airsuperiority
Captain
Is this a new measure? Last time I was back, which was just over a year ago, I took the train to Beijing to catch the flight with a full kitchen knife set and a big fancy wok that I bought in my main luggage (which might have blocked the knives from the scanner, but then you would expect them to want to open the luggage if much of what was inside was obscured by a huge metal object). I cannot remember if the bags passed any scanners, probably no as my memory isn't that bad, but even if it did pass through, no one thought to ask me to open my luggage.
There are the standard security measures and probably more so, as I distinctly remember being asked to put my bags through a scanner at a port once. But you can see it in the eyes and manner of the security staff - they are not expecting trouble and are largely going through the motions. Security in the US and UK are much more focused and mean business. Probably a little too much so sometimes, as I saw two police officers with G36s at Newcastle airport the other day, which stuck me as an utterly inappropriate weapon to have in any crowded public place. Even if they headshot a terrorist clean, the bullet could take out two civilians behind him if they were unlucky enough to be in line.
OTOH, the security at Beijing international (the new one) didn't even seem to have batons.
I am not saying China is wide open for just anyone with a half baked plan to be able to commit a big attack, but it would be a lot easier to carry out such an attack against China than the west. It is something that needs to be realized and properly addressed, because it is unwise to leave yourself unnecessarily exposed to potential threats.
Maybe they are just doing a half-ass job with lazy ethics, but I guess they don't expect they are ever going to meet a terrorist anyways.
Were you bringing the knives with you on the plane or as checked in baggage? I would be very surprised if it was the former. Which reminds me of that scene in Kill Bill 1 where Uma Thurman was sitting on a plane with her katana propped up beside her.
I remember back in 2008-2009, I brought my nunchuks with me on trains (in China). I made over a dozen trips, and was only questioned about it once, and the security lady let me go inside anyway. Previously, there was even a security guy who commented that I had nunchuks in my bag, but didn't even bother questioning me. That was an interesting experience.
What are you doing walking around with a pair of nunchuks anyways LOL
I'd think they are more curious why you have them than be afraid you try to pull off a Bruce Lee in front of them. Even if you are, they don't really care; probably just tell you to sit back down after you finish your performance, or take away your ticket.
So yea you see, that's why I don't think any terrorists will be amused, not to mention lose their mood, if no one's really feeding their intentions. Even if a person blew up all the sudden, the story probably comes out as some unemployed bum getting pissed off at the world.
No, it was check in luggage. You couldn't even get a pencil sharpener onto a plane in your hand luggage these days, or maybe it was just an overzealous security officer.
Although funnily enough I did managed to get a Chinese sword checked in on a plane once. But the irony was the security people had a real problem with my laser pointer key ring that I sometimes used for presentations. They didn't even comment on the 4ft long sword...
Talk about getting your priorities straight.
Wow what's wrong with you both? You carry all sorts of weapons with you onboard trains and stuffs. I know this is SDF, but still no need to go that far!! lol joking joking. nice experience there.
Oh and I guess another reason they didn't care is because no one kills people with swords these days. Next time imma try and bring a Chukonu and a guandao onboard...
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