Police State Update: Passengers could be asked to give drink samples to TSA (post-checkpoint)

[davidpdx]

34. I've traveled around the world

and the security is pretty tight in most place, but more so in the US. I remember flying from Portland to Reno in Feb 2002 (a few months after 9/11) and machine guns were visible. In the Philippines they have a sign in the airport that says "don't even joke about having a bomb". Apparently some famous Filipino star did such a thing and found himself in hot water (this according to the security guy who I asked if I could take a picture of it).

Then again I've had some good experiences as well. Last year I broke my ankle a few weeks before our trip to the US (this is the trip I only take ever two years to go back home!) and had to buy a boot so I could walk. When I went through security both here in Korea and in the US I made a point of being cooperative and letting them know ahead of time about my boot. I don't think I ever had to take it off (though I did offer). Security in Korea tested it for explosive material via a chemical test and in the US they waved a wand over it.

As for the drinks I can sympathize because I tend to get tired and hot when traveling (even during the winter) and have to get a drink. They can be expensive on the concourse. When I was leaving China a few weeks ago, I walked down about 15 flipping gates to where I knew there was a vending machine (I'd seen it the last time I flew) that had Coke for 4 yuan instead of the 15 yuan charged by the restaurants and stores (I'm a cheap bastard, I know). I downed the thing so fast the only thing I had to worry about is getting to the bathroom before the flight.