Gripes & Grins
Have a TSA experience that you want to share? This is the blog post to share your TSA experiences -- both the good or the bad.
posted by Neil at
9:03 AM
1.31.2008
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406 Comments:
First comment I have, BDO's as you call them need to be plainclothed, or with an identifying band. There is nothing worse for your image than having 8 screeners struggling on two lines with miles of passengers, while 4 more seem to be standing there doing nothing but trying to intimidate people into appearing nervous. Instead, it just makes 1/3 of the workforce look completely useless.
January 31, 2008 3:37 PM
Hi there: I am confused as to why you have to show your passport or ID at 3 stages during clearing security ? I can understand that they check it as you enter the line. But, why again before you are directed to a machine and then again before you can put your stuff in the xray machine?
Thanks for answering this question.
January 31, 2008 3:41 PM
The screeners at PHL located at concourses B and C have to be the worst. Early in the morning they are half asleep and cranky. Some have the "Big Man on Campus" syndrome. Suggest raising the salary to draw a better quality of screener.
January 31, 2008 3:45 PM
Here's a grin about the blog. I just left a comment about having sections for shoes, liquids, etc. Posted my comment, went back to the home blog page ... and there they were!
I guess I just got ahead of the plan.
January 31, 2008 3:47 PM
In Europe when I go through security someone helps me with my lap top and other electronic devices. In the US all I get are a bunch TSA representative barking out orders while standing around looking mad.
January 31, 2008 3:47 PM
I think my first post either got rejected for term I used or because it came during the flood of comments you got just as you shut down that one topic and revamped…here it is again because it’s important to me:
This has been mentioned at least once, but I wanted to second it and reiterate it: Why can't something be worked out so that ALL federal law enforcement employees with security clearances, background investigations, polygraphs, etc. be given some special consideration and a realization made that their credentials (yes, the flip open "I'm with the government I'm here to help" kind) actually mean something. It's ridiculous when I'm traveling in business attire with my creds and security badges (that get me in to places just as critical and sensitive as an airport), and I get secondary screened because I made a last minute change to get an earlier flight. I can’t even be given some professional courtesy to let me leave my suit jacket on instead of crumpling it up to put in a dirty plastic bin that people put their shoes in. And the screeners get this stupid fiendish grin when they know they’ve won and I have to do whatever they say. Meanwhile, some kid that got a job a throwing baggage or something diddy-bobs past with is inappropriate unprofessional attire and his headphones around his neck and flashes his badge, not even close enough or long enough for the person to actually check it and goes right through. I’m not angry or chip on my shoulder because this happened once. I’m a frequent flyer and it’s consistent.
And maybe…just maybe…I’d be even less aggravated about it if so many TSA screeners weren’t jerks. Many…not all, I’ll give you that, but many simply do not care about people. Everyone is apparently a nuisance and/or nefarious. Hey…all those fine American travelers are taxpayers…you’re paid with tax money…you work for these people, you don’t rule them. You…work…for…them! If you’re being a jerk because you don’t like dealing with your fellow Americans…quit…don’t like the job, too boring, too demanding…quit. I know it’s probably just too tough to give up such a sweet gig being a federal employee mooching off the people you can’t muster some common decency for. If you’re a jerk because you like being a jerk and the power you have…you should be fired. The TSA pre-employment screening process should screen out people who are itching to be power tripping jerks, but obviously it doesn’t always work.
January 31, 2008 3:49 PM
Hi! I read almost all the past gripes about TSA and I felt a lot of anger. I travel quite frquently and follow the rules, take of my shoes etc.. I do it with a smile. I say hello and I thank them. I have had some rude airport staff before you get up to the TSA. In phoenix they have booties you can wear, but I noticed people did not used them. Thanks for doing what you feel you have to do in order to keep us safe and putting up with all the angry people too:)
Just a frequent traveler, my smile gets me far!
January 31, 2008 3:49 PM
I've stood in some horrible lines at SMF (Sacramento, CA). As if TSA has no clue about flight schedules and how to plan for surges around common departure times. Perhaps TSA and the airlines should be working more closely together. Certainly the airlines should know how many passengers are moving through their block of gates.
I know it's not as easy as staffing for lunch at McDonald's, but watching the pattern for a couple of weeks and adding extra people over holidays and other known busy times could be improved.
January 31, 2008 3:52 PM
Why does the TSA run special low delay inspection lines for first class airline passengers? Since when is one taxpayer entitled to discriminatory treatment and special service from a government agency?
January 31, 2008 3:54 PM
Looking for a suggestion: I love to travel with my Leatherman multi-tool. It is unfortunately a prohibited item on airlines and therefore must be checked, which I completely understand. However, when you check items like this (or cash, jewelry, digital cameras, etc.) and have an hour or so layover in say...Chicago, your beloved item is no longer safely stowed in your luggage. I have used a luggage lock before only to have it sheared off (and my money stolen...I was too young to think that people might take advantage of one's layover) by the time I picked up my bag from the claim area. Any suggestions on how to travel with items that must be checked AND not get robbed of them?
January 31, 2008 3:55 PM
ive only flown a few times in the past three years, only alaska air lines, wonderful trips...their *bus* type of flight, direct, nonstop Portland OR to Ontario, CA and back...wonderful...couple cups of complimentary ale, and three hrs later, pow, im there...sweet people, each time, wonderful memorable experiences considering a less than wonderful reason for traveling...i wish all had my experiences, and i hope all my future trips are as smooth...
granny
January 31, 2008 3:56 PM
I'm a 63 yr old woman, and I do NOT appreciate the TSA woman in West Palm Beach who felt it necessary to reach down inside the front of my slacks. How embarrassing!
January 31, 2008 3:57 PM
I have had generally good experiences with TSA, except for long lines at some (but not all) airports. Mostly these seem to be the result of metal detectors and baggage x-rays that are not staffed, leading to everyone trying to squeeze through too few stations.
I do understand that lots of folks have had worse experiences than I, and that there are inconsistencies that otta get fixed. BUT - remember that the security situation and intelligence about our foes changes frequently. If we were to find out that Al-Qaida has figured out how to blow up an airplane with an iPod, you better believe that iPods would be banned pronto.
BUT, if you have problems with TSA, do you remember the way it used to be? When airlines ran the security inspection and they had a very lowest-cost approach, paying minimum wage to inspectors? Do you remember that many of the inspectors could barely speak English and some turned out to be illegal aliens? Was the fox out guarding the henhouse?
TSA needs improvement, probably more resources, but it also needs our support to make it a better-functioning organization.
January 31, 2008 3:58 PM
Something has to be done for those of us with artificial joint or other replacements or metal in our bodies permanently. I am tired of having to stand in the line knowing that I will have to be scanned. I cannot volunteer to be scanned, so it takes even longer before I can get to my gate. At the very least, let me volunteer to be scanned since I have a replacement knee.
January 31, 2008 3:58 PM
In October of '05 my fiance and I were at O'Hare going though security with United. Never have I seen individuals be so utterly rude to all sorts of people. They were yelling at people old enough to be my great grand parents who truly didn't know what to do. This was not the only time I have seen such rudeness. I have since flown on 4 different trips and each time the TSA screeners are yelling. This is not necessary. While I understand many of these TSA workers are not well educated (taking into consideration our nation's security they should have at least a high school degree which I am sure these TSA workers do not have and better training)the should be tought to be thoughtful, understanding, respectful but I guess that goes back to how they were brought up.
January 31, 2008 3:59 PM
Note that I think most of the comments have probably been deleted by the moderator.
If citizens MUST tolerate this ridiculous group, at least make it a private-based organization. Note that the San Francisco private group finds 80% more fake bombs and such upon screening than almost ANY of the other cities w/ public run TSA Orgs.
January 31, 2008 3:59 PM
I think generally that the TSA does a good job of running security, but it annoys me to see the complete lack of courtesy with passengers. There isn't even the pretense of being friendly or helpful when you ask questions. It has become apparent that this is truly a government agency because these people act like lifers instead of employees of the tax payer. There are many instances were lines are long and these lifers are too busy socializing to do their jobs, and we suffer. Please make the trains run on time as the saying goes. If you cannot train them to be courteous and focus on the job at hand, fire them. At least when the airlines were running the checkpoints they allowed and encouraged honest feedback. These lifers act as if saying anything to them is a federal offense. A complaint to a supervisor almost always results in unnecessary secondary screening. The system is poorly managed and out of control Take the power away from these lifers, most of which couldn't be successful at Jiffy Lube or Walmart and recognize the traveling public deserves better.
Thanks for the blog. This is great and very much appreciated.
January 31, 2008 4:00 PM
Why is it that when I accompany my son through security when he flies alone (I'm just dropping him of at the gate) my gate-pass is always stamped "SSS" meaning full security check in terminal 2 of LAX but not terminal 5. Even the TSA guys at the security checkpoint have expressed their surprise. They blame it on the airline, whereas the airline claims it's the TSA flagging the gate-pass.
Who decides this and why?
January 31, 2008 4:01 PM
I sat beside a guy that was at least 325lbs on a flight recently from Denver to Chicago O'Hare. Airlines really need to enforce the weight limit when flying. At least enforce the two seat purchase for those over 300lbs. If it was a 20 min flight it would not have been a problem. But sitting beside this cow for 1:45 minutes was over the top.
Stephen Squibb
January 31, 2008 4:01 PM
I recently made a trip from Atlanta, GA to Seattle, WA. On the return trip, the TSA folks took my laptop into a room and, about 10 minutes later, returned it to me. A few minutes after that, I opened it to discover the keyboard bezel was bent up on the left side. I turned it on and discovered at least one key was sticking because the password dialog was constantly filling with characters. It appeared that they had tried to remove the keyboard, for whatever reason, and totally ruined my computer in the process. It cost me USD 295.50 (for a new keyboard and labor) to get it fixed.
The Moral of My Story: Turn your laptop on and make sure it works as soon as they finish inspecting it.
January 31, 2008 4:01 PM
You guys are incredibly ineffective. My PEPPER SPRAY gets through on my key chain each and every single time but I've lost several hundred dollars worth of skincare items over the years since this government mandate began.
Don't you think if someone wanted to blow something up the trash can right in front of everyone, where you toss my lip cream, would be 'ideal'?
Innane...
January 31, 2008 4:01 PM
When ever I enter the Security Check Point at airports around the country I see evidence that there are dozens of cameras watching every move of the traveling public.
In fact, it seems that there are survelance cameras every where we go these days and it certainly isn't uncommon to have employees video taped while on the job.
Yet, when I asked to see the survelance tapes of TSA Screeners checking my baggage after items were stolen from my checked baggage I was advised by TSA that there are no survelance cameras of employees checking bags and therefore there are no tapes.
Of course, TSA had to pay up for the stolen goods.
Why are there no survelance tapes of TSA employees at "work"?
