Sunday, 13 February 2011  My Trousers and Airport Security  Late
one recent Saturday evening, I am standing at a departure gate
at Heathrow Airport. It is the furthest gate from the main
terminal, and I am flying on the last plane out.  By now, it is
just the passengers and the airline's own staff. The passengers
are having the final passport and boarding pass check before
getting onboard: a formality after a great deal of security and
bag searching.  Everyone is a little tired; the rest of the
airport looks dark and closed down for the night.  "Excuse me,
sir. We would like to do a search?"   "We would like you to give
us your handbag and step this way."  "OK. It is a manbag, or
hand luggage. But not really a handbag."  "Yes, sir. This way."
My hand luggage is taken off to be searched again. I am now the
last passenger at the gate. The flight is due to leave in about
ten minutes.  "Sir, could you go behind the screen."  There is a
screen in the corner of a kiosk, in the opposite corner to where
my bag is no