Last week I flew from Dublin into Paris and on from there to Tel Aviv. Security on internal European flights was always more severe than internal US flights (pre-9/11), and since the threatened attacks in the UK a couple of years ago, it’s been even tighter. At each checkpoint I need to remove my laptop and zip-loc bag of toiletries from my hand luggage, make sure my pockets are empty and, on many occasions, remove my shoes as well. The queues are longer than ever, and though most people complain about the additional time needed, when you press them they will often agree that at least this way they are safer… But are they?

In my work laptop bag, I usually carry a reasonable-sized, Leatherman-like multi tool. I mostly carry it for the screwdriver set, but the knife is also useful for opening parcels and boxes. As a final step before traveling, I remove this tool and either leave it at home or pack it into my hold luggage. Before traveling to Israel I went into my laptop bag, and searched the 2 main internal pockets for it, as that’s where I always carry it. When there was no sign of it, I assumed that it was in the top drawer of my office desk, ever since my previous trip.

So last Monday I headed off, in my usual traveling outfit, nothing in my pockets, nothing to set off the detectors. I flew safely to Israel, and the next day went into the office and opened the small front section of my bag, where I keep all my cables and power supplies. Lo and behold, there was my Leatherman…. The bag had been screened twice in both Dublin and Charles de Gaulle airports and no-one had spotted this.

So what’s my point? Never trust that the low-paid muppets on a security desk will actually spot dangerous items in people’s hand luggage, and always be aware that traveling by air, while relatively safe compared to car travel, is still dangerous. Always double and triple check your bags (ALL POCKETS!) before traveling, and this applies twice as much if you have borrowed the bags from a friend or family member. If in doubt about any items, then pack them in your hold luggage.

Travel safely!