AIRPORT
Beef Island Airport, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
DATE OF TRIP
January 8 to 18, 2002
TRAVELER
Sue Pelletier
Upon Arrival
I was escorted off the little prop plane and herded into line for a passport check, which went at the usual slow pace (we were on island time, right?). I had only carry-on baggage, which was waved through without a blink once I convinced the guy I hadn't brought any livestock with me (foot and mouth disease was still an issue when I went there in January).
During My Stay
There were no warnings and no indications of any problems other than the usual killer mosquitoes and occasional small-craft advisories. While some local restaurateurs and resort owners did say their business was off up to 20 percent, no one seemed too worried.
Return Flight
The long line moved along fairly quickly despite intense security measures. They went through every bag to be checked while people were waiting in the ticket line, and X-rayed and then searched every carry-ons (including purses). All electronic devices, from cameras to GPS devices, were turned on and inspected closely. They even opened film canisters to make sure they contained film. Each person was also wanded after the metal detector, and anyone not in sandals had their shoes searched. There was a pile of confiscated matches and lighters behind the screeners. Despite all the searching, the plane left on time.
Verdict
The airport security on Beef Island was everything a white-knuckle flier like me could ask for: thorough, efficient, serious, and good-natured.
AIRPORT
Changi International Airport, Singapore
DATE OF TRIP
March 22 to 29, 2002
TRAVELER
Dave Erickson
Upon Arrival
I didn't see baggage security checks once it was off the plane. Personnel were at the baggage claim area, but no one asked for a bag claim check.
During My Stay
The city/state of Singapore prides itself on its multicultural society, and my hosts during this trip were distressed that 9/11 had put the local Muslim population under a cloud of suspicion. Nothing more was said, but I noticed that the city's Muslim neighborhood was not part of our itinerary. But my hosts were a Chinese/Malay Muslim team, and the camaraderie between them was clearly genuine.
Return Flight
Bags were put through an X-ray machine before check-in. Carry-on luggage was checked just before I entered the gate area. With a security crew at each gate, there were no long lines, and it took less than 10 minutes. Security personnel asked passengers to remove everything from their pockets — not just metal items — and place them on plastic trays, which then went through a safe-for-film X-ray machine. There were random checks going on as well, in which passengers were asked to open their carry-on luggage for inspection.
Verdict
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world — if not the safest. They are so practiced and unobtrusive about security that it's difficult to say whether there was any difference between this visit and my last one in 1999. Changi International Airport is often voted best airport in the world by frequent flyers, and it gets my vote too.
AIRPORT
Vienna International Airport
DATE OF TRIP
January 10 to 16, 2002
TRAVELER
Rayna Skolnik
Upon Arrival
There were no special checks at customs — I wasn't even asked the purpose of my trip, which is often done. From baggage claim, I walked right out of the terminal, with no one paying any attention.
During My Stay
Vienna is not considered to be an at-risk destination. Security was visible but far from exceptional, even at dinners for 2,000-plus people.
Return Flight
This is where security was tight. All checked baggage went through an X-ray machine, and one traveling companion had to open her bag for a search. When I saw what a rat's nest it was, I understood why it had raised suspicion. All carry-on bags and all shoes went on the standard X-ray conveyor belt. Then everyone was patted down (by agents of the same gender), and every bag and purse was hand-searched.
Verdict
Europe still has it all over the United States when it comes to airport security. In October 2001, at the Phoenix airport for a return flight to New York, I waited on the security-check line a good 40 minutes. But all the agents were doing was looking carefully at the X-ray screen. So somebody tell me, what the heck had they been doing before?
AIRPORT
Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica
DATE OF TRIP
March 1 to 3, 2002
TRAVELER
Kerry J. Smith
Upon Arrival
I proceeded through customs and into the terminal area with no delays and no visible security.
