The crowd gripped their clear plastic bags containing the few posessions they were being allowed to carry. Slowly shuffling forward there was little conversation, but what there was terse and hushed which befitted the general mood of the crowd. From time to time people would walk along the line and check the contents of the bags were permitted, removing any items deemed inappropriate. No appeal was permitted. Reaching the front of the line, each person had to remove their jackets, belts and shoes, placing them in a platsic tray on a short conveyor belt and walking through an archway.

The above describes my experience today going through Gatwick airport in London en route to Edinburgh. It’s an accurate description of how it felt to me and in discussions with others I don’t think I was the only one who felt that way. What a difference 24 hours makes.