Airport security takes traveller's walking stick

Video of me being interviewed by Channel 7 News regarding Virgin Blue security bullies confiscating my walking stick at Melbourne airport. I wonder if Richard Branson has a YouTube account? Please visit my on-going account of Virgin's attempt to weasel out at http://members.iinet.net.au/~rlarsen/VirginBullies/index.html

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• virgin
• blue
• airport
• bullies
• security
• richard
• larsen
• branson

[spacemermaid2012]

He is VERY handsome!

[k0rinthian]

@spacemermaid2012

*Blush*

[k0rinthian]

I'm from the US, and though security theatre in Australia is less invasive than in the States, it's still theatre -- not only useless, but a stage for state-sponsored thugs to subject you to their legitimised power trips.

[soicuw]

This is why we dont need oppressive corrupt govt. officials running private airports!

[k0rinthian]

Well, the thing is, Melbourne airport is a private enterprise with private security answerable to nothing but opaque corporate imperatives. The fact that there are no clear government guidelines such as a travellers "bill of rights" speaks more about the laissez-faire approach the Australian government has towards the business which run assets for the ostensible public good.

[dawsonkidtko]

First things first, the airline told him he had to check the Stick. Its the airlines flight, they probobly called screening saying that they didnt want the stick comming through. Its a shame that it happend that way though.

[k0rinthian]

Well, that's not at all what happened. The airline told me to check my stick only after repeatedly trying to blow off my requests for assistance, and after airport security dismantled it.

[crackers95]

ever since that 911 crap Australia has lost it

[spacemermaid2012]

@k0rinthian do you have faceboook? =P

[spacemermaid2012]

@k0rinthian You are mister!!!!!

[fastacker2]

Give everyone a gun when they get on the plane. Everyone's equal and no need to search anymore. then you can carry your walking stick, pocket knife, big wrist watch, they don't have to grope your daughter or rape your grandmother when they board the plane. No terrorism and no TSA (maybe that is redundant).

[purplemutantas]

Wow, this sucks. A couple of years ago I was able to get on a flight in the US with a cold steel african walking stick. It's a solid plastic walking stick modeled after the walking sticks used by the Zulu. It has a knob on top that could do some serious damage. I guess I was lucky to not have my walking stick taken away. It's appalling that they would take a mobility aid away from someone with a disability. Pencils and pens can be used as weapons, are they going to confiscate those too?

[russellchido]

fuck those klunk-headed shanks

[stewartx5]

Believe this is SOP on all airlines. I understand need for passenger safety (flying objects, etc) and comfort (intrusion of stick into neighboring seats, etc), so was not bothered following a severe leg injury when several airlines did same.

With no fuss from me, airlines were very courteous about it - allowing me to board first, making sure I was seated comfortably, and so on. Since I could use seat backs to move around (to toilet, etc), no problem during flight either.

[crackers95]

@superbroombroom we are all yanks

[omgwowface]

It's not that you are going to use it as a weapon but someone else could, but then again practically everything in everyday life can be used as a weapon. So fuck them.