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Way before any of the really tight security at airports I had the occaision to be at one of the fairly small airports in the north of England. I had already checked my bags and was waiting at the gate when my name was called to return to security. I wondered what I had left somewhere. When I got there they ushered me into a room where my bag was on a table. They asked for my permission to inspect the contents. (Long ago they used to do that...really). They gingerly and carefull searched through the contents, but I could see they were still unsatisfied. I suggested if they told me what they were looking for I might be able to help. They said they say a small package of electronics with wires and batteries. Oh, I said, check the little case on the bottom left. I had a case with an old Compaq Palmtop. Those ran on AA batteries and the case had elastic loops where I was carrying spares. Yes they said, that was it, and there was one other thing, something kind of round with a solid center. I was puzzled at that one for a moment and then remembered my belt, rolled with the buckle in the center and stuffed in a shoe. I pointed that out and they were satisfied that was what they saw. As we put it all away, I mentioned I understood the electronics and battery concern, but what was the deal with the belt? They said, on the XRay, it looks like plastic explosive with a detonator in the middle. Haven't packed my belt that way since. All in all I didn't feel at all put out or irritated, and got to see that there actually was some attention to my safety going on, without the current ordeal we have to deal with. Damn those that made it neccesary.
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