Jeddah – LHR

I have not been near a computer for 3 weeks but I flew back on BA on 13th October. I always thought security was tight at many western airports but for those bored enough to want to know -the security starts with an army check point before you get to the north terminal (foreign airlines), next is a screening machine and body search manned by 8 policemen before you can go into the check in area, after check in and passport control another screening machine and body search manned by 6 policemen, then into the departure area where ther seemed at one point to be as many paramilitaries as passengers. When I was called for the flight over a distance of about 40 feet your travel documents are checked individually by not 1 not 2 but 3 seperate staff, then into a bus where all the curtains are drawn and you are not allowed to look out as you drive to the aircraft. When we got to the aircraft (B777) it was surrounded by armed troops. Finally at the top of the steps (which were wide at the top) a small table was set up and all hand baggage was thoroughly searched and this was followed by a thorough body search before you could go into the cabin. It was a relief to slump into seat 33K and await the rumbling of the drinks trolley after take of for the first taste of angels crying on my tongue in 6 months. The aprons are not easy to see from the terminal at night but there were 2xB747 400s, 6 x MD80s, 3 x B777s 1 x A300 (all Saudia) plus 1 x B767 Air Algerie, IL 18 Air Cess and a Libyan Arab Flight as we were leaving but I only just saw the top part of the tail. As I arrived to check in Cyprus Airways flight CY459 A320 was taxying out for take off and I had originally been booked on that very flight to go to Cyprus and see my daughter but she had gone back to UK early. Needless to say I can’t remember too much about arriving at Heathrow:D