[batenkaitos]

Being of , er, "tall, dark, and somewhat scary-looking" appearance, I tend to get taken aside a lot and questioned whenever I fly here in the US. I don't mind this, but I do think it's often open to human fallacies, where untrained security guards or (understandably) suspicious passengers take it upon themselves to get a bit overenthusiastic.

Anecdotes don't really mean anything, of course, but a few months ago, I was forced to miss my flight because one of the other passengers saw me fiddling with my iPod in my bag and automatically assumed that I was up to something, and I had to be taken back for another round of screeningwith security.

[Jaysun]

Anecdotes don't really mean anything, of course, but a few months ago, I was forced to miss my flight because one of the other passengers saw me fiddling with my iPod in my bag and automatically assumed that I was up to something, and I had to be taken back for another round of screeningwith security.

I'm not sure how to respond to that. I sympathize with you, but I firmly believe that they need to keep a close eye on those that fit the profile. It just makes sense. I don't think the lady was being unreasonable in being extra cautions.

We went to Germany last month and before the flight I asked them to shake down a Middle Eastern guy. This was almost 2 hours before the flight and whatever they found in his backpack prevented him from getting on board. You just never know.

[SuziQ]

Being of , er, "tall, dark, and somewhat scary-looking" appearance, I tend to get taken aside a lot and questioned whenever I fly here in the US. I don't mind this, but I do think it's often open to human fallacies, where untrained security guards or (understandably) suspicious passengers take it upon themselves to get a bit overenthusiastic.

With one exception, every time I've flown since 9/11, I've been pulled aside, and my backpack searched. I always have a change of clothes on board with me in case my luggage gets lost. I've learned to put my underwear in a clear plastic baggie.

It's obvious that there's no racial profiling involved, unless there's been a rash of 50-something, fat women attempting to hijack planes that I haven't heard about, that would peg me as suspect. ;o)

[M Kehoe]

Just trying having the last name "Kehoe" in Gatwick or Heathrow, and then come talk to me about anecdotes.

Criminal, not racial profiling is absolutely necessary. If it just so happens that most terrorists' acts are committed by male muslims 20-45 years old, then it should be difficult (read inconvenient) for them to travel on airplanes.

Welcome to FR.

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