#24
interesting! twice last year, i travelled with someone who had ordered a muslim dish on the airlines company, we were flying on.
As you know you have to order before, when buying ticket on internet.
Both times he was checked more than me anyway....what to think?
Random? I doubt.
30
apatride
31
saviourag
Random my butt. I also ALWAYS get checked thoroughly in central and northern Europe, even after going through the metal detector and it doesn't beep. They have to check my pockets, make me take off my shoes, take off any extra shirt if I'm dressed in layers and open my hand luggage to go through each and every item I have. This happens not only at airports but even in buildings with special security like parliaments. I figure it's because I'm southern European, I wear long hair and I always travel by myself. It's a good thing that they try to be vigilant, but it gets irritating when it's always you whom they pick up "randomly". They might be missing the real trouble maker. He or she could be blonde and pale and they would never have suspected in someone like that.
32
sashac
A friend of ours who is somewhat Muslim and looks it ordered the Muslim meal on an airline once, just to see what he would get. He'll never do that again! He gets enough hassle as it is. Don't think it's random but I could be wrong ;).
My husband always gets a haircut before we travel to Muslim countries. On our last trip home from Morocco, I got patted down for the first time in my life. I guess 3rd time's a charm and pushing it way too much for New York customs.
36
englishminx
Funnily enough, I'm also a student of Arabic, one who has been 'patted down' and searched at L.A. airport (on the way from the UK to New Zealand) in 2002, perhaps because unlike the UK, they didn't X-ray all baggage! I won't go into the stupidity of having this same luggage taking back inside an airport building and checked out again, maybe airport buildings cost less than airplanes?
I have friends all over the Middle East, Muslim, Jewish and Christian and I am constantly outraged by these stereotypes, caused by ignorance and fear.
As far as I am aware, more people have been killed in the UK, by IRA bombers, than by Muslim extremists. I look forward to the day, that the Muslim extremists open themed coffee shops ,all over the world, are welcomed as much as the Irish are and take their seats in parliament. Perhaps we should find out who their patron Saint is, then push for everyone to celebrate their Saints day?
Please note, that I have some Irish blood, the points I'm trying to make, are that there will always be people who will be led by the media because they can't think for themselves and that people have short memories!
37
orangutan
I guess we all know stereotype is alive and well....
Maybe I should order a hakal flight meal next time I fly.
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