Airport security in India

A friend and I were on a tour of India in November ’12 that had six internal flights, and with airport security we never were sure what would or would not be allowed in our carry-ons. Each airport seemed to make up its own rules about security, even with group check-ins. 

Passengers couldn’t get into any airport without a boarding pass or eticket. Each passenger was checked at the door before entering. 

On entering every domestic airport, the bags we were checking were immediately placed on a conveyor and screened, and several were then opened and hand-inspected.

When going through the regular security check inside, women and men stood in separate lines, the women going into a booth to be patted down by women. It was in the booth that we got our boarding passes stamped, so don’t put yours in one of the bins going through the screener. 

Carry-ons often were opened, especially if the scanner detected electronic equipment (iPod, charger, extension cord, camera, etc.). No loose batteries were ever allowed in carry-ons. Also, no alcohol was allowed, even if it was in a 3-ounce bottle in the plastic quart-size bag. No alcohol was served on any of the domestic flights we took.

Our boarding passes and requisite tags were checked and rechecked before we boarded the bus that took us across the tarmac to the stairs up to the plane. There were no jetways. 

On our own, on our way out of India, we couldn’t even enter the Mumbai airport until it was within three hours of our flight time. Some people who were there more than three hours ahead of their flights had to go to another waiting area before they could enter.

That said, India is a wonderful country with amazing sights. It’s not to be missed!

JUNE WALLACE

Castro Valley, CA