When Security Is Silly.

This article presents the author's thoughts and observations related to airport security.You have to admire someone who keeps their sense of humour while at work, who can make those around them laugh as well. I met someone like that recently in Sydney, N.S. I was getting on a flight to Halifax -- one of those small commuter aircraft where they encourage you to leave your briefcase on a little cart before you walk up the boarding stairs. I used to take my case on board such flights, but things get awfully cramped when the plane is full, which it was that day. Which was just what everyone needed after going through the rigours of the security check at the Sydney airport -- clearly the newest hot spot in the so-called war on terror. That means that after you get your boarding pass, it's off to a new addition, the luggage X-ray unit, where they have what seems to be better technology than you'll find in most hospitals. After that, on to the more traditional security check -- including everything but a cavity search. Jacket off, belt off, shoes off, then the full deconstruction of your carry-on bag. Things I've taken through some of the toughest security in airports around the world in the last year, including London, Baghdad, Kabul, Tel Aviv, Washington and New York, couldn't pass the Sydney smell test. It's one of the airports using the new equipment and procedures designed to make travel safer. Sometimes, security lines seem like a make-work project. That's especially true at Toronto's Pearson airport, where I recently counted 11 security people working one line. I appreciate a sense of security at our airports. But isn't it time to get real? Oops, did I go too far? That'll be a size 44 tall on the orange jumpsuit, please.