January 31, 2008 4:03 PM
Okay, so I know that I have a really cute dog, but shouldn't the security people keep their eyes on the baggage? I travel with my small dog quite frequently. Most of the time, when I take him out of his bag, at LEAST 1 TSA person completely spaces out and comes to play with him. In the mean time, there are bags going through the x-ray machines and people walking through metal detectors while these goofs are playing with my dog! I know he is cute, but perhaps TSA officers could use some training in impulse restraint.
January 31, 2008 4:03 PM
I just flew from WI to St Kitts via Chicago and my luggage was lost. When it arrived a day later than I, I opened it and found one of the TSA inspection notices inside. Then I noticed that you folks took out 1/3 of my shampoo and 3/4 of my hair conditioner. Before leaving, I got leaki proof bottles of about 8 oz each and put these hair products in them. I did this so that they would not leak. They didn't leak but you poured out most of my products. You have nerve! This was mine and not yours to dispose of as you saw fit. If you need to inspect fotr a bomb or whatever, you could have taken a few spoonsful. I am so ticked! I don't have enough for my trip. This is an abuse of power and totally not necessary! On my last trip, I had 102ml. of shampoo in my carry on which you abusive people took and threw away. 2 mls over the limit is stupidily silly totake away. That is why onb this trip I packed the stuff in my luggage and put it in those bottles which were4 not the original and I suspect that you thought they were suspicious and needed to dump my stuff out. Shame on you.
January 31, 2008 4:04 PM
In Detroit I was shocked to discover my wallet and purse being searched without being notified, advised or given the opportunity to observe. When I said I thought I was supposed to be notified about that before it happens, I was told "we can search anything, anytime". I'm sure that's not within TSA's policy.
In Montana a screener took my purse off the table and put it in the x-ray machine while I was getting my laptop out of the bag. I tried to get my purse back but was rudely informed that I can't change my mind after I put it on the x-ray belt. But the screener put my purse on the x-ray belt, not me! I have a specific order I want my belongings going into the x-ray (shoes, bag, laptop and then purse). I want to go into the walk through when my purse enters the x-ray tunnel and be waiting for it to come out thus eliminating risk of theft on either end. Again, TSA taking my purse from me and intentionally putting my property at risk!
January 31, 2008 4:04 PM
There is lterally hundreds of pounds of drugs ad weapons walking aboard aircraft each day internally as they do at our borders. What is the TSA going to do whn it is determined an explosion or fire was started aboard an aircraft that way? Pelvic and anal exams for eveyone?
January 31, 2008 4:06 PM
As a retired Military (23 years) plus 15 (US Gov't-Law & Enforcement Off), I find the attitude of the TSA personnel I passed through at the Philadelphia airport to be the rudest of any I have ever encountered. Even as a Imm Off, courtesy in dealing with people no matter the situation calls for common sense in a modulated tone of understanding not yelling, bringing frustration to your job or an attitude of disgust. Peope respond better to kindness even when pressured.
January 31, 2008 4:06 PM
Thanks for starting a blog. We used to fly to Michigan twice a year to visit my in-laws. Thanks to the TSA, I no longer have to do that because flying has become too much of a scary hassle. I figure you guys have saved me over $3000 in travel costs over the last couple years. Better still, I don't have to hear from my father-in-law about how I should go to church more often. Relatedly, I should give thanks to the TSA for allowing me to rediscover my home state of Oregon as all of my vacations are spent within driving distance. Turns out, I live in a beautiful state with a rich cultural heritage. I'll see you all at the old-time fiddler's contest in Sumpter, Oregon this September!
January 31, 2008 4:06 PM
On my way to Miami from La Guardia airport I (a female) was horrified to have a male screener frisk me opposed to one of the woman screeners. I filed a complaint with the TSA, but never received a response.
January 31, 2008 4:07 PM
I traveled from Seatac on Christmas day and it was a wonderful experience. I traveled back on New Years Day from Houston and that was quite an experience. We had our plastic bins loaded and on the rollers. There was a man in front of me in the same situation. He had been scanned and I was on my way through. This employee started to yell at us and scold us like we were children. She yelled "Now who do you think is going to push those bins through?" At Seatac the employees did it after we got them to the rollers. I guess in Houston on holidays the employees get paid time and a half to yell at travelers to do everything themselves. There was the employee sitting on a stool yelling at all of us and the other employees were standing around talking and laughing with each other. I wish we would take security seriously or not have it.
January 31, 2008 4:10 PM
I'm sick of people bitching about shoes and liquids. These rules are in place for a reason: to protect YOU. If you don't want to comply, take another mode of transportation.
January 31, 2008 4:11 PM
Last year we were returning from Anchorage, AK to our home in upstate NY. The plane we were to depart Anchorage on was delayed enough so that the airline had to re-book us with another airline. All of a sudden our round-trip ticket became a one-way and that flagged security for more stringent checking and unnecessary delays. I say unnecessary because I am certain this is fairly frequent. There ought to be a way to distinguish between a customer arranged one-way versus an airline necessitated one. It would aggravate fewer people and would cut down on wasted time and effort by security personnel.
January 31, 2008 4:12 PM
Do people employed by the TSA realize they are continually engaged in warrantless searches (and, not uncommonly, seizures)? The entire process is illegal, is it not? Is it made legal by the fact the federal government pays screeners to engage in the act? Here's the fourth amendment, for you consideration: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." Violation of this very explicit federal government restriction is a fundamental flaw in the TSA organization, not to mention the rude, incompetent behavior of screeners. I don't believe you have the integrity to reply to this comment, either, by the way.
January 31, 2008 4:12 PM
I travel many times a year, and every single time the TSA steals items out of my bag. I have even resorted to putting the TSA regulations on the top of the bag, showing what is allowed in checked luggage, but still I have my TSA Approved lock stolen, ( cut off I imagine, even though the TSA has a key to open it) and my cigars and cutters, and lighters are always stolen. even when they are approved and in special cases.
Why does this happen? nobody has access to the bags but Airline personel. why does this always happen?
January 31, 2008 4:12 PM
I sat beside an over weight, actually very over weight 325lbs guy, on a Unitied flight from Denver to Chicago O'Hare, Row 19. Airlines need to enforce the over Weight limit. Or at least enforce the two seat rule. The flight was full so no seat was availible to change seats. It was a 1:45 minute flight. Had it been a 20 minute flight it would not have been a problem. Can you Please enforce the two seat limit for cows over 300lbs. Place a seat in the check in area and if someone can NOT fit in that seat and has bulges hanging over the seat require a two seat purchase. It was very uncomfortable for 2 hours. Thank you!
thank you
January 31, 2008 4:12 PM
The tsa's efforts to screen passenger would be more credible if you could show some reasonable evidence that all this screening has prevented any terrorist acts.
Because there were no terrorist acts in flight in the U.S. during the history of commercial aviation before 9/11, it is not credible to cite the absence of such attacks since 9/11 as evidence of efficacy.
In the meantime, tsa passenger screening is costing billions of dollars annually in direct costs, and probably tens of billions in wasted time and unnecessary aggravation of the traveling public.
Where's the cost-benefit analysis?
January 31, 2008 4:13 PM
I would like to know why my 84 year old mother in a wheelchair(42 year survior of Breast cancer) one hip replacesd, Both knees the size of basketballs always has to get out of the wheelchair for a pat down and wond going over. She has to lean on a counter or wall so as not to fall down. Yet I walk thru.
January 31, 2008 4:13 PM
I'm an international business traveler (17 yrs worth, ave. of 150K m/p/yr) that's endured the TSA system since day one. I am curious why every single time we go through security at ORD, ATL, JFK, wherever - we have to submit to the same procedure, over and over. Also, why is it taking so long to implement the "fast-track" security for us very frequent business travelers? We just want to get to work - and then, REALLY want to get home with minimal fuss.
January 31, 2008 4:14 PM
never would i tell the tsa how to go about doing their job. it is an important job and must be done carefully. it is my believe that your personal can do their daily duties with firmness but along with that should always remain a touch of humanity and personality. travel today is not fun anymore for anyone.most of the problems in line stem from us people ourselves not following simple orders, but many times the rules of the game change from location to location. it never hurts to put a smile on your faces, that goes a long way when it comes to cooperation.the worst i have seen has been at the baltimore location by far, sad i must say.we all need to work together for our safety sake and need to be more patient but meeting the public half way with a more friendly attitude would go a long ways.this is coming from a retired usps worker.but in our small town we must try to put our best foot forward and make a solid attempt to get along. too many people put on a uniform and they get high on themselves with authority. always remember that you have a job and for many today they would be more then glad to trade places with you in order to provide for their family. so be tough , but blend it with a little humanity.thank you for listening
January 31, 2008 4:16 PM
Gripe - after a peaceful flight back to the USA from Japan, land at SFO to transfer to a flight home to Chicago.
The "Welcome to America" is a TSA screener reciting a list of "banned items" at the TOP OF HIS LUNGS for about 15 minutes, while people in line had to listen to his ranting, which also included complaints about the lack of TSA vacation time.
"Welcome home" indeed!
January 31, 2008 4:16 PM
I still want to know about the express lane for 1st class passengers. I can understand why an airline’s customers, who pay more, should expect better service – FROM THE AIRLINE. But why should they get better service from the TSA, who are paid for by EVERYONES tax dollars? Not only is this unfair, it creates at least the impression of collusion between the airline AND the TSA. A government agency can’t protect BOTH the business interests of an airline, as well as passenger safety, without a very real conflict of interest. So… how about it, TSA,… are you taking kickbacks from the airlines, OR are you applying everyone’s tax dollars to benefit a select few.
January 31, 2008 4:16 PM
Why does all our newfound security measures feel simply like window dressing to make people “feel” better as opposed to doing anything stopping terrorism.
I cannot disagree more with how our country has approached improved airline security. Our solution is to throw money away on better x-ray/bomb sniffing to find bombs instead of looking for Terrorists. From a basic perspective, terrorists tend to be rather larger than bombs and harder to hide in luggage.
Why we have not approached our long time ally, Israel to help find a solution is absurd. No country has had to deal with more threats of terrorism for decades than Israel. If anyone has ever flown El Al, they can describe their highly effective method of finding terrorists (not bombs).
How do they do it? Drum roll please… they talk to you. Instead of wasting money on machines, invest in education, training and better paid employees to talk to every passenger as they wait to check in. In the El Al line, a rather friendly, and clearly intelligent employee with a PDA asks you a series of on the fly questions about your trip: where you’re going, why you know Hebrew (if you do, they’ll start speaking in Hebrew), where you’re staying, etc. This isn’t a process that can be standardized, it’s not even about the questions they ask, it’s about how you answer. If you’re lying they’ll likely find a hole in your story or realize you’re have something to hide. Then it might be worth taking a look at your bag/luggage as opposed to scanning at random.
Maybe it’s bullsh%t political correctness and fear of “racial profiling” that prevents us from learning from what actually works, but in a time where we seem to constantly give up basic rights in the name of “safety”, the fact that we are too stupid to invest in intelligent human interaction to prevent terror is simply ignorant.
How much will this cost? Probably a bit, see http://www.acm.org/ubiquity/views/v5i34_kabay.html
But, how much have ticket prices gone up to pay for the arguably random and useless security measures that have been put in place in recent years? Could this additional cost be balanced with the privatization and removal of said useless measures (taking off my shoes and belt)?
