That's basically how it is in the US, except that sometimes there aren't enough machines so the lines are long, and it's the spinning scan thing rather than a metal detector. Usually no line in major California airports when I've gone. NYC is hit-or-miss. Just did a transfer through LHR and the security line was insanely long.

It used to be much worse though. I think the new machinery has made the difference.

The bus/train is different because they're harder to weaponize. Everything we got was a response to the 9/11 attacks.