Yesterday, somebody was able to smuggle fireworks through Schiphol. Today it became clear that they were in fact explosives and that it was a terrorist act. It changes things: it wasn't an insane person that decided to something stupid at a blink of an eye, it was a deliberate and probably carefully planned attempt of terrorism.

Some reports mention that Schiphol does not check transit passengers. This is incorrect: Schiphol has the construct that security checks are performed directly at the gate. This implies that everybody is checked with the same thoroughness, regardless of airport of origin. Apperantly regular security isn't enough to stop people which have real determinism and means. Reports have it that it was a two-compound explosive tied to the body, which probably isn't picked up on normal metal detectors. 

Odly enough, these checks are as thorough as any of the checks I have encountered across the globe. I have passed many airports but when it comes to inspecting the human body, I must say I never seen anything beyond the regular metal detector, even when I was in countries like the US and even Israel. Most airports are vigilant about carry-on luggage (and probably even more about checked baggage), but the human body is stil some kind of ethical boundary.

In fact, there was a lot of controversy when Schiphol introduced full body scan systems. It was on a voluntary basis, and some people objected to it. Germany rejected the machines claiming it was an "offence against human dignity". I guess many people find the regular padding down more pleasant than standing in a circle-lock for a minute and being watched by some stranger who sees about a 1000 people a day, for 180 days a year. I used them on several occasions since it does save me much time: you don't need to take your jacket, belts and shoes off, which is a huge timesaver when you wear working-boots.

This incident will change airport security again, my guess is at a permanent basis. When you look at the liquid bans, they are also still in place. For now we will all be padded down. To me it isn't that much of a change: for some reason I'm searched almost each time I come near a metal detector. It will probably increase lines, which isn't that optimal, but not that much of an added aggrivation. To be honest, I would be gratefull if they installed the body-scans and get on with it.

Jaap van Ekris
in Life on the road
Posted at 11:07:49 UTC