Oh, and here's an idea, we have thousands and thousands of troops that will be coming back from Iraq (I hope at some point). Chances are they're already well trained to spot terrorists and will need jobs when they get back. They have security clearance, smart, etc. just like the ex-Israeli army workers at El Al. Let's not over estimate the minority of soldiers that will have to deal with PTSD which is a legitimate concern, but an approachable one.
January 31, 2008 4:22 PM
I have family that will not fly due to the TSA issues. I travel a lot and have trouble from time to time, but it is mainly at the larger airports where the issues reside. Lack of staff leads to long delays. Long enough to make a person who arrives over 2 hours early for the flight miss it. That is not a good thing, especially when it is a business flight.
Some TSA agents think that they are "God" and treat people very nasty. I see that in every airport, not just some. I know that the job is low pay and long hours, but raise the pay and get a better quality of people to work that job. Then maybe things might change.
January 31, 2008 4:22 PM
When is something going to be done to update the no fly list? Just seems absurd that it's based solely off of a name, a third grader could come up with a better system and I'm sure others already have.
January 31, 2008 4:23 PM
There are premium lines because TSA does not set up the line ... the airlines do. TSA is only responsible for the checkpoint itself where the equipment is and the ID check. The lines themselves are created by the airlines.
The airlines offer it as a perk to their premium travelers. If you want to use the line, become a premium traveler.
While I like to bag on TSA for the stupid things they do, this one isn't their fault.
January 31, 2008 4:23 PM
TSA stole my toothpaste at ACV. Because of a ridiculous policy banning any "liquids" more than 3 oz. in volume. First of all, I don't think that toothpaste is a liquid. Second, it's a reactionary policy based on false intelligence. My honest belief is that the policy is mainly in place for all those people who have to discard their own water bottles, but can then *buy* another water bottle, containing the exact same tap water, just on the other side of the security checkpoint. Ridiculous!!! Or perhaps worse than ridiculous... how 'bout fascist?
January 31, 2008 4:25 PM
I would like an explanation why the TSA believes checking IDs enhances security. Terrorists could easily obtain valid ID; furthermore, the ID check could easily be circumvented by using any combination of fake boarding passes and/or fake ID. Plus, people are allowed to fly without ID anyway, so what's the point.
In addition, the "No-fly list" is an unAmerican mess and should be abolished.
January 31, 2008 4:31 PM
I am sorry to hear stories about TSA staff yelling and being rude. Perhaps it relates to the general temperment of the population in those areas. I have flown a few times in the last few years in and out of several airports in the southeastern united states and have always been treated with at least courtesy and often smiles and welcoming attitudes.
January 31, 2008 4:32 PM
After the TSA damaged my personal laptop computer not once, only on the way there, but twice, on the way back as well, I decided to not fly with it. After filling out about 5 pages of TSA refund papers TWICE about 2 years ago, and never recieving response, money, or any notification at all, I have lost every single shred of hope for the TSA, and only hope to grudgingly tote my things through their "gauntlet" and get on my flight. I hate the TSA even though they make me safe. Sad but true.
January 31, 2008 4:33 PM
Why is it that my wife's tendonitis arm bands were the cause of her being shuffled off by security for heavy questioning? It was distressing to her and it almost made us late for our flight. These extra measures put in place by TSA are not only just an illusion of safety, they are downright insulting.
January 31, 2008 4:35 PM
I posted this before the separate entries were posted, so here it is again...
I truly don't believe that the TSA cares what the hoi polloi think. Their job isn't to make the traveling public secure so much as it is to make the traveling public feel secure so they'll continue to travel. Nevertheless, I'm posting in an attempt to get an answer on an issue that really scares me: Airport screening managers can act in a totally arbitrary and capricious manner and deny people the ability to travel by air, with no recourse whatsoever.
I make my living as a computer consultant. My customers are nationwide, and I have to be able to get there quickly. If I don't fly, I don't work. I have no choice in the matter, despite the standard TSA response of "you have a choice not to fly, so this screening is voluntary".
I got so tired of getting groped by TSA screeners with no explanation of what they were doing - they'd just pull me aside and start running their hands over my body - that I started going through the security checkpoints wearing nothing but spandex. Most of the time, I got chuckles or nods, but the checkpoint managers at Greensboro, NC and Columbus, OH both told me they'd refuse to allow me through the checkpoint if I did it again - and the guy at Columbus went so far as to call the cops, just because he was offended! (They told him I was doing absolutely nothing illegal.)
When I sent a letter to Kip Hawley about the guy in Greensboro, I got a reply from a middle manager saying that I shouldn't do that any more, and completely failing to address my larger concerns.
I didn't even bother complaining about the guy in Columbus. What's the point? After his arbitrary, capricious action, I stopped doing it, because I was scared of losing my job by not being able to travel any more.
Not once did anyone bother to try to explain just why they thought my clothing was a problem. There was certainly no justification offered as to how I was doing anything to impede the security process; I contend that I was making the screeners' jobs easier, by making it obvious to them that I was carrying nothing on my person.
The TSA behaves as though they're above the law and the Constitution, and are totally unaccountable to the average traveler. I don't expect to get an explanation, but it would be nice...
January 31, 2008 4:38 PM
I watched you guys "wand" thee old ladies so far this year in my travels.
Fail^3
January 31, 2008 4:39 PM
Oh, and one more thing. Exforce some dress codes once in a while for your employees. I saw one employee in JFK wearing a doo-rag and a yankees cap cocked to the side. His white shirt was untucked and his pants were about to fall down around his Timberlands. What a joke! Your organization is a disgrace. Maybe he had to "keep it real", but if he can't show some professionalism, he should keep it real back on 'da skreets, without my taxes paying his salary and benefits.
January 31, 2008 4:40 PM
I've generally had okay experiences with the TSA workers in my home airport, CLE, however, in my travels elsewhere I have had several trips through security that still stick in my head every time I go to an airport.
In one instance, having just come back from an 18 hour international flight into O'Hare, being somewhat out of it on account of jet lag and fatigue, I was confronted with a screener who embarrassed me in front of the entire line of people as I was reentering the airport from customs. I had just put my backpack onto the rollers to go into the X-ray, and was walking towards the metal detector. However, the TSA worker told me "You can't go through." I asked why, and he said "You're forgetting something." I asked again, and, he did not reply. I looked around trying to figure out why I couldn't go through, but had no clue. The people behind me in line began to look visibly annoyed at the wait. Finally, I noticed that the X-ray conveyor had not caught my backpack enough to pull it in. Perhaps, had I been more conscious, I would have noticed it, but, after a long flight I was just not thinking. As I pushed it in, the worker said very loudly "There you go, now that wasn't so hard, was it?" I felt very intimidated by him and very embarrassed in front of the entire line of people as he belittled me. After dealing with a rude customs agent, this was the final welcome from America after a long time abroad. After feeling intimidated in that way, I had no desire to push the issue and try and complain at the checkpoint. Since I had to make a connection, I was actually afraid that complaining and "making trouble" would result him making me miss the connection somehow.
I think that intimidation is the biggest issue that the TSA is facing at this point. I would rather be forced to take my shoes off and limit liquids if I were able to feel comfortable and unthreatened while walking through the checkpoint. I have a feeling that those two issues would not be so odious if TSA employees acted more respectfully.
This is not the case with every employee. I have met many nice workers who treated me with a lot of respect, but, sadly, it is that minority of employees who, when given power abuse it, that color the TSA in a terrible light.
I believe that, if the TSA is to still exist and enforce some of their more contentious policies, they should at least test their employees' ability to treat a passenger with respect as well.
Between the yelling of posted rules and belittling of paying travelers, the intimidation must stop for the TSA to remain viable.
January 31, 2008 4:40 PM
Wow where to begin?
Ok lets at least address the real problem.
Why do you have people gather in huge lines where any bomber could take us all out waiting to be checked????
You need to be checking the cars entering the air port. that way they may blow up a car or two. as it stands now they could take out thousands of people before they ever were screened. this isn't rocket science.
You are just setting up false security, while putting us all in harms way.
Take a step back and do the right thing.
-Glenn
January 31, 2008 4:43 PM
I recently traveled from JFK to Charlotte, NC and the TSA had inspected my checked baggage. When I arrived in Charlotte, I noticed the TSA sticker on the tag, but no notice had been left. When I opened my bag, the items inside were tossed about and the inside zipper was open with my cell phone charger hanging out. My $300 Canon digital camera, its charger and leather case were missing. I filed a claim with TSA, but it was denied. They're supposed to be checking our bags, but instead things go "missing". My concern (aside from someone stealing from my baggage that was supposed to be secure) is that if anyone can steal something out of the bag, then anyone can also put something, such as a device or bomb in the checked baggage as well. What is the purpose of screening the luggage if the TSA personnel is part of the problem?
January 31, 2008 4:46 PM
I've flown a few times through SAC and I have to say the TSA agents there make me want to drive or take a train. In Vegas the TSA seem polite and reasonable yet at SAC I see people who are at war with the passengers they serve. They bark out orders, treat people as inferior to them, and have the attitude of an army soldier who just caught Bin Laden.
I find the whole security theater annoying and the lines are horrible and the reaction to a shoe bomb or liquid rumor is excessive and over the top. The TSA is just using fear as an opportunity to take away freedoms. We are not fixing terrorism with this group, only making citizens mad and decreasing airline usage.
January 31, 2008 4:47 PM
Awhile ago in Orlando (MCO), I went through the ridiculously long line for security (which is to be expected, as it is a vacation destination filled with people who don't travel frequently), and got confused by the signs upon leaving the security area. I turned the wrong way and ended up heading back in the direction I'd come from - which I recognized about twelve steps into an empty corridor near the Disney store. I turned around to go back and was informed by a TSA employee that I couldn't move that way. I explained that she'd just watched me come that way; there was no one else in the hall at all. She said she didn't see me. This is somewhat frightening; one person walking down a hallway, and you don't even notice them? I didn't mind having to go back through the line; I'd made the mistake. But a little courtesy from the guard could have given me the opportunity to skip some of the line. My screener recognized me when I went back through, probably a good 100 people later. Shame on the other TSA employee for being absolutely, positively blind.
January 31, 2008 4:48 PM
I recently returned from a company trip to Idaho, for which 50 of us were coming from around the country to meet. Of the 50, no fewer than 5 of us had things stolen from our checked luggage. We weren't even traveling through the same cities and thus targeted by the same baggage screener!
Items stolen ranged from cheap jewelry to computer power cords to medications.
I don't mind the fact that sometimes someone has to go through my stuff as a security measure. I DO have a serious issue with dishonest employees and their five-finger discount.
January 31, 2008 4:49 PM
The last 3 times I've flown, my empty and open nalgene bottle has been taken and examined for residues, but my metal lockpicking kit with pocket knife in my backpack hasn't even been noticed. I feel no safer due to the action of the TSA. These were in LAX and Charlotte and Cincinatti.
