On my way back to Christchurch, I had to transition through Auckland International Airport. In order to board my flight to Chch, I had to go through the 'international transfers' area. Once upon a time, this would have been a simple check to see that you have tickets to continue on. Now, it's a full security checkpoint with x-ray machines and everything. That's not the stupidest bit.
In addition to the usual restrictions and procedures, they're enforcing the (moronic) 'liquid ban'. So I'm required to throw away the remainder of the bottled water that I picked up in San Francisco airport in a secured area after going through security there, which I just carried across the pacific on a 777. I can't think of a single reason why this makes sense. When I sarcastically remarked on this, the airport security official said, cryptically, "You're in New Zealand now, sir". But that's still not the stupidest bit.
My bag goes through the x-ray machine, and is taken out and put in a queue of bags that require inspection. Eventually, my bag makes it to the head of the queue, the official opens it, and pulls out a tiny tube of toothpaste I got from the hotel. He produces a snaplock bag (all 'smearables' have to be in one, you know), puts the toothpaste in the bag, seals it, and places plastic bag and toothpaste back into my backpack, zipping it shut.
It's always so reassuring to know we have people looking out for our safety on airlines. |
