I was going to suggest comparing it to other developed countries' practices vs their rate of high profile terrorist attacks, but then I realized it correlates the other way. Spain and Italy hustle you through an old-school metal detector, but going into Israel I thought I was about to be beaten down with a rubber truncheon when I forgot the piece of paper I had in my pocket.
China’s is surprisingly easy. Just a metal detector and an X ray of your carry on. Didn’t even take my shoes off.
Singapore’s is the best. The security is right at the gate so the timing is a lot more predictable and you don’t have to worry about missing your flight.
China’s is done as you’re transiting. My luggage was sniffed, my hands wiped for explosive residue, and I was x-rayed, all without having to stop for more than a few seconds.
Israel’s methods are incredibly interesting and something that you just wouldn’t get away with in the US. I say this as a non-American non-US-resident, which I think is important because my comment sounds like American exceptionalism.