January 31, 2008 4:50 PM
I have a medical condition that requires me to use a CPAP machine at night. Since I travel a lot I always take the machine as a carrier on. TSA requires me to take the machine out for screening. To do so I must pull out the hose and mask to access the machine. It's embarrasing to have everyone looking at me with all the equipment and wonder ups up with this guy. I thought that with HIPPA (another government mandate) my rights to medical privacy were protected. But I keep forgetting that the government does not have to obey the laws they pass. I understand the need for checking such items, and want them to be checked. But it would be nice to have this done in privacy. I'm willing to take the couple of extra minutes for this.
January 31, 2008 4:52 PM
MISSING THE TARGET - I'll never forget returning from fighting for our safety in Iraq, in full military uniform (I'm a Sr Officer) and being pulled aside in full view and being "strip searched" because there are some tiny metal clips on the sides of the uniform pants that "beeped". Have we gone so far in the U.S. we can't figure out who are the good guys and bad guys? If folks aren't smart enough or aren't allowed to figure out who is the most likely real threat, they are ineffective. Ongoing facts prove that out.
January 31, 2008 4:57 PM
Y'all have a tough and generally thankless job. We don't hear much about your successes -- if security had prevented the 9/11 hijackers from boarding their planes, we wouldn't have had huge page-1 articles saying, "The World Trade Center didn't fall down today, thanks to the work of security agents in Boston and New York." You can't see the tragedies that were prevented. Thank you for what you do.
January 31, 2008 5:04 PM
Personally the TSA is the reason I will never fly to the USA I don't see why i should come to your country as a guest to be treated badley, I there for now intend to take my long haul holidays to Japan, I would love to come to the US as with the pound worth so much everything is cheap as chips and could easy end up spending $5k USD there.
But I don't see why I should but my self thought all of that never mind the biometric screening and questioner I will take my business and my money else where, you have to ask how many other people are doing exactly the same?
January 31, 2008 5:05 PM
Isn't the purpose of checking ID's to verify that the person with the ticket/boarding pass is who he/she says they are? Then, why does it matter if an ID is expired?
TSA at PIT would not accept my Colorado DL, as it had been cancelled when I moved to California. I showed my cancelled CO DL along with my temporary (no photo) CA DL. They were focused that the DL#'s didn't match (DUH! One was from CO, the other from CA!). Fortunately, I had anticipated a problem and took my passport along.
I travel several times a month. My #1 beef with TSA is that they are inconsistent.
#2 is the need to LIFT trays and carry-ons across tables/rollers that are not either level or sloped down!
It seems that the security lines are designed to irritate and inconvenience travelers.
We don't really have a choice to 'not' fly. The business traveler is a big part of what makes the economy go.
Besides, if we didn't fly, how many TSA agents would get laid off?
January 31, 2008 5:06 PM
In MOB a few days back there were 17 TSA people manning the station. This station has but one X-Ray Machine, one line, one station. The line of people waiting to get through was probably twenty people long and moving at a glacial pace. The majority of these TSA people were just watching and chatting about who was going to go on break next. At LEAST this overstaffed station could do something to hurry the screening up so that we didn't have to wait so long. And as I finally made it through one Barny Fife caught me counting these 17 TSA agents with a look of amazement on my face which got me "selected" for additional screening.
Air travel is horrible and the TSA is doing all they can to make sure that doesn't change.
January 31, 2008 5:07 PM
Okay, I've got multiple questions here.
First, why is it such a big deal about volume of liquids? Would we be any safer if larger volumes were allowed? Why is it if something is refused and we're not taking it with (multiple liquids) they are STILL thrown out together at Chicago? You do realize how big of a danger this could be if someone intended to, right?
Second, why is there a business class line for scanning at all, and why is it additionally not even enforced? I've never walked through the normal line.
Third, why are people grouped up waiting in the security line? If someone with bad intentions wanted to cause damage nowadays they'd cause 3x as much just blowing up the security wait-line thing since there are so many people crowded around (and its before any sort of scan for bad things).
Fourth, why do we not get to see our status with regards to the no fly list and stuff? Why do we have to file a FOIA for that?
Fifth, why is it international hardly gets any sort of scanning or looking at all at anything? I got plenty of my normal sized toiletries (8,12,15oz+) through on my carry-on to and from Israel via New York?
January 31, 2008 5:07 PM
I have a total knee replacement, plus have had some work done above my knee that has left metal in my leg. I know I'm going to set off the metal detector every time I go through. I give the TSA guys a heads up, and they proceed to pat me down.
It doesn't matter what I'm wearing. I can wear shorts, flip flops, and a thin t-shirt, showing all my scars on my knees, and they still stop me and pat me down. I don't argue, and don't fight them, but I figured by now if they've seen me, there's not exactly anywhere left to hide a weapon.
Even when I use my cane, and send IT through the scanner, they pat me down anyway.
It's pretty ridiculous. (Of course, TSA in general is $10B a year I think we could spend on something else), but why pick on an old cripple?
HistoryBuff
January 31, 2008 5:07 PM
The current system as it stands is the most inefficient, inconvenient, and costly process for both travelers and airlines.
The reality is profiling is what needs to occur and I would feel better if I was interviewed while having my bag checked rather than experiencing a strip search that inevitably will lead to nothing.
TSA really needs to train its people in interviewing travelers. You checked my bag, so what, you never asked me any questions while you were doing it. Did you pack your bag? Where you going? What are you doing there? Find out if I am nervous.
The security firm that was hired by American Airlines did its job in flagging the shoe bomber. The company should have simply turned him away.
There is a better way and the Israelis have been doing it for decades and are quite good at it.
The current system is frankly useless and simply a drain on everyone.
January 31, 2008 5:08 PM
Gripe: My TSA approved lock was removed (stolen!) from my suitcase on my last flight.
January 31, 2008 5:09 PM
I was traveling through Dulles, and I believe a TSA person stole my camera. For some reason, he took my tray off the conveyer belt and handed me some of the contents in it. Then, thinking he had given me everything, I continued on, and then he handed me some loose change. I only realized that my camera had also been in that tray when I boarded. It turned out to be essentially impossible by phone or email to report the incident, and by the time I returned from my trip it didn't seem likely that I would get any resolution to this incident. Is there any recourse to this kind of thing?
January 31, 2008 5:09 PM
TSA BTR
I had entertained clients from UTAH in Baton Rouge and helped them buy some local foodstuffs, liquids and the like (hot sauce, cane syrup, etc) and told them be sure to put them into your checked luggage.
They forgot, the TSA guys took the stuff, dropped it into a duffle bag at their feet, and then two of them HIGH FIVED each other, as if celebrating their new acquisition!!
Yep, money well spent, that's TSA.
What a waste....HB
January 31, 2008 5:10 PM
My check-in luggage was chosen for hand inspection at Chicago Midway last year. When I arrived at my destination, my clothes, although re-folded, were smeared in mud and grass throughout - including a fair amount of gravel in the mix. The likeliest explanation I could come up with is that my belongings were emptied into a bin during inspection - a bin that was not sufficiently cleaned after the previous inspection. I understand from the placard left in my luggage that the TSA is not responsible for damage. However, it would be helpful to institute some minimum cleanliness standards during such inspections.
January 31, 2008 5:11 PM
I hope that by seeing the sheer number of negative comments, people working for the TSA take it to heart.
1. If the screeners are so important, hire more capable and educated personnel. Test them to make sure they know at least 80% of the policies of the TSA. Reward and encourage TSA screeners to use common sense.
2. Work with airlines to give the policies and regulations a higher visibility to passengers. Instead of making it fine print, include a checklist of the most important and common policies for the passenger when he or she picks up the ticket from the ticketing counter or in the email for e-tickets. Keep the checklist simple and have it make sense. Make sure all TSA screeners have access to th same checklist at the security screenings.
3. Make it easier to lodge a complaint against abuse and failure to follow policy. Most passengers expect the TSA screener to be rude and apathetic, but when a TSA threatens or bullies a passenger, or is in violation of TSA policy, such complaints should be taken seriously.
4. Make it possible to compliment an effective and professional TSA screener. Provide survey cards for passengers at the gate or on the plane for passengers who request them. Recognize outstanding employees.
5. Give people with special considerations (infants, elderly, the disabled) a special line that they can use. Have screeners who can anticipate the needs and special circumstances and adapt the one-size-fits-all examination to give these people the dignity and respect they deserve. (For example, disrobing an elderly woman in public or patting down an infant while the mother is commanded to hold the child at arms' length seems to be the opposite of dignity, respect, or common sense.
5. Listen to the American people who want reform on some of the TSA policies. We pay your salaries. You work for us. The goodwill and appreciation most passengers initially extended to the TSA has been eroded by mismanagement, incompetent staff, and nonsensical and inconsistently applied policies. Nobody wants another disaster. We all want to feel safer, and we want people out there looking out for us. But the current people and policies of the TSA don't seem to be working.
This blog could be a step in the right direction. Don't dismiss the legitimate anger and frustration and puzzlement of passengers. Reform TSA policies now.
January 31, 2008 5:12 PM
I like that TSA is keeping airports safe. yet ur officers are rude and harrass some of the passengers including me. I will do just about anything to avoid using an airport now a days to avoid the lines and the stuff TSA make me go trough,
January 31, 2008 5:12 PM
I can understand the TSA's position in wanting us to leave our luggage unlocked. But after numerous incidences of pilfered items, and one instance where my cloth luggage was actually cut open, I sincerely do not agree with the TSA's position. What ever happened to the procedure, for people who know what kind of thieves works in baggage, to have their luggage pre-screened and than tagged while the traveler is standing there to watch? As it is, I just lock it.
January 31, 2008 5:15 PM
I had some things stolen in Dallas/ft. worth airport, made a claim and it was denied. I had a witness that the stolen items were in the bag, but "no way, Jose'. when items are stolen and the airline I flew, American, says this happens everyday, how the heck do you prove it? I'm upset that the people who are supposed to be guarding us are ripping us off!@#$&^%#$^&%#
January 31, 2008 5:17 PM
Two concerns:
1. Traveling with a disability. I have watched folks in wheelchairs being made to stand unsteadily for more than 5 minutes for the wheelchair to be scanned. I have been on crutches, non-weight-bearing, and had the crutches taken from me as I stood one-legged for more than 5 minutes. I have watched the crutches go through the conveyor and come out the other end and sit there awaiting a TSA agent to return them to me. If you ask for attention from the TSA agent, you get a look and far slower service.
2. Traveling alone with an infant. If you have a stroller, it is next to impossible to hold the baby, fold up the stroller, and put it on the belt alone. And yet more times than not I have had TSA agents watch me struggle to do this without offering any help whatsoever.
January 31, 2008 5:18 PM
Sorry, but most of the TSA people I've run into are self-involved, arrogant jerks. They have an open contempt for the public, and seem to delight in being rude. This is especially true at O'Hare where you've managed to cobble together a truly stunning group of incompetents.
Worse part is - despite the regular horror stories we see in the press about TSA idiots - you do nothing to improve.
