I just made an unexpected trip back to the US from Italy and was quite surprised by the significant changes in security systems in American airports.

I flew from Florence to Paris and Paris to Denver, Colorado. The security systems in place in Florence were the usual. Electronics taken out of bags, shoes off, the usual. Then I flew back to Europe this way: Denver to Detroit, Detroit to Paris, Paris to Florence.

Passing through immigration on my way to Denver at Charles de Gaulle was quick and efficient, allowing me the chance to catch my flight to Denver on time.

Arriving in Denver, I noticed a change in customs there. It is much more personal; no booths but rather a podium behind which the agent stands and asks a few questions (did I bring plants, food or medicines into the country?).

But leaving Denver was when I saw the big changes in the security system. Now you encounter an agent immediately who takes a photo of you while you stand there and it is automatically referenced against your passport. You don’t stand in a long snaking line for 30 minutes +. You then proceed to an area where you load all your carry ons into bins and they are passed through a machine on a conveyor belt to see what’s inside. No need to remove any electronics from bags.

It was fast and easy.

Arrival in Detroit was fairly easy, fast, and efficient. I found my gate to Paris by tram inside the airport. Detroit’s airport is modern and efficient.

Arriving in Paris, I went through the security checks at Charles de Gaulle again and was very impressed by the high level of organization. Customs was quick and efficient.

Arriving finally in Florence, you travel back in time. Florence is a small airport with short runways. Then you get off the plane and climb on a bus that takes you to the terminal. There is never a customs check and it always takes an age for the bags to be delivered to the carousels. But both my suitcases showed up and I was delighted to be home!