Shotguns and Boarding Passes

If nothing else, the Algiers airport is thorough. The security check with x-ray, metal detector and pat down (enhanced!) entering the airport only foreshadows the security ahead. Considering the black market criminal element rampant inside the building, another check is certainly in order. Heading toward the gate is another security area with baggage x-ray, metal detection, and pat down (enhanced!). After the usual immigration formalities, we were herded into yet another check where there is an x-ray, metal detector, pat down (enhanced!) and a physical search of bags. After clearing customs, we proceeded to the gate where there was yet another security check in the jetway. This included a physical search of our bags and a final pat down (enhanced!). While I appreciate the efforts at ensuring passenger safety, somewhere around the third security check I started to get less confident in the whole process. Then there were the guys outside the airplane on the tarmac walking around with shotguns. Call me uncultured, but the only guys I want to see walking around with shotguns are rednecks during hunting season. That said, the takeoff and flight went great. It'll be good to be home.