And I bet you do nothing with all the complaints posted here...
January 31, 2008 5:18 PM
I saw that you had a blog and just HAD to comment on the TSA people at Philadelphia International (PHL). I don't think I've EVER experienced such an sense of unnecessary abuse of empowerment. I fly out of both E and F fairly often, and in both terminals, the employees at the security checks treat people absolutely horribly. They stand there and rudely SCREAM at everyone in line as if we hadn't been waiting in line for 15 minutes and had't heard them the 30 times they already repeated the rules, when everyone there are pretty obviously frequent travellers in the first place. Other airports have announcements over the loudspeaker, or acknowledge that people can read the 10 signs in a 30 foot area that all say the same "3-1-1, take your shoes off" rules. They're rude to everyone with this "holier than thou" attitude they portray.
I've travelled many other airports in the past few years, and nowhere else have i actually felt angered by the security personnel, while PHL employees manage to do it regularly.
That being said, I should note that my experiences flying in and out of Greensboro NC and Manchester NH have been superb, and the TSA employees there were very nice, and cordial. They obviously realized that I probably didn't want to be there any more than them, but they at least treated me with respect and a smile like fellow humans, and not like the dog I feel like every time I travel out of PHL.
January 31, 2008 5:19 PM
The searches that TSA conducts at airport checkpoints are indeed LEGAL under the constitution. They have been upheld many times by even the most liberal of courts under the "Administrative Search" clause. Basically, when you submit yourself and/or your property for screening, you are consenting to searches.
January 31, 2008 5:26 PM
This is an EXCELLENT article:
IDs and the illusion of security
PLEASE READ IT! Basically it says that the only secure form of airport chacks are random searches -- everything else is prone to loopholes. But please, read!
January 31, 2008 5:28 PM
TSA does a fair job....Americans should be furious with the damn terrorists and those that support/finance them. BUT TSA really looks amateurish with the shoes, 2 oz. liquid policy and some of your recent hires that look/act like unemployed thugs off the street. Personally, I would PROFILE the hell out of everyone---middleastern descent folks--sorry, tough love! Don't like your "civil rights" violated? Grey Hound leaves at 3pm!
January 31, 2008 5:30 PM
Gripe: I am a law enforcement officer and regularly get searched when travelling by air. It is very irritating to see them schlep through their searches and I cringe at how poorly it is usually done.
Beyond that, there used to be a clause in the US Constitution regarding being secure against unreasonable searches. My one carry-on bag went through the X-Ray machine cleanly and I went through the metal detector cleanly. My stuff was still unpacked and gone over by hand and I was given a creepy pat-down search. I asked the screener if he knew what the fourth ammendment stated or had ever read the Constitution of the United States of America.
There's a group of people getting these jobs that feel they do not have to be professional nor understand their role as employees of the government. This type of treatment makes me think more of traveling by alternative means and just not going places that I can't get there without flying.
If damaging the economy and making law-abiding citizens feel negatively towards TSA, airlines and the competency of government is your goal, congrats.
January 31, 2008 5:33 PM
I travel frequently. When I travel with my son I put his middle name on the ticket instead of his first name. Someone with the same name is listed on the FBI watch list. I am a bit concerned what will happen when he turns 16 and has a picture ID. The first time we had a problem he was 4 years old and was stripped down to nothing but shorts, and socks. The guy started to ask him to remove his socks when a supervisor came up and told him to stop. I believe it was an abuse of power. The next time he was 5, and we were prepared. We checked in at the front desk instead of electronically. The guy looked at his ticket, grabbed the phone without saying anything to us, yep, I got him, but it's not who you think. He can't see over my desk. My son was asked his name, age, address and phone number. They decided he was safe to fly and they let us on the plane without the strip search.
It is very frustrating to know that a child can be treated so badly when he is obviously not a 30 something year old man. And even though legally you don't "profile", even your person logging on here "Andrea" states that she does that with shoes.
There has to be common sense employed in all of these rules. And yes, they should be consistent. They just aren't. By time my son is old enough to have a legal id, and need to use his legal name, he will still be 30 years younger than the guy you were looking for. Will he still be harassed? Should he carry a passport to keep from being treated like a criminal?
January 31, 2008 5:34 PM
I'm sure many people will post about the poor attitude they frequently encounter with TSA agents, but I do feel the need to add my own commentary.
When one feels herded like cattle, is shouted and fussed at, and treated like nothing but a nuisance, one is likely to cop an attitude. I'm talking about us, the passengers.
We are all trying to move through security as expeditiously as possible. So when agents are yelling at us impatiently as if we were children, and fussing at us to hurry up and get out of the way, it just makes us irritated and makes everyone unhappy. On a rare occasional I have encountered a TSA agent who was friendly, polite, even humorous about the procedures - this made everyone relax and cooperate.
The TSA agents also need to be instructed in how to handle non-English speakers. Shouting at them or simply repeating incomprehensible directions does not help. They need to learn to speak slowly, distinctly, and simply. I always feel for the non-English speakers I see trying to navigate our airports and security.
In other countries you often get security people who are polite, welcoming, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Here, the TSA agents make you feel as if you were just a big nuisance and they just wished you would stay home.
January 31, 2008 5:34 PM
The TSA is what makes me not look forward to flying. It is the reason flying is a big hassle. The vast majority of TSA employees I have had to deal with are rude, disprespectuful, un-educated, and unprofessional. What angers me the most is that my tax money is what is paying these incompetent people to hassle me, and ruin my day, as well as flying experience. One time I came across a pleasent TSA employee... once. Time to raise the standard for the type of employee this organization hires. I think it is quite useless anyways.. Gives a false sense of security, and thats it.
January 31, 2008 5:34 PM
I wish people would stop comparing TSA to El Al Israeli Airlines. If the U.S. only had to protect 36 airplanes, we in the U.S. could do the same thing as El Al. By comparison, Continental Airlines ALONE has more than 360 airplanes - that's TEN TIMES as many as El Al. American Airlines (largest in the U.S.), has more than 650 airplanes! Imagine the delays if each of those passengers had to endure an El Al-style security interview (which would send most Americans running to their nearest civil rights litigator.) So, for El Al's sake, and in a modicum of respect for the scale of TSA's job, give it a rest.
January 31, 2008 5:35 PM
One last comment: our elders still deserve to be treated with respect, and I often witness the most rude and irrational treatment of older folks who may have trouble getting stripped down, who move slower, or perhaps don't hear an instruction the first time around.
This definitely needs to change.
January 31, 2008 5:37 PM
"In October of '05 my fiance and I were at O'Hare going though security with United. Never have I seen individuals be so utterly rude to all sorts of people." I totally second that -- O'Hare has got to have the rudest screeners in the country -- I avoid them AT ALL COSTS. I have had a screener who tried to, quite literally, throw my laptop to the end of the belt (a work-issued one at that, and the funny thing is I work for a lawfirm, I would love to see what would have happened had I not stopped the disaster). I have also been yelled at for having my eyedrops in a smaller sized plastic bag than a "1 Quart" (Excuse me, if my 1 teeny liquid item fits in a smaller bag, who cares?) I have had coffee beans ransacked (granted I know the concern -- sorry I live in NYC and need to buy my midwest Java, but do you have to TOUCH food I would like to be able to consume after touching who knows what else that day? Yuck) Oh, the best part is when I travel with my husband, who is a different race than me. Only in O'Hare are we "randomly" selected to be treated like animals devoid of basic human rights as if we are living in 1960s Birminham, AL. Could someone please offer some basic sensitivity training to employees at O'Hare. In the meantime I fly into Milwaukee & take a bus / train if I need to go to Chicago.
January 31, 2008 5:38 PM
My checked bag is ALWAYS searched. Every time I fly. Am i being profiled or is this just coincidence that I get the bag searched by TSA every time...Anything I can do to get a little privacy or will I have to wash my underwear every time I get to my destination.
January 31, 2008 5:39 PM
Screeners and personnel at the Miami International Airport are beyond rude; which seems to be a local problem. I've passed thru a dozen airports in the past year and have consistantly ran into friendly and courtious personnel; except for at Miami.
I understand that there are quite a few clueless passengers outthere. But it is decidedly obvious the difference between shouting to make your voice heard, and using that voice in a derogatory and disrespectful way; doing so does not make clueless passengers behave; but it does insult those of us take all the steps to expidite service.
Again, this problem is unique to Maimi. Please teach them some people skills, tell them to lower their voice, and start using words like, "please" and "thank you"- the way our mothers tought us.
January 31, 2008 5:39 PM
As a former frequent flyer, I can tell you that the screeners in PHL are the second most rude from Philadephia to Taipei. Only New York had a more insulting, arrogant, stupid reception. Now if my trip is less than 300 miles I drive.
And I am seriously looking at Amtrak for longer.
And please save the crap about keeping us safe - this has NOTHING to do with security and everything about making government jobs for useless, power-mad, semi-literate little wanna-be dictators.
Until you profile, you aren't serious.
January 31, 2008 5:40 PM
"Because there were no terrorist acts in flight in the U.S. during the history of commercial aviation before 9/11, it is not credible to cite the absence of such attacks since 9/11 as evidence of efficacy"
While I agree that there are many problems with the way things are being done with TSA at the airports, the comments this person made are completely ilogical. The fact that an event like what happened on 9/11 had not happened before is that the terrorist of this world who hate the U.S had not considered it before, usually it consisted of conventional hi-jackings and they were trying to get someplace friendlier to their cause or escape from something. TSA's purpose is more of a deterrent to terrorists attempting to try the same thing again.
And look at the amount of guns or other weapons that are caught at security check points. I can understand the screeners frustration at times of having to deal with passengers who are well aware of the regulations but for whatever reason just dont seem to care and then when they get caught they make scenes, get ruly and unco-operative.
Yes, this system is flawed but it is the one we have. At least we dont have the military standing around with AK-47's providing security as in some 3rd world countries, where if you cause any kind of problem you are taken away and interrogated and may not get a chance to leave for days.
January 31, 2008 5:40 PM
why do airline crew have to go through the "dog and pony show" with the other passengers while other airline employees (rampers, mechanics, agents) all go without screening????
January 31, 2008 5:41 PM
I have nothing but nice and commendible things to say about the TSA Officers here in Orlando Florida or anywhere in the United States where I've traveled. As an avid flyer I commend the patience & professionalism given to me and my family. These TSA Officers are normal human beings with families of there own,who have to endure criticism,disrespect and deal with rude people thru out there 8 hour shift.They are blamed from everything from flight delays, weather delays and any new rules imposed by there employer-THE U.S GOVERNMENT. What does the weather or new rules have to do with that individual TSA Officer. He or she are just doing there job. I'll tell you- NOTHING. You all complain for more security, but you want it done at your speed and at your convience and god forbid someone's feeling get hurt. All TSA employess should be considered HEROS as they fight terrorism and try to prevent another attack here in our homeland.If it were not for them you would'nt be enjoying your bag of peanuts on your next flight.So the next time you feel fustrated & angry,don's take it our on the first TSA Officer you see.Blame it on all the people who overpack and can't follow simple directions. Blame it on the people who want to stand there and complain and take precious time because they don't want to take there laptop out of there bag,take off there shoes or take off there jackets. Instead THANK him or her for the fine job there doing and for making your travels safe.
