> Another example: When I went to Prague I had a laser pointer in my pocket. It wasn't deliberate - I'd just forgotten that it was there. Anyway, at the security check, they took the batteries out to check that it hadn't been wired up with some kind of detonator (I presume), put it back together and shone it into my eye to ensure it wasn't powerful enough to blind. Such security is just accepted as part of Britain's ongoing fight against terrorism.

Something along those lines happened when our family flew to Jersey for two weeks (we do this every couple of years or so). Even though it counts as a "domestic" flight (you don't need a passport) the security was such that my dad's penknife was very nearly confiscated. They let it through after lecturing him a bit, but here's the scary bit. Did they nearly stop it because it was a knife? No. They nearly confiscated it because the blade was about six inches long. In other words, you can take a five-inch knife on board and they don't care. Of course, this probably doesn't apply *now*, but I think it's pretty frightening that anyone could bring knives on board that are easily long enough to kill.

Phil-"One of the only good things about your mum having chronic fatigue syndrome is that you get to ride on the electric airport trolleys. Yay!"-bee