Inside the curtained security booths at ZRH

[jjpb3]

I've always been curious about those, and what exactly happened behind the curtains when they're closed.

Well, the reality is less maleficent (or exciting, depending on your point of view *cough* CGK) than what I had imagined.

Flying LX, this was my experience: after a tin foil of Nurofen (ibuprofen) tablets set the alarm off, I was [politely] asked to step into the booth ... the agent put on latex gloves ... the curtain was shut ... and the agent proceeded to do a much less gropey search than the LHR T3 goons, concluding with an understanding, "This is what set it off, sir. Sorry about that!" after I showed him the Nurofen.

If only the LHR goons were this courteous and this discreet. I like an airport that values privacy and efficiency (ok, and hygiene!) as ZRH does. ZRH (along with CPH) remains one of my favorite airports in Europe.

[SQFAN]

... I was [politely] asked to step into the booth ... the agent put on latex gloves ... the curtain was shut ... and

I nearly fainted when I read that...

For me, I once had a body odour challenged BAA goon at Aberdeen Airport, Scotland resting his head on my left shoulder as he proceeded to feel me. Eeewww. Thank goodness it was not of the type of sp***cter extension. Having said that, I keep on hearing about those special searches for those crossing the JB-Woodlands causeway.

[jjpb3]

Having said that, I keep on hearing about those special searches for those crossing the JB-Woodlands causeway.

Dare I ask?

[SQFAN]

Dare I ask?

Now that you asked... Here's one when I was a wee lad ... I saw a guy walking somewhat in a funny manner to the bus queue at Woodlands checkpoint. I was begining to wonder but when I overhead him talking to his friend that a certain orifice has been extended involuntarily.... I say no more.

Hey, at least in the UK, they feed you until nature takes it course.

[jhm]

A bit too detailed for my liking...

[KeithMEL]

With that kind of thread title... I was expecting to cringe (*cough* ). Thankfully the OP is far more mundane...

[Lobster]

Yes I have been taken into those booths at ZRH once a few years ago. I was travelling with a data projector and it seemed to really freak them out. Whilst one of them had a close look at the projector another one took me to the booth for a pat down but as JJPB3 said it really was not all that much of a pat down compared to what you get at LHR out in the open.

[CGK]

Everytime I take AC from SFO, when I pass the metal detector it always beeps. My jeans is the reason. I was offered to be searched behind the screen recently, but I said no.

[up and away]

I get a beep every time I fly as well...
I always stuff the pockets of my jeans full of stuff- keys, money, other metal stuff... on top, my pockets are always full of normal junk, so I've got no chance of finding all the metal pieces. Probs with Metallic jeans can be really annoying though. A knob is something you can't remove! My belt is another thing I tend to forget...

[SQFAN]

A knob is something you can't remove! ...

I don't even know how to respond. [rolling on the floor bursting my guts out]

[jjpb3]

I don't even know how to respond. [rolling on the floor bursting my guts out]

That makes two of us.

[KeithMEL]

Fnar fnar!

edited to add: Didn't realise that this phrase was a double entendre in itself... I was just responding to the other double entendre...

[JetE]

A knob is something you can't remove!

You got that right! I'll fight anyone who tries to remove mine.

[9V-JKL]

I nearly choked myself reading that

[Lobster]

You got that right! I'll fight anyone who tries to remove mine.

Yes but if mine set off a metal detector I would be quite worried