January 31, 2008 5:43 PM
I think other people have said it but I totally agree that one of the biggest issues is lack of manners and customer service. I fly a lot in the UK and they always have someone helping you with the trays, explaining what rules they have today (because they can change) and just trying to ease the experience.
I've never seen that in a US line, you're supposed to be telepathic and be able to guess today's rules and if you get wrong it's too easy to get shouted at for no reason. A smile goes a long way to get through the screening on both sides, but I rarely see US screeners helping.
January 31, 2008 5:46 PM
I traveled from Chicago O'hare to Kansas City in Oct of 2002. On that trip I had around 35 staples in me from a recent operation (kidney removal). The TSA screener wanted to remove the surgical dressing and was snotty when my wife protested. I do frequent travel (gone 49 weeks out of the year) and dealing with TSA never seems to impress me as being nearly clueless. I don't suffer fools lightly and have been threatened with arrest for complaining about gross incompetance/rudeness of TSA screeners.
TSA screeners, if you get called up on the carpet for failing to properly perform the functions of your job, don't take it out on fliers. It isn't our fault you failed recent security checks.
January 31, 2008 5:49 PM
It concerns me that everything you check for is in reaction to a past incident and that you're not anticipating future terrorist ploys. For example, we didn't have to take our shoes off until the Shoe Bomber tried unsuccessfully to set his foot bomb on fire. We could take liquids in until someone tried to make a bomb from their seat in coach by mixing small amounts of liquids they had carried on board. Now the TSA agents make me take off my shoes and throw away my deoderant, while some mastermind is thinking of the next diabolical plan that you are not anticipating. I have no confidence in Homeland Security or TSA's ability to protect us if you are always looking for the things they thought of last year and are not anticipating what they may try next. But what do you expect from the government?
January 31, 2008 5:51 PM
Terrorism is a tool used to keep the American people in a constant state of fear. The TSA is a security theater, an absolute joke that is protecting no one.
January 31, 2008 5:51 PM
I've read about your new Clear program and am wondering three things.
1. What kind of background check is done? I'd like to feel sure it is sufficient.
2. Do you have any thing in place so that people who already hold government clearances ie; Secret, Top Secret, etc can use that clearance to qualify for Clear?
3. What happens when huge numbers of people sign up for Clear? Will the airport customers who have not paid for this service end up with even longer lines while Clear keeps it's promise? Or are the Clear lines run by contractors that have to meet a certain time frame to process?
thanks for your time.
January 31, 2008 5:52 PM
Lazy, rude and inept. Fire them all.
January 31, 2008 5:53 PM
Frankly, I have stayed away from flying since 9/11 for various reasons. Last October I flew to Denver from Billings, MT for major surgery.
I was released from the hospital,and through some rather trying circumstances finally got to the airport in a wheelchair, wearing a neck collar, and drugged up. I was treated by the TSA with a real gentleness, and concern for my welfare. I could not have been treated any better than I was.
That being said, I've done a lot of thinking about what I see as the TSA problem, and the negative image many people have of the TSA.
I think the fact that the TSA is tasked with providing all of us with the assurance of safety is only part of what should be your mission. Traveling by air has it's own set of problems, separate from the security issues and it is important that all elements of air travel make it as positive an experience as possible.
If the agents could have more training in the stresses of traveling from the travelers viewpoint, perhaps they could develop more empathy, and warmth. If they already receive sufficient training in that area, then perhaps they need to know it really matters. That comes from the top.
January 31, 2008 5:53 PM
In response to:
Do people employed by the TSA realize they are continually engaged in warrantless searches (and, not uncommonly, seizures)? The entire process is illegal, is it not? Is it made legal by the fact the federal government pays screeners to engage in the act? Here's the fourth amendment, for you consideration: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." Violation of this very explicit federal government restriction is a fundamental flaw in the TSA organization, not to mention the rude, incompetent behavior of screeners. I don't believe you have the integrity to reply to this comment, either, by the way.
Integrity, I have. I'm a TSO at Chicago O'hare. These searches are, in fact, legal. Read up on the Patriot Act. Our searches are Administrative Searches, which are exempt from the Fourth Admendment. You have every right to deny your bags to be searched, before you lay you items on the x-ray belt. Don't want your bags screened? That's fine, but you wont be flying. Once you hand us your bags, you have forfeited all rights over them until we are finished screening.
January 31, 2008 5:56 PM
Here is food for thought, thought I'm not sure if the TSA is responsible for this:
So many resources are spent looking for bombs and bomb material once someone is in the airport, specifically going through security.
All the resources could be spent in vain. If someone really wanted to take out an airport they just need to get to the drop-off terminal and explode the bomb at that point. They could take out the entire airport, some planes, and the surrounding business area if they really want to.
The point is, maybe TSA and the Government should rethink some policies? Obviously there is no way to be 100% safe. Inconveniencing all fliers seems to be pointless when you look at the grand scheme of things.
Food for thought.
January 31, 2008 5:58 PM
I'm a Pilot. I have been fingerprinted by the FBI and given the highest security clearence including Ramp clearence. Yet at the TSA check point we still need to get half naked in front of customers that trust us to get them to their destination. I don't get it? We (Pilots) don't need weapons to create another 9/11. We are already flying the Aircraft. Is it necessary for us to go through such intensive screening? In Tel Aviv the hotel van picks us up at the hotel and drops the entire crew off planeside. No security screening. If Isreal trusts us. Why can't you. (TSA)
January 31, 2008 6:01 PM
OKay,
I have a BIG GRIPE. I understand there are rules to follow to keep us all safe and prevent bad people from doing bad things on aircraft but I ask one question. "Who will guard the Guards?" I use the TSA approved locks so they can rumage through my bags leaving black grease all over my whites and other clothing and also so my needed medication can be taken leaving me in a real fix with two weeks to spend in a foreign country. Luckily the Doctor in Rome travels frequently from the US to Italy and understood the situation I was in. Because Italy doesn't have the same pharmacueticals he substituted my prescription and I was able to go on with my vacation. You know what? He wouldn't even charge me. The screeners in Rome helped me with my bags and when they had to examine my external battery pack for my laptop they apologized profusely. When I left the US to go on the trip a supervisor for the TSA told me I had to check my battery pack because while other airports like Charleston may let it go through "THIS IS NEWARK, NOT ON MY WATCH!" Well you know what? I re-entered the country in Newark and with the same supervisor working I passed security THREE TIMES! with the battery pack. So, medication being taken from passengers bags, inconsistancy with what will and won't be allowed through, I might add that this battery pack is a sealed gel battery pack approved for flight use, I ask again, "Who will guard the guards?"
January 31, 2008 6:01 PM
In response to:
Hi there: I am confused as to why you have to show your passport or ID at 3 stages during clearing security ? I can understand that they check it as you enter the line. But, why again before you are directed to a machine and then again before you can put your stuff in the xray machine?
Thanks for answering this question.
Showing the ID's multiple times is layering security. Mistakes can happen and things can be overlooked. Some passengers are selected for Additional Screening. By keeping your ID and boarding pass out, these people and their items can be easily identified. If passengers ignore requests of TSOs to move to designated lines and show their marked boarding passes, they waste the time of their fellow passengers and themselves because they will be screened, once again, at their departing gate. Keeping it out and showing it multiple times may seem redundant, but it saves time in the end.
January 31, 2008 6:01 PM
I haven't noticed too much difficulty at smaller airports, but at the bigger ones, the accepted crowd management tacit seems to be barking orders, and occasionally rebuking passengers who make innocent mistakes, usually because they're not experienced fliers. The whole system is based on the assumption that everyone is able bodied, mentally tough, and in command of good vision and hearing. Not so! People with challenges and infirmities should be able to travel solo, but seem to have nowhere to look for help or support during screening.
January 31, 2008 6:02 PM
In response to:
My check-in luggage was chosen for hand inspection at Chicago Midway last year. When I arrived at my destination, my clothes, although re-folded, were smeared in mud and grass throughout - including a fair amount of gravel in the mix. The likeliest explanation I could come up with is that my belongings were emptied into a bin during inspection - a bin that was not sufficiently cleaned after the previous inspection. I understand from the placard left in my luggage that the TSA is not responsible for damage. However, it would be helpful to institute some minimum cleanliness standards during such inspections.
In my opinion, TSA causing such a mess with mud, grass and gravel is impossible. All screening is done indoors, on a clean surface [by 70% Isopropyl Alcohol]. It's quite possible that one of the workers transporting your luggage dropped it while moving it from the airport to the plane.
January 31, 2008 6:08 PM
I would suspect that someone at TSA would find a common thread in these posts. A fair number of TSA agents deal with the unpleasant task of following a sometimes capricious but mandated security policy with professionalism.
Many don't. They are rude or apathetic.
Our airports provide one of the more visible faces of our country, and represent our Federal Employees to our citizens and visitors.
If rudeness and apathy continue to be America's face to the world, I will continue to be ashamed. Motivate the workforce, please.
Yes, it takes money, it takes effort, but it is our public image.
January 31, 2008 6:10 PM
The TSA screeners have a few guidelines that are hard to take in a free society. It would be easier to stomach if the TSA screeners did not sound like retired army drill instructors and were more helpful. Where are the supervisors when they are rude and or too busy??? (which seems to be the norm)
January 31, 2008 6:12 PM
Why does the TSA have faster inspection lines for first class passengers? Special service from a TSA?
January 31, 2008 6:18 PM
Since when does the government get to decide if a child (with the same name as a alledge terrorist) can fly? Isn't that the pilot's decision?
January 31, 2008 6:19 PM
Rather than using some stupid incompetent Gov site, I am REALLY impressed that TSA created a BLOGGER account! They have a track record, a service department that works at customer response, and a built in customer base that understands how to work the system....
So, as of the 24 hour mark, I am impressed...which is HARD to do for TSA.
January 31, 2008 6:26 PM
As a disabled traveler, I'm thankful for the new disabled-only lines at several airports, as well as TSAers who have helpfully led me through the main queue to the shortest screening lines to minimize the difficulty I have in standing for long stretches, carrying luggage with only one hand while the other holds me upright with my cane, etc. This is a great step forward in making the process more efficient for everyone involved--I can't count the number of times I've seen frustrated folks behind me grumbling about how long it takes me to put everything (purse, laptop, carryon, shoes, crutch, leg brace, etc.) through the machines.
Thanks again.
January 31, 2008 6:32 PM
I live in Syracuse and in the winter there is a large number of tourists that don't travel the rest of the year. Many of them travel once a year and still have no idea what to do. Also, many are older and get a little more frustrated. not sure what you can do, but just making TSA folks aware that a little extra explanation would be helpful. also, maybe talking to a person where possible versus telling the whole line. The Syracuse folks are always great and very nice. Same at most of the airports. TSA is one of the few gov't agencies that seem to do a great job, including this website which provides transparency.
