Recent events suggest that terrorists are now focusing on 'soft targets' such as airports in their operations. Passengers and users of airports must become more mindful of what constitutes 'good conduct and practice' when arriving or departing such facilities.
March 22, 2016 was by any standard a typical morning at Belgium's Brussels Airport. However, this changed drastically soon after with bombs, deaths and casualties.
In our local airport environment, 6.00 a.m. to 8.45 a.m. daily is 'peak period' with around 10 major international departures. Here, there is greater possibility that international terrorism and other types of criminal activity–all of which can also delay airport operations–can occur. How can the average traveller traverse from this point to their destination safely, and more importantly, hassle�free?
First is pre-planning the trip. Industry experts suggest that air travel is one of the more anxiety-inducing experiences including travel anxiety and actual phobia. Pre-planning includes having all travel documents–passport, national Identification card, ticket/e-ticket and itinerary safely stashed in one place. With web-based check-in becoming common, it may still be necessary to retain your confirmation number since websites vary.
Pre-planning also involves what you will be wearing for your trip to ensure that you pass through the checkpoints with as little delay as possible while taking off earrings, bracelets, watches, belts and/or footwear that will activate the walk through detector. While for business travellers/ frequent flyers this is now rhetorical; for vacation/leisure travellers this can pose an unnecessary delay. The rule of thumb is comfortable clothing; meaning clothing with a minimum of metal closures, zippers and straps/ stays.
By far, the most contentious issue at any departure checkpoint is what passengers chose to pack in their carry-on bags. For most airports internationally and especially in the United States, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through a security checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item. These items must be placed in the small bag and must be separated within your carry-on baggage as this will speed up the screening process.
Many times arguments arise at local checkpoints as to the interpretation of this requirement-again resulting in unnecessary delays. This is one place where 'culture will not trump policy', since these are international standards. Items in containers larger than indicated above must be placed in checked baggage.
Items which indicate that they are flammable (by means of a clearly indicated icon) may not be allowed anywhere on the aircraft. Examples of these include spray starch, and hair sheens. Other items that may not be permitted on board an aircraft either in carry-on or in checked baggage include but is not limited to fireworks, liquid bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, tear gas, paint thinner, vehicle airbags, etc. Lighter fuel is also not permitted on aircraft; however lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are also prohibited in checked baggage, this can sometimes vary in some jurisdictions, eg, US Department of Transportation (DOT) allows up to two fuelled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case.
Situational awareness is also important in any airport environment. In many instances, in spite of technology, the first indication of any behaviour or circumstance that appears out of sync may be seen by the traveller. Thus, a precursor to terrorist/criminal activity may be first spotted by a traveller/ airport user. In such cases, the best course of action will be to approach a law enforcement officer and indicate the source of concern.
Another threat area is with unattended bags. Passengers must keep all their bags in their control at all times. Main airport areas allow public access–which may include pickpockets and other petty criminals. Keeping a watchful eye on your belongings may save heartache later on. In addition, any piece of luggage that remains unattended for an extended time period is usually taken away and destroyed.
Rules of courtesy extend to all passengers whether they are in the airport terminal or on board an aircraft. Behaviour that is rowdy, distracting, aggressive or confrontational either with a service provider such as an airline customer service representative, flight crew, immigration/customs officer or law enforcement officer may result in that passenger being arrested and charged. In the event that the aircraft is already in flight, the aircraft will be diverted to the first available airport where he/she will be taken off board by policing authorities.
Air travel is now the shortest distance between two points. Whether it is to the benefit of the time-sensitive passenger or those that are determined by the price of the fare, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Pre-planning a trip can make a huge difference and can save time that can be spent in more pleasurable pursuits at an airport.