket pocket) phone and iPad ready to go on a tray, jacket off etc. all read6 for screening, invariably I find myself stuck behind some womble who seems surprised by the process at security screening. I did enjoy watching the (many) tourists at Heathrow who ignored the instructions (from security staff) on a particularly busy day being sent to the back of the queue for NOT being organised for the screening process, it needs to happen more often.

 

[jb747]

I’d imagine they know you aren’t going to carry on like a pork chop in uniform either. Path of least resistance....

True, but it’s also a waste of time and effort, and simply convinces people that it’s nothing but theatre. In the case of crew, knowledge is the most dangerous thing that they carry, and I doubt than any security check is going to be able to remove that.

There has been quite a bit of push back by crew at times. That’s one reason that the crews no longer go through the same rigmarole as passengers in the USA. I know of one case where the police were called by a crew member, and a sexual assault charge was initiated.

 

[jb747]

I have found that so many travellers don’t listen to or are aware of the security detail, I make it a point of having watch off, (in my jacket pocket) phone and iPad ready to go on a tray, jacket off etc. all read6 for screening, invariably I find myself stuck behind some womble who seems surprised by the process at security screening. I did enjoy watching the (many) tourists at Heathrow who ignored the instructions (from security staff) on a particularly busy day being sent to the back of the queue for NOT being organised for the screening process, it needs to happen more often.

Sadly not all wombles have done the de-wombling training that you’ve done. And those people who’ve just been sent to the back of the queue may well be the ones that you’ll have to sit at the gate waiting for. The UK, in particular, has an extraordinarily rude and arrogant security setup, that mostly makes the TSA look both efficient and pleasant.

 

[flyer89]

There has been quite a bit of push back by crew at times. That’s one reason that the crews no longer go through the same rigamarole as passengers in the USA. I know of one case where the police were called by a crew member, and a sexual assault charge was initiated.

I have found security at LAX is enough to turn anyone into an anarchist freedom fighter. Didn’t really appreciate being grabbed out of the full body scanner and being berated because I apparently had something in my pocket. That something was lint.....

 

[jb747]

I have found security at LAX is enough to turn anyone into an anarchist freedom fighter. Didn’t really appreciate being grabbed out of the full body scanner and being berated because I apparently had something in my pocket. That something was lint.....

Or epaulettes....

 

[drron]

Yes LHR has been far worse at security.Taken out and strip searched just because they could.No reason ever given.

 

[kevrosmith]

What is really annoying is when you go through places all the time (as crew), and just about every time, the requirement changes. And then they get snarky, 'cos you (as crew) should know. Well, not if you keep changing your mind I don't.

Oh so you do know what it’s like for passengers when crew apply the rules inconsistently, and then someone has a crew member come down hard when they decide a passenger has not followed “the rules” properly...

 

[jb747]

Oh so you do know what it’s like for passengers when crew apply the rules inconsistently, and then someone has a crew member come down hard when they decide a passenger has not followed “the rules” properly...

Like everything, comments need context. I have no idea why you were come down upon, or whether you deserved it or not.

But, passengers and crew, like all people, will slowly but surely take an inch here, and an inch there. Then they become upset when the collective 6 inches is removed. They were never entitled to it, but having had it in the past, expect it in the future.

 

[BillytheFIsh]

Had another (un)enjoyable and uniquely TSV experience earlier in the week. Played the game and had 3x tablets each in their own separate trays but still got pulled up.

"WHO'S BAG IS THIS?"
"That's mine."
"WHERE IS YOU POWER BANK SIR?"
"Not sure, maybe in there" [point to front pocket]
"SIR DO NOT TOUCH THE BAG"

Re-scanned the bag and the power bank and then tossed it all on the counter on the other side. Thanks TSV. I wonder what arbitrary new rule they'll rudely enforce next time.

 

[drross]

Not sure why you’re having such hassles. Been through there a few times lately and staff friendly and helpful

 

[luddite]

In all my travels it continues to have the most unpleasant and unpredictable security experience apart from the USA. Sometimes fine, other times just difficult. YMMV obviously.

 

[BillytheFIsh]

Not sure why you’re having such hassles. Been through there a few times lately and staff friendly and helpful

Maybe I need to trade the Reds jersey for a Cowboys one?

But seriously, it is strange. It's never a serious issue of time for me because I'm always there early, there's rarely a long line and the gates are right there and it's generally only a minor annoyance, but I always walk away scratching my head why Townsville of all places seems to have such officious and rude security staff. I can't remember India or Egypt being as bad.

 

[drross]

Maybe I need to trade the Reds jersey for a Cowboys one?

I definitely wouldn’t wear a Broncos Jersey in the deep north

 

[Melburnian1]

Yes LHR has been far worse at security.Taken out and strip searched just because they could.No reason ever given.

I had a similar experience many years ago at LAX. Unnerving!