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My Recent Experience at Stansted Airport
I think there’s been a little misunderstanding around the point I was making, so I’d love to clarify.
When I spoke about the importance of communication, I wasn't suggesting that airport staff should reveal sensitive security procedures or operational details. Of course, we all understand the importance of discretion and unpredictability in aviation security - that’s vital, and I’m certainly not arguing otherwise.
What I was referring to is the human side of communication - things like clearly and calmly explaining to the individual what is about to happen next, offering reassurance, or checking whether someone is travelling alone if they’re being taken away from their belongings. None of that requires compromising security; it's about dignity, empathy, and inclusion.
People with medical needs (like insulin pumps or CGMs) often have to advocate for themselves - sometimes repeatedly and in stressful situations. A little clarity from staff - even something as simple as, "You'll be taken for a private search shortly, this is standard, and your belongings will be safe" - can go a long way in reducing anxiety, without revealing any sensitive procedures to the wider public. Arguably, part of the staff’s role is also to prevent panic - and that too is a vital aspect of security. There's often an assumption that everyone travels frequently and knows how things work, but the truth is, sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, so people may not even realise what questions to ask in the first place or what things they should communicate to the staff.
I also absolutely agree that communication is a two-way street and being clear and direct as a passenger helps too. But even the most self-assured individual may feel overwhelmed, especially in a chaotic or unfamiliar environment, and especially if they’ve been unexpectedly separated from their luggage, partner, or travel group.
Ultimately, this isn’t about demanding exceptions or undermining airport security, it’s about creating an environment where medical needs are acknowledged and handled with compassion. That’s a win for everyone.
When I spoke about the importance of communication, I wasn't suggesting that airport staff should reveal sensitive security procedures or operational details. Of course, we all understand the importance of discretion and unpredictability in aviation security - that’s vital, and I’m certainly not arguing otherwise.
What I was referring to is the human side of communication - things like clearly and calmly explaining to the individual what is about to happen next, offering reassurance, or checking whether someone is travelling alone if they’re being taken away from their belongings. None of that requires compromising security; it's about dignity, empathy, and inclusion.
People with medical needs (like insulin pumps or CGMs) often have to advocate for themselves - sometimes repeatedly and in stressful situations. A little clarity from staff - even something as simple as, "You'll be taken for a private search shortly, this is standard, and your belongings will be safe" - can go a long way in reducing anxiety, without revealing any sensitive procedures to the wider public. Arguably, part of the staff’s role is also to prevent panic - and that too is a vital aspect of security. There's often an assumption that everyone travels frequently and knows how things work, but the truth is, sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, so people may not even realise what questions to ask in the first place or what things they should communicate to the staff.
I also absolutely agree that communication is a two-way street and being clear and direct as a passenger helps too. But even the most self-assured individual may feel overwhelmed, especially in a chaotic or unfamiliar environment, and especially if they’ve been unexpectedly separated from their luggage, partner, or travel group.
Ultimately, this isn’t about demanding exceptions or undermining airport security, it’s about creating an environment where medical needs are acknowledged and handled with compassion. That’s a win for everyone.
Alan44
Moderator
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- Type 2
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Ok guys, let me put a slightly different spin on things.
We live in troubled times at the moment, probably the worst I have known.
My last 10 years or so of working life were visiting military bases both US and UK, on occasions I could get on base with little fuss, on other occasions, my car would virtually be dismantled while I was held at gun point and it's not much fun having a gun pointed at you that you know is loaded, but that was always a guide to if the UK had gone up a security level for some reason.
I am guessing, I don't know, but I expect the UK is on the highest security level possible, for obverse reasons and that will include civilian airports and all entry points into and out of the UK.
@YvonneB has not had the best of experience at all, but in my opinion, it's understandable given the current climate we are living under.
Just a different on things
We live in troubled times at the moment, probably the worst I have known.
My last 10 years or so of working life were visiting military bases both US and UK, on occasions I could get on base with little fuss, on other occasions, my car would virtually be dismantled while I was held at gun point and it's not much fun having a gun pointed at you that you know is loaded, but that was always a guide to if the UK had gone up a security level for some reason.
I am guessing, I don't know, but I expect the UK is on the highest security level possible, for obverse reasons and that will include civilian airports and all entry points into and out of the UK.
@YvonneB has not had the best of experience at all, but in my opinion, it's understandable given the current climate we are living under.
Just a different on things
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Surely that would only apply if something different had been done in the private room @Alan44 ? I understood the OP to be saying that it was the normal pat-down stuff but done away from the queue where it’s normally done and where you can keep an eye on your luggage, including your crucial life-preserving meds.
I’ve been patted down numerous times. I once had my hair searched! (I’ve got a lot of curly hair) I’ve also had my hands swabbed and my pump swabbed. But all of that was done just to the side of the normal queue.
I’ve been patted down numerous times. I once had my hair searched! (I’ve got a lot of curly hair) I’ve also had my hands swabbed and my pump swabbed. But all of that was done just to the side of the normal queue.
Alan44
Moderator
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Not necessarily
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
So you’re saying it’s a kind of psy ops thing to disorientate the person? The OP said staff said it was procedure (to do pat-downs for med reasons in a room). I’m sure someone’s mentioned Stansted here before.
Alan44
Moderator
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I doubt it was anything to do with the OP