Experience 057. Staff Accessing the Airport. Security at Checkpoints.

The Seat 1A Podcast

In this experience we look at airline and airport staff security. What do they go through to keep you safe?

When you walk around an airport, you see all sorts of different coloured passes. What do they mean?

Generally, getting an airport security pass is not a small thing. There are high levels of security checks that are done before as pass is issued. There are different levels of security pass that are also issued, and biometric data is recorded when issuing these passes.

A passenger could experience similar levels of clearance if they are applying for a frequent traveller program. Geoff and Vinod share eye scanning stories.

At most checkpoints there is some sort of screening component. At some airports, there isn't the volume of traffic or infrastructure, so rudimentary security checks are done instead – including crossmatching to lists. Sometimes security clearance has to be completed upon landing and transfer. Some country's crews had to clear security a second time.

If you're flying at a home base for an airline, you may not even see the crew at the gate – they'll clear at their crew centre and then are transported to the plane.

Suppliers have to go through the same check, as do their vehicles.

In remote locations (such as the Canadian Arctic) sometimes security check ins aren't needed for certain destinations. A similar situation could apply for private planes with a fixed-base operator (FBO).

However things can go very wrong with security. Drug smuggling, money and diamond heists – some of the situations even end up as famous movie scripts.

There are some airports that have interesting approaches to security – like alligators in Orlando, Florida.

In the days of ID cards, there were many places attempting to fake the ID. Vinod shares his experience of a famous location in Bangkok...they even had a catalogue!

Depending on the country, some airports will permit crews to use the crew line, even if they're not in uniform.

Vinod shares a story of crew liquids exemptions in Dublin and having to unpack his bags at security.

Just remember, all the staff you see will have been through a check – maybe even an hour ago.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "A Boeing 707 For $2,500? Kenya To Auction 73 Abandoned Planes."
• skift.com article "These 4 Airlines Made More From Upsells Than Ticket Sales in 2020."

If you have a story about crew security, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/