Airport security

[Le Chat]

I have 2 questions for you ABers! The first is with regard to baggage handlers. Are they subjected to rigorous anti terrorist checks as they are in an excellent position to wreak potential havoc, as are other members of airport staff.
My second question is this...As it is necessary to drink a bit of your baby's milk before alllowing said bottle onto the plane, what is supposed to happen to you whilst taking a sip? Baby milk is disgusting to adults generally and you would tend to pull a distasteful expression upon tasting! That being said, I am ignorant to the chemical used by terrorists and presume that maybe one sip could kill a man?

[jno]

yes, they are, though the occasional thief or Sun reporter still gets through the checks. As for the milk, put some gin in it; the baby will thank you for it too.

[chrissiekins]

I thought about baggage handlers too - particularly as the airports outsource these jobs to private companies. Many baggage handlers can get airside with little or no real experience and it's a poorly paid job too.

What about the poorly paid airport catering staff (skychef etc) who make our food and have access to our water bottles etc...?? We'll just never know. Personally, I expect they'll resort to trains again. It's scary.

[maglet]

I used to work on Airport Security at a major UK airport. I can assure you that not only baggage handlers but every member of Airport staff, from Directors to Cleaners are very thoroughly vetted, prior to being accepted onto the payroll. Also if even a minor offence is committed by staff it is virtually a dismissable outcome.
You cannot imagine the stupidity of some passengers when being asked by Security what they are carrying, the 18 to 30's usually reply I have a bomb in my hand luggage, Great, another one arrested and sent down for 5 years.......the moral of the story, dont question why it is being done, just be grateful that in todays climate it is being done.