During My Stay
There was no extraordinary security at Half Moon Bay Resort other than the staffed gates, which are typical for a Jamaican resort. People I met said that business was down overall but was showing signs of picking up. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and accommodating.
Return Flight
The lines were long, but numerous airport representatives circulated, directing people to the right lines. Security was decent, although not as comprehensive as I would have expected, and there were few armed guards. The departure gate was at the farthest point in the terminal, and was roped off and guarded by an unarmed airport security representative. There was limited seating outside this area, other than that provided by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville bar, which was adjacent to the gate. Makes me wonder whether Jimmy has a deal with the airport, since most travelers who didn't feel like hoofing it back downstairs to find a place to wait were at the bar drinking Red Stripe.
Verdict
The security was on par with what I've seen at other Caribbean destinations since 9/11 — which means it was OK, but didn't give me an overwhelming sense of safety. Not that U.S. security procedures do, either. At least in the Caribbean, I didn't notice any elderly people having to take off their shoes, as I have seen here.
AIRPORT
Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida
DATE OF TRIP
January 29 to February 3, 2002
TRAVELER
Tamar Hosansky
Upon Arrival
There were no security checks when retrieving baggage in Orlando.
During My Stay
I noticed nothing unusual. In fact, security at the exhibition hall at Disney's Coronado Springs seemed totally lax. No one even appeared to be checking badges.
Return Flight
I had to change my return date, and because it was less expensive, I booked a one-way return rather than redo my original ticket. Big mistake. I knew that a one-way ticket would raise red flags, so I brought my original tickets and all the paperwork with me — to no avail. Upon checking in curbside at Orlando's airport, I was whisked off to a curtained area, where three people tossed through my suitcase. Each person had a completely different method, from overly polite to rude and sloppy. I was checked, wanded, and de-shoed at every opportunity. Since I was flying Southwest, there were no seat assignments, so even though I was in the first group, I was among the last to board because I was chosen to be screened — again. Seems as if Southwest should allow detainees to get first dibs at seats or to be rewarded in some way.
Verdict
Security is inconsistent and reactive. Someone tries to board with a bomb in his sneakers and everyone has to take off their shoes. But people could also be hiding stuff in hats, etc. I felt terrible for the elderly woman in a wheelchair subjected to a last minute, pre-boarding inspection where she had to stand up. Sure, people could hide stuff in wheelchairs, but there's got to be another way.
AIRPORT
Heathrow International Airport, London
DATE OF TRIP
February 4 to 10, 2002
TRAVELER
Peter Malbin
Upon Arrival
On arriving in London, I was asked how long I planned to stay. I said I was in London on business for five days. It took no time to get through passport check and security.
During My Stay
London has a history of IRA terrorist attacks, so there's a visible unarmed police presence. But I don't remember any extraordinary security presence at railroad stations or tourist sites. We visited royal palaces and top visitor attractions such as St. Paul's Cathedral, and there again, it was much the same as always. I was told that tourism was down in London in general. The officials attributed the downturn to bad publicity from foot-and-mouth disease, the worldwide economic recession, as well as September 11.
Return Flight
Check-in and pre-boarding were efficient and fairly normal, except for one thing: Just before I boarded the plane, after I had been through security, passport check, duty-free shopping, etc., additional security personnel were randomly stopping passengers. This was a surprise. I was one of the passengers pulled aside for a thorough body search (but no questioning). Two well-dressed, affluent-looking ladies were also searched.
Verdict
I noticed a much bigger police presence in Paris last fall than I did in London. At Charles de Gaulle Airport, police officers with submachine guns and Alsatian dogs were walking around. Armed gendarmes were everywhere — at tourist sites, on the streets, at the Place de la Concorde (the location of the American Embassy), and where an al-Qaida attack had been foiled. Bear in mind that was in October, the month after the attacks, and the city has a huge Muslim population.