January 31, 2008 6:33 PM
I am a retired police officer. I fly approximately 6-8x a year.
The public has no understanding of itself on a macro level: the stress, the self-absorbed behavior, the constant complaining and utter stupidities many people bring to the airport.
Get there early, don't bring weapons or other contraband. Follow the rules. I have never worked for the TSA and do not know anyone who does. I would not want your job for 3x your salary. Of course the procedure is not perfect, but so far it is working.
I think the TSA is doing a great job. Thank you.
January 31, 2008 7:32 PM
I have no complains about the personnel checking me through the check point, but I would like to ask that a person who has a replacement Knee, hip etc, that they be allowed to go through a line that airline crew and/or the handicap are pushed through.. reason, those of us who have a replacement knee always have to be checked, and we have to wait for that process to take place while others go through quite rapidly. Note we have to be throughly checked everytime, and I don't have a problem with that, and since I can't fool the checker, the alarm would go off, so if I was trying to beat the system, they could send me all the way back to the end of the regular line...
January 31, 2008 7:42 PM
As a direct result of TSA policies, if my travel destination is less than a 12 hour drive from me, I no longer choose to fly. I am a security professional working in the banking industry, and agree with Bruce Schneier's (another computer security professional) comments on the TSA's security practices completely. (I believe someone else posted this URL elsewhere in the blog, but since I reference it: http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html )
The TSA has continually chosen the "illusion of safetey" versus actual safety, and this has driven me away from flying in general.
Working within the framework for security that you have provided, however, I do have a substantial suggestion. Most of the time that I travel by air, I end up getting non-direct flights. Sometimes my layovers are quite short, other times, they are ridiculously long. In the late 90's and early 2000's, there was a push to remove smoking lounges from inside the terminals. (Many cities were passing "no smoking" ordinances for public buildings.) The non-smoking policy in airport terminals is fine, but it hinders security during these layovers and creates what I like to think of as "the perfect storm of nuisance" for smokers.
After a 2 hour flight, I may have a 1 hour layover prior to getting on my next flight. Before screening was so intense, I would lock up my carryons in a pay locker, walk out of the terminal, and smoke in a designated area. It took little or no time to walk back into the terminal, through the metal detector, pick up my carry ons, and head on to my flight.
Now, this process is much worse. First, there are no lockers - so ditching my "already screened" carry ons behind the security screening line isn't possible. Second, airports are moving the smoking areas farther and farther from the security screening lines, so the process of even finding the place to smoke now takes longer. Finally, the lines at the security checkpoints are retardedly long, and obviously that makes for more complexity as well.
It's en vogue to simply screw the smokers and say "You should quit anyway." But, this current process is needlessly complex and places a burden on the screeners. Why should you have to screen my carry ons, shoes, laptop, body, etc... twice just because I had a layover and needed to smoke a cigarette. During long layovers when flights are delayed or canceled, I may pass through screening 4-5 times!
Terminal 3 at LAX has the perfect solution: an outdoor smoking area behind the screening line. To the best of my limited knowledge, this is the only outdoor smoking area of its kind in the country. I realize this particular solution isn't practical for every location. Who would want to do construction to accommodate smokers these days? However, there must be some method of improving the situation - even bringing lockers back would help enormously.
January 31, 2008 7:48 PM
Our daughter works for TSA in NV and she tells stories (in general terms) about some of her experiences. Once she had to hold up a politician because they wanted to travel with some forbidden items. She told him that she didn't care who he was, he had to abide by the rules just as we all do.
She has had to "chastise" some of her people for abusing their authority as TSA agents with some passengers. She won't tolerate that.
If only all TSA agent
s were as conscientious as she is. Of course, I am prejudiced!
January 31, 2008 7:48 PM
Thank you, TSA, for not breaking my cello (yet). I do understand that you need to check instrument cases periodically.
The rule about the liquids, however... it'll go down in history as one of the stupidest regulations ever.
January 31, 2008 7:51 PM
Summer of 2007 I did extensive research to determine if I could lock my luggage. So, I purchased TSA approved locks. Then, when I got to the airport, the screener insisted the luggage be unlocked. What's the point of a TSA approved lock if the TSA won't let me use it? Was he simply ignoring the rule to make life easier for himself?
January 31, 2008 7:55 PM
I am looking for answers to two questions.
The first is, what kind of training do your agents recieve? I know you can't be to detailed, as those who would intend us harm may be reading this. I am just interested to see how intense training is for those charged with protecting others while they travel.
The second requires some background. Recently, I was traveling home for Christmas, and was speaking to fellow service member in line at a security checkpoint. He was wearing his uniform, and was asked to step out of line for a "random" inspection. I found this unacceptable. He had to stand there, in uniform, while someone inspected him, like he was common criminal.If I were that agent, I would have been embaressed. I have also been inspected in uniform, an experiece I don't wish to repeat. I have also had to watch my 78 year old grandmother be searched, which I also find rediculous. My question simple. Why does the TSA inspect people who are very obviously o threat to anyone, and ignore those who fit the profile of those who have been responsible for EVER major terrorist attack for the last half century. I sencerly hope that it is not to appear to be politically correct. I know you must appear to be random, but let's be real here.
January 31, 2008 7:56 PM
I had to go through one of your "special" screenings one time for some unknown reason. During the extra attention I received I had two TSA personnel rifle through my carry on bag in front of my face and had complete disregard for my items contained within. They emptied everything and didn't take care of the expensive stuff. What's worse is they took my wallet and went through it when it was out of my line of sight. But the biggest insult is when they were done with me and laying out all my items they just walked away!
You people at TSA need to get a clue that those people you're harassing and inconveniencing and intimidating are paying your paychecks. Maybe you should take our money and get some common sense training or stop hiring the college dropouts you find on the streets.
January 31, 2008 8:05 PM
Please make it so people can reply to comments posted by others.
Thanks.
January 31, 2008 8:16 PM
I completely understand why all of the policies are in place but sometimes I feel like I'm in a herd of cattle being pushed through. Sometimes I'm traveling with my elderly mother who needs help and extra time and we certainly don't get any understanding. I have also traveled with my small grandchildren and the same...no patience on your end. With having to do almost everything but totally stip of clothing, you could alow us enough time to make sure we have all of our belongings gathered before we have to move on because heaven forbid we have to go back ask for help in locating something that was left behind.
January 31, 2008 8:17 PM
Re: TSA - At one airport, I was not allowed to stand near my luggage while the TSA man opened it and checked it out. What made me mad was that he did not close the hard shell suitcase so that both "hooks" engaged, and he did not move the slider to act as an additional safety lock.
I was lucky in that my clothing did not spill out while enroute, on the belt, on the luggage cart, or back on the belt. The TSA man assured me that he would close my hard shell correctly, so I relaxed and thought that he does this every day and should be able to do this correctly --- but he did not.
As soon as I got my suitcase in Sacramento, I could see that only one of two hooks were engaged. I was PO'ed, and all I could think was that he did not care, or did not have the smarts to make sure that my luggage was closed correctly.
January 31, 2008 8:20 PM
I fly for business 3-4 times a week. For the past 11 years. I stand in security lines for longer than I want to remember. Having to watch stupid people around me trying to bring liter sized bottles of shampoo or water week after week is making me lose faith in the human race. Reading through the comments on this blog, people are complaining about having to throw away their bottles into a common garbage can. Amazingly, I have never had to throw anything away at a security line. If you use your brain and don't bring your gallon sized bottle of maple syrup in your carryon, you won't be throwing it away. What a novel idea! How about we start taking responsibility for our actions and be pro-active about it? If you don't want to take off your $900 suit coat and put it in a bin where people put their shoes, bring a garment bag with you. If you don't want to get patted down, remove all the metal from your person and put it all in your carryon before you get to the screening point.
Use your brain before you get to the checkpoint and you'll have much less to complain about later.
January 31, 2008 8:23 PM
Hello I think you guys do a good job but, I am a flight attendant and work out of o'hare airport and I just got an email about you wanting us to go thru secrity if I am traveling on my passes you want me to go thru security when i come from the parking lot thats fine but to have us board early is impossible cuz we don't get tickets till everyone has boarded so I don't think that is gonna happen....have a nice day
January 31, 2008 8:26 PM
While this country is by far the greatest by a number of estimations - humane treatment of airline travelers is not one of them.
The combative nature of many of the screeners currently employed by the TSA makes you welcome going through security anywhere else. I have even been pulled out of line by foreign security forces due to a case of mistaken identity - and even then I was treated with more dignity and respect than I have ever received here.
I believe you need to screen your screeners a bit more carefully, with particular emphasis on personality. In particular you should weed out those with feelings of insecurity expressed through passive/aggressive behaviour. These folks like treating you like cattle or over sized Ken/Barbie dolls.
Say what you will about "random" searches, but video AND audio tape the lines, the result would sway an honest opinion. The appearance of impatience is often as not the impetus for that little extra unwanted attention.
It is unfortunate that because our citizens were attacked by terrorists, our government through you treats us as the threat. I know you will say "it's for you own protection," but who's going to protect us from you? I feel as though I stand an immensely greater probability of coming to harm from a combative TSA agent than I do a terrorist.
January 31, 2008 8:39 PM
Jim said...
I've stood in some horrible lines at SMF (Sacramento, CA). As if TSA has no clue about flight schedules and how to plan for surges around common departure times. Perhaps TSA and the airlines should be working more closely together. Certainly the airlines should know how many passengers are moving through their block of gates.
I know it's not as easy as staffing for lunch at McDonald's, but watching the pattern for a couple of weeks and adding extra people over holidays and other known busy times could be improved.
***********************************
FYI Jim;
the average NATIONAL wait time over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2007 was just 14 minutes. The lines sometimes appear to be very long, but at my airport (Philadelphia International Airport) the wait time rarely exceeds 20 minutes from the back of the line to the x-ray machine at the checkpoint. And we get lines back to the garage at times.
January 31, 2008 8:41 PM
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
It is the duty of the Federal government to protect the Liberty of the People. TSA violates this concept. I will not fly because I will not give up the Rights enumerated in the Fourth Amendment.
January 31, 2008 8:41 PM
I travel for work roughly 25% of the time, so I have had the opportunity to make a lot of observations about the state of travel. Most of my trips are fairly mundane, but I recently had a harrowing experience.
I took a trip with my wife and our two small children.
I am used to going through the security checkpoints. You know the drill: remove the shoes, pull out the laptop, dump anything remotely metallic into a bag. This is not quite so easy when traveling with those unaccustomed. We handled the copious amount of luggage okay, but I would like to point something out to the fine employees of the Transportation Security Administration. I hope when you return to your double-wide every evening, you feel proud for protecting dozens of airline passengers from the clearly marked tubs of Gerber baby food you attempted to confiscate from my wife. Never mind the fact that she was also holding, you know, a baby. I had to take my daughter's food (save for one tub we were benevolently allowed) all the way back to the gate to check it, leaving my poor wife to tend to all our carry-ons, a one-year-old, and a four-year-old.
