* COMMENT: Please remove your belt

The shrill voice of a security officer rings out at an airport checkpoint.

“But if I do so my trousers will fall down,” was the quick response, pointing out that the solid buckle could not in any way contain harmful material.

“Them’s is the rules!” was the reply.  “If you don’t take the belt off you don’t go through.”

Who’s to argue?

The TNU argument regarding belts is simple.  Allow the highly trained protection officials to use the old ‘eyeball’ method of judgement.  It will certainly speed things up at security and the chance of embarrassment.  Should he have been alive today what would Eric Morecambe have made of it, or Charlie Chaplin to music.  

Dear Home Office.  Change the rules today. Start the new year in a positive manner.


COMMENT PLUS

In this month's Travel News Update we highlight the relaxation of the airport 100ml liquid hand luggage rule, but not until 2024.  Why it cannot be done once the scanner is in place is beyond this publication’s comprehension?  It seems to be OK for laptops.

And it might be added that these rules are for the UK.  Elsewhere it is different.  All very confusing.

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Malcolm Ginsberg, Edgware

"The idea of the metal detector is to pick up items as one goes through the machine. The problem is that most buckles are not metal. If they are so be it. The passenger has a choice and can either unbelt or take a chance that the belt is OK.

Chris Jones, Portsmouth

Would that mean that someone concealing an implement under their clothing which could get waved through on the basis that they are also wearing a belt? Maybe I am missing something?

Jane Ross, Windsor

I totally agree with this COMMENT. A new rule for belts can be introduced overnight. The government did just that for Chinese flights. The present rule is daft.

James Smith, Ealing

Both the comments are correct. And will speed things up.