Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security

Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by stevesearer on Monday May 02, 2016 @01:21PM (#11613436)

Similar story - a member of my group went through security at LAX with no problems, but was stopped at Heathrow because of something suspicious in her handbag. We emptied everything out of the bag, re-scanned it, and the object was still detected.

After feeling around in the bag we discovered some fabric cutting shears had apparently been accidentally been sewn into the lining by someone on the factory line (they looked something like this if I remember correctly: http://imgur.com/ZKlsjJw).

We just cut them out, handed them over and went on our way. Was a really strange experience though.

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by praneshp on Monday May 02, 2016 @04:59PM (#11615568)

Same with me, 10 days ago in Dubai. Unfortunately, there were TWO levels of officers who didn't have decision making authority, they had to reach out to a 3rd level who decided it was something in the bag's fabric (vs me carrying something). Unfortunately, where you are traveling to has some impact in DXB. SFO looks much better(for someone like me) than Abu Dhabi/Sharjah

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by tehwebguy on Monday May 02, 2016 @01:31PM (#11613543)

TSA factors in if an item appeared to be intentionally concealed as well, I'm glad you didn't get a notice with a significant fine

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by gsnedders on Monday May 02, 2016 @01:42PM (#11613648)

The TSA has nothing to do with Heathrow where it was found, though. (I don't think in the UK anyone can be fined: if there's any belief of malice, you're likely to be dealt with under normal criminal law such as conspiracy to murder, or potentially terrorism related offences; if there's not, you can either surrender your property or return landside).

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by tehwebguy on Monday May 02, 2016 @05:21PM (#11615758)

My bad, I misread it

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by menage on Monday May 02, 2016 @02:04PM (#11613846)

A criminal conviction could lead to a fine.

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by estel on Monday May 02, 2016 @02:52PM (#11614336)

Well yes, but you couldn't immediately receive a notice with a significant fine.

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by peteretep on Monday May 02, 2016 @07:01PM (#11616445)

The OP's point was: they either think you're trying to bring down a plane or they don't. Punishing minor infractions is not on their menu.

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by gsnedders on Tuesday May 03, 2016 @02:39AM (#11618424)

Almost: the important point is they have no right to impose any fines; any punishment will be done by the British Transport Police in accordance with British law, and there are relatively few crimes of possession in the UK (drugs are an obvious one, but even then a first arrest for Class C drugs is typically dealt with by means of a police caution). Essentially: any punishment arising from a security checkpoint would be a police matter, and have nothing to do with those manning the security checkpoint.

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Re:Catching a Flight? Budget Hours, Not Minutes, for Security by xyzzy4 on Monday May 02, 2016 @07:46PM (#11616747)

Except for drug offenses

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