Is it normal for a regular small airport to perform a body search on me?
I was on a one way flight to Dallas, and was approaching the search area where your bags get sent through. I as asked to move to another area for a body search. not a cavity search, but the blue gloves, searching my whole body and then in front of everyone they one by one took out my personal things going through my things. They laid them out in plain view. They ran a round cloth over each item and ran through a machine to detect for any substance. Can anyone tell me if this is normal while everyone else went through the regular check point? I felt violated and very embarrased. They made me stand with my arms and legs spread apart to do the search. They asked me if I wanted to go to another private room and I said no, because I had nothing to hide. I had a bottle of Afrin that went through and passed. Then I had a tube of cream lip stick that was expensive. She asked if I had a zip lock baggie to put it in and I said no. Had to throw it away. I need to find out answers.
Air Travel - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
yes it is normal. unfortunately you were the chosen one. it does feel degrading. also next time carry a zip lock for your cosmetics.
2 :
The one way ticket prob got you flagged for a search. Sorry you had to endure that. Being a swashbuckling archaeologist, I travel a lot. Below is the best site for travel planning, and has great prices! Cheers, Indy http://www.choiceretreat.com
3 :
Can't say anything about that.. But most of the time they don't bother you unless the walk through detector go off... Jes follow directions that they say. REMOVE ALL METALLIC OBJECTS!!!
4 :
I take it this is your first trip going by air.? If you purchased a ticket and you only bought it one way then you would be required to go thru extra security checks that other folks would not have to go thru if they had purchased a round trip ticket and this includes the hand wanding you went thru and the search of your carry on bags. I can't go into detail but it is what it is and there are many reason why the system is set up this way and you will need to accept it. Next time if this happens you can ask for a private screening. It does not mean you have anything to hide but it is there for you if it makes you feel better and they are required to give it to you. As a passenger traveling by air you need to educate yourself on what you can and can not take thru the security checkpoints before you get to the airport. I hope your next experience is a better one.
5 :
you just happened to be the one they "randomly" picked. Also, by purchasing a one way ticket means you have more of a chance of going though this. It is completely normal though.
6 :
Abilene?
7 :
Yes, things changed alot since 9/11 and everybody are going thru all these procedures. Don't feel bad, I am sure everybody else feels the same way as you did. Look in the positive side! now you know what to do.
