Should only passengers be allowed into the terminal full stop or ?

Should only passengers be allowed into the terminal full stop or ? What is ausbt followers feelings? Partial access or full access for non travellers.

I noticed in other countries there is security just to got into airports or even train station terminals prior to check in of luggage etc.

I've certainly experienced this in India where you can't enter the terminal without a printed itinerary.

In Sydney I'd suspect that this would lead to too much of a hit to parking revenues if non travellers could no longer go in to the terminal to wave someone goodbye!

I can see the day in the not too distant future where airports will be just for departing and arriving passengers.  We will all be spun some sort of rubbish about increased security levels etc, can't help but think that day is not far away. It may take out alot of congestion, well wishers and car parking/traffic problems, maybe not a bad thing for the bone fide traveller afterall.

Good point re the short term car parks, the huge multi storey buildings would be empty and massive revenue lost.

depends on your motive for the post airADL....hopefully it wont come to that in OZ..and my comment has nothing to do with airport 'owners'/revenues.. where will it stop if such 'security'restrictions are imposed? cabs/buses/trains/planes/ALL public buildings/spaces where people are... why should airports be singled out? is a single life not as important as multiple lives? just my thoughts and opinion :)

Where I've seen the practice of airport authorities screening people at terminal entrances happen is in countries where there is much inequality in society. The need to divide travellers from non-travellers is an extension of the segregation of society and the disdain that the authorities have for plurality. That would not be a good look for Australian airports. 

I 100% agree with you, TRB

No motive or reason to fix.

I am interested on other frequent flyer opinions 

Topical conversation at the moment

Airports arent going to change anything that reduces revenue. Less people in the terminals means less retail sales, so less rent and less car parking. Cant see it happening.

airADL,

What is the current problem that needs fixing? Please explain.

It doesn't have to be one way or the other. To get airside you need a boarding pass and/or ID. Why not require ID to get a "terminal pass" if not travelling. Run the ID against databases to find those intent on doing harm or causing trouble. Lots of logistics needed, but lots of extra protection too. Maybe SYD 2009 QF brawl and death could have been prevented this way? Also even recent Brussels bombs?

wilsoni, 

Then you're just pushing the problem out. 

Do we create an exclusionary zone around the perimeter of the airport? 

By the way that's the best way to tell the terrorist they have won. How much more of our way of life are we sacrificing in the name of security? 

There's no need for extra security in airports, maybe it wouldn't be an issue if the govenment didn't just let criminals roam the streets freely?

I think they should be allowed into the terminal, but in countries like India where there is increased terrorist threat maybe screen the visitors along with their bags and that should be it. Wouldn't want to see this in Oz though.