AIRPORT
Logan International Airport, Boston
DATE OF TRIP
January 22 to 26, 2002
TRAVELER
Barbara Scofidio
Upon Check-In
There's an eerie feeling as you pass through the American Airlines security check at Logan, knowing this is the exact spot where the terrorists made it through.
National guard presence was strong here, and I noticed the blue berets of the company that has replaced Argenbright. I made my first travel mistake since 9/11 and brought along a nail file, which I didn't realize until I saw the screeners hovering over the X-ray of my carry-on. My 6-year-old and I and all our carry-ons were immediately whisked over to a table to be searched. Most disturbing: When I asked the woman if my daughter could have her stuffed animal back (it had been through the X-ray machine already), she told me no! I removed my boots, the bag check was fine, the file was confiscated, and we were off.
During My Stay
Boston has a feeling of vulnerability these days — in part because it's such a densely populated city and in part because we know terrorists have made their roots here. I have seen many new precautions downtown; most underground parking facilities, for example, make you show your license and open your trunk before you can park. The Hynes Convention Center has visible security at all entrances and escalators. But you realize how easily a single person with a mission could evade all of this if he or she wanted to. And that is the nature of terrorism.
Verdict
One friend accidentally brought a pocketknife on board after getting through Logan security this spring, and you can find many other stories like this online. Too many. The good news is that improvements are under way: Logan is piloting a first-in-the-nation facial recognition program that creates a direct link between the airport's security checkpoints and federal counterterrorism databases. It's also the first airport to put a law enforcement database in the hands of airport security personnel. Using BlackBerry wireless devices, security officers can access the National Crime Information Center within minutes. Logan is also testing a document-authentication technology that will intercept potential terrorists who might be traveling with false ID.
AIRPORT
Santa Fe Municipal Airport
DATE OF TRIP
January 31 to February 8, 2002
TRAVELER
Vicki Stiefel
Upon Check-In
I had absolutely no wait at my departure airport (Manchester, N.H.) But I was checked with a wand and had to remove my shoes and have them checked. For the first time in the years I had used this airport, there was a line snaking around the upper lobby.
During My Stay
I saw no unusual security anywhere in Santa Fe.
Verdict
My flights were easy and painless, but this is a pretty low-key destination.
AIRPORT
Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii
DATE OF TRIP
January 18 to 22, 2002
TRAVELER
Bill Gillette
Upon Arrival
There was absolutely nothing in the way of security. I deplaned and retrieved my bag at the carousel, and no one examined my bag or checked it against my claim ticket.
During My Stay
There were no unusual announcements or security measures during my four-day stay.
Return Flight
There was the standard 15- to 20-minute wait and the same old questions at the ticket counter. Changing planes at LAX, however, I did observe something interesting: Standing next to me at the gate was a couple, an Asian woman and a Middle Eastern man. A security person came over and chose the Asian woman for a random wand/shoe examination. No racial profiling here.
Verdict
This has been my only flight since 9/11, and while I was happy to see that the lines were no longer than the pre-9/11 lines, I must say that if there was heightened security during this long trip, it was well-hidden.
AIRPORT
Papeete International, Tahiti
DATE OF TRIP
April 6 to 13
TRAVELER
Sue Pelletier
Upon Arrival
It's truly amazing what they do for groups at that lovely open-air airport. We were greeted with traditional Polynesian music, garlanded with flowers, and whisked away to a special room to drink fresh-squeezed pineapple juice as our passports and luggage were cleared through customs. In just minutes, we were out the door and into the deep, soft, Tahitian night. Did someone say security?
During My Stay
Even the sharks are safe in this place — the only real hazard is forgetting to put on your sunscreen.
Flight
My group was shepherded through the usual screening at the airport with no delays or hassles and tucked into our cozy seats for the red-eye back to LAX, then Boston.
Verdict
While I'm no fan of waiting in line, Boston's pre-boarding security on my way out did make me feel that they were at least making a sincere effort, something I did not feel in Los Angeles. But Tahiti … ahhh. Can I go back now?
