READING Sue Nelson’s column of August 25 reminded me of the airport departure we had a few years ago from St Petersburg.

We went through security with everything that involves, then into the departure area – but before we boarded the plane we had to go through all the security we had done the first time round.

My husband was getting annoyed I told him just to smile and guess what? They searched our hand luggage again.

We were told later never to smile going through Russian passport control, they think you have something to hide.

Apart from that we enjoyed the holiday very much.

Maureen Robinson, Broadway, York.