January 31, 2008 8:43 PM
people need to stop bitching about "oh there going through my stuff and blah blah" once you put that bag through the xray machine it is openly available of search and seizure without question or hesitation. people dont realize that certain restrictions like the shoes off and liquids need to be done, because we get so many people that try to test the tsa security system, if you dont like to bad, its not the tso's that make the rules. so deal, you do your job, we do ours
January 31, 2008 8:43 PM
My theory? All the aggravation of the security search is actually to prepare you for the awfulness of the actual flight. Ever since 9/11the flying experience has disintegrated so badly. The planes are all too crowded, the seats are too small for a large percentage of Americans, there is nothing to eat, the planes are late. Sorry, but I'm taking AMTRAK next trip.
January 31, 2008 8:44 PM
mike_s said...
Why does the TSA run special low delay inspection lines for first class airline passengers? Since when is one taxpayer entitled to discriminatory treatment and special service from a government agency?
***********************************
Another FYI for Mike_s:
TSA does not run first class lines (at least not in Philadelphia), the airline is responsible for designating a first class line, and what makes those tax payers special? They pay EXTRA for the benefit of the first class line. But here are my thoughts on first class, preferred: It changes nothing in the way I do my job. Security is still the same regardless of if you are flying first class or coach. You still have to send your stuff through x-ray, you still have to take off your shoes, and walk through the metal detector. Nothing changes accept you feel more important than the rest of the passengers.
January 31, 2008 8:45 PM
Well folks here is a bit of information for you.
Liquid gels and areosols going thru the checkpoint must be 3.4 oz. and in a quart sized plastic bag. We dont make the rule we inforce them. Why would you need more than that on a plane anyway ? Each passenger is allowed one bag.
As far as the shoes rule goes Thank Richard Reid for that one. Does anyone remeber what he tried to do to innocent Americans?
If you have metal in your person you cannot be cleared on the metal detector TSA does not wand you to harass you they are making sure nothing is being snuck in. If they dont explain ask what they are doing. If you know you will be screened plan ahead. I know its a nuisance but in this day and age it is a price one must pay to be safe.
As far as abusive screeners well, their BOSS is right there He has three stripes on his shoulders approach him without hostility and your complaint will be taken seriously. TSA is like any other job, there are good and bad your comments can help weed out the bad. Not just on the blog but there and then at the time it happens.
I hope these suggestions help you have a better understanding and not feel so helpless
January 31, 2008 8:49 PM
I have a suggestion that would help alleviate some regular screening nuisances like artificial limbs/metal replacement joints.
Your current metal detectors simply measure one huge field resulting in pass/fail feedback. If you can have several smaller detectors measuring vertical cross sections of the body, you could have an determination were the fail signal is generated, legs, lower torso, upper torso, head.
This will minimize the process of secondary screening for those with plates or metal replacement joints.
Just a thought....
January 31, 2008 8:54 PM
Don't you feel a little silly patting down and wanding a confused elderly lady? How bad has your life gone that you have job that allows no discretion or intelligence? Don't you get depressed mindlessly following orders regarding just how much liquid passengers can carry. Do you think one of you people could recognize a real threat?
January 31, 2008 8:59 PM
Hello. Here is my quick gripe. I go to a lot of trouble and money to use a TSA approved combination lock on my luggage and they are never put back on after my bag is inspected! That's another $10-20 I have to shell out just so you can have a pile of pad locks that are not secured back onto the original luggage. This specifically happened in North Carolina. Thanks.
January 31, 2008 9:04 PM
How typical of a useless government bureaucracy. Instead of addressing comments, and fixing the things that people complain or have questions about, you idiots just come up with a new filing system for comments.
January 31, 2008 9:06 PM
At LAX, NEXUS photo ID, which takes elevated security to obtain, and is government issued is not recognized by TSA as "valid government photo ID."
Other airports do recognize it.
The LAX Customer Service Manager is very helpful, but cannot solve this problem. She suggested I contact Ombudsman and this site for help..
TSA requirements for security screenings at airports is, as copied from the TSA website:
"What You Need...his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID..."
The NEXUS pass is photo ID, issued by Homeland Security as noted in their website...
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0025.shtm
This one of those frustrating times where I get sent to secondary screening because of a inconsistence that no one can explain.
January 31, 2008 9:18 PM
This isn't entirely a TSA directed gripe, but who in the world thought up that mess that we ( I live here) have for international travelers arriving here.
I get off the plane, go through customs, think it's all done. Next thing you know, I'm separated from my luggage, and herded into a line (with NO explanatory signs saying what was coming) and BACK through another security checkpoint. This one was manned by someone who truly treated us like cattle. If he'd had a prod, we'd have felt it. I get separated from my soft drink (3 bucks down the drain) because it's more than 3 ounces...didn't matter that I was going OUT of the airport, nor that I'd bought it in a secured area, it was tossed. It was only later that I learned that, for some bizarre reason, arriving travelers are (or were, if it's changed) lumped in with outbound folks for a second trip through security.
Why is this? I wrote Hartsfield, and no one knew.
January 31, 2008 9:20 PM
This blog is an excellent idea. Whatever creative, resourceful employee of our government thought of this should get a raise and a promotion! I did not enjoy being randomly selected for "special screening" prior to boarding a flight 2 years ago. The agent at SFO could have just explained to me what was going on, instead he was gruff and was like, come this way...taking me away from my husband and wanting me to walk through some machine that was different from the machine everyone else was walking through. Having just found out I was pregnant that week, there was no way I was walking through some strange machine with little or no explanation regarding what it did. So I ended up with the "pat down" -- I insisted on this being done discreetly in a private room and that my husband be allowed in the room with me at all times, even though he could not touch me. The screeners complied and the gals doing the pat down were just as uncomfortable as I was. I kept telling them how much I love this country and that I would never do anything to hurt anyone. You know, if white American Christian women with brown hair and hazel eyes had murdered thousands of Americans on 9/11 using airplanes, I'd expect to be detained and questioned every time I try to board an airplane. Why does the TSA not employ a criminal profiling system similar to the Israeli system? The bottom line is we all know the criminal profile of those most likely to commit a terrorist act. When was the last time the Israelis had an incident on an airplane? I'd love an answer to those two questions. Again, thank you for this blog, it can only help. God Bless America!
January 31, 2008 9:21 PM
As a professional repair tech. I travel often to work on multi million dollar machines. I carry my own tools, some purchased, some custom made for me. I am not allowed to take them as carry on so they must be checked. I have yet to arrive at my destination with the full kit of tools with which I departed. The TSA Thieves open my bags and help themselves. I have filed several reports with various agencies and have yet to hear from any of them. Nice to know the government is doing what it can to keep the thieves off the streets and fully employed.
January 31, 2008 9:23 PM
A gripe: I lost a kidney to cancer in 2002 (Oct) and had to fly from O'hare to KCI. At that time I had over 30 staples and a translucent dressing over the incision (around 12"). The gate screener wanted to remove the dressing to examine the staples. He was screaming at my wife to stand back while she was screaming at him to use some common sense. I had my shirt pulled up to my arm pits at the time (in public). Angry? You bet. So if my incision had opened up while a TSA employee was meddling, would he have been liable for injuring a passenger?
January 31, 2008 9:24 PM
My favorite part of clearing security in Philadelphia is when the Muslim woman in full head gear as a TSA employee checks my ticket and ID. You guys are a joke, get her in a proper uniform or off the screening line!
January 31, 2008 9:30 PM
Why can't they open more gates when the line of passengers reaches 50 or more people?
Trying to leave Vegas last year, there were easily over 500 people in line to get through security and only TWO gates were open! They finally opened 6 more.
Can't you follow the pattern of grocery stores? If there are more than 4 people in line, OPEN ANOTHER LINE!
January 31, 2008 9:36 PM
The TSA is worse than useless. By ritually stripping people of their dignity you lull the masses into a false sense of security. "If it's this inconvenient and degrading, it must really be stopping the bad guys." Wrong. Me being forced to take off my shoes does not make anyone safer. I am by no means convinced your agency does any good whatsoever.
January 31, 2008 9:47 PM
Jack, near U68
Hopefully, this post will not become a victim of being "politically incorrect."
The TSA should re-enforce its effort to make sure the Constitutional rights of all individuals are respected. I fail to see how doing this will interfere with security. In any case, it's the law. Mr. Hawley: Didn't your oath of office include a promise to "...support the Constitution of the United States???"
Media reports suggest some of the TSA staff at MKE/Milwaukee, Wisc. may be in need of "re-training" on Constitutional rights. Clearing a passenger, at MKE, without delay and police involvement, should not be contingent on whether there is an indication that the passenger will be engaging (at the destination city) in an anti-government protest. Nor, should a passenger be delayed because an offensive, but Constitutionally-protected writing, was found on the plastic baggie. The specific incident I refer to was a derogatory written statement about Mr. Hawley.
Finally, there is no legitimate reason to tell a passenger they may not re-enter the ("landside") terminal area, and if they do, they face arrest. This latter incident happened at IAD/Washington (Chantilly, VA)
As to the behavior of TSA Officers at two airports near my home--BIL/Billings, Mont., and WRL/Worland, Wyom.--I wish ALL TSA Officers behaved as professionally as the Officers at these two airports!
January 31, 2008 9:55 PM
After the horrors of 911 most people realize we must relinquish our personal freedoms to protect the common good. Some people will react negatively to the rules that dictate air safety, but TSA is doing a fine job protecting America.
January 31, 2008 9:57 PM
In October of 2007 my husband and I traveled to Miami to board an AA plane to St Lucia to attend our son's wedding. Because our day started so early, I wound up eating my apple (breakfast) in the line going to the security check point. As I approached the "post" a woman with a thick accent starts screaming at me to put "it" down. That is the apple core. She is almost hysterical so I put it down on the floor. She then starts yelling "pick that up!". Unbelieveably 3, that is correct three armed me come toward me demanding that I pick "it" up. I as well as my husband believed that the men were read to drawn their guns on me. This is not security, this is an outrage.
Now to my next Miami story. My husband traveled out of the Miami airport about a year ago and did not have the TSA approved locks on his suitcase. When he got to his destination (direct flight, no transfers) he was dismayed to find that his cell phone, sun glasses, and many toiletries has been stolen. My thought is that if the baggage handlers have the cover to steal items, how can I be assured that they are not inserting items in luggage? I think the answer is clear, the supposed security is at best a joke. At worst it is harrassment of decent Americans.
Oh by the way, if you intend to keep us safe you will profile. If you continue to search old ladies in wheel chairs I will know the farce continues.
January 31, 2008 10:01 PM
Wonder why you are getting so many comments here? Because if you try to discuss these issue rationally with TSA officers they threaten you with jail time - sheesh!
Just wanted to let you know that you make flying such a miserable experience I have decided to try to never repeat the experience. When you treat my small, blond children and myself like common criminals, you are not protecting the public, you are just abusing power. As far as I can see, none of the measures you have implemented since 9/11 would have stopped that terrorist attