13 Ways Travel Security Checks Are Failing You Every Day
Travel security checks have become the norm of the flying experience. They’re supposed to keep us safe, but they tend to leave many of us scratching our heads in confusion. The travel security system is full of flaws, from outdated technology to misapplied screening procedures.
We’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons your travel experience may be less pleasant than it should be, due to these checks failing you every day.
Long Wait Times
There’s one thing frustrating aspect of travel security: the seemingly endless lines. You get to the airport, ready to go only to be presented in a queue as long as a theme park ride. The reality is that these long waits can cause stressed-out travelers, even if the intention is to keep everyone safe. The experience could be better if a little more efficiency in processing passengers could be achieved.
Randomness of Searches
A random search can seem like a game of roulette. The idea is to keep things unpredictable, and while that’s a good intention, it often leads to frustration. You might have packed light and followed all the rules, but still be pulled aside for a secondary screening. This randomness is arbitrary and passengers may wonder what the criteria are.
Lack of Personal Privacy
Security checks can be very invasive, leaving many uneasy. Travelers are subjected to procedures that violate their sense of privacy from full body scanners to pat downs. You want to prioritize safety, but you don’t want to make passengers feel like they’re on display.
Training of Personnel
Security personnel are trained to keep us safe, but the quality of training can range from excellent to not so. Agents can be very experienced or inexperienced. And some agents can handle situations with professionalism while some others cannot. This inconsistency can cause mishaps, and a less than pleasant experience for travelers.
Failure to Deal With Emerging Threats
As the travel landscape changes, so too do the tactics of the bad guys. Unluckily, these emerging threats tend to outpace security protocols. The idea behind protecting travelers is good, but failing to adjust to new hazards can leave big security gaps. As challenges change, procedures and technologies must also change, and not just slightly.
Lack of Screening of Airport Personnel
Travelers are screened thoroughly but airport staff don’t get the same scrutiny. There is a safety concern with this. Ensuring that all airport workers complete an extensive background check might lend some security to passengers and help them feel safer.
Mental Health: Limited Focus
Travel can be stressful, and the security process does not make it any better. The mental well-being of passengers as they go through checks is not greeted with much attention. For many people, the anxiety of missing a flight or going through multiple searches can be overwhelming. Support systems for travelers can make a huge positive difference in their experience.
Liquid Restrictions Are Overemphasized
Travelers have become notorious for hitting a brick wall at check in when it comes to the restrictions on liquids in carry on luggage. The rules themselves might seem overemphasized as rationale comes from incidents in the past. It’s an exercise in frustration to try to get your favorite lotion into a tiny bottle.
Procedures Miscommunication
If you’ve been confused by conflicting airport announcements, you’re not the only one. Confusion and mistakes tend to arise when there is no clear communication about security procedures. Proper announcements and clear guidelines could help to prevent any blunders from happening.
Failure to Provide Clear Signage
Have you tried to navigate an airport with unclear or confusing signs? You’re not alone. Add to that the absence of clear signage and what can be a straight forward process can feel like a frustrating scavenger hunt. Clear, concise directions could make the journey through security much smoother and more intuitive — travelers shouldn’t have to guess where to go next.
Inconsistent Policies
Travelers are always baffled by every airport that has its own set of rules and regulations. One terminal will allow what another terminal will not. It’s confusing to passengers and can cause delays and items being taken away which is unnecessary. Packing your carry on might feel like you need a law degree, and that’s not right.
Outdated Technology
According to Vanderlande, many security checkpoints are based on outdated systems, even in an age of technology. Think about waiting for an age old X ray machine to scan your bag whilst carrying your laptop and shoes. It’s difficult to feel safe when you know the tools being used to keep you safe are out of date.
The Behavioral Detection Role
Security uses behavioral detection as a tactic to detect suspicious individuals by their behavior. Nevertheless, the feasibility of this method is questionable. It can result in profiling and inappropriate consideration of innocent passengers, resulting in mistrust of all passengers. Security based on a more well-balanced approach that takes into account the dignity of travelers might be a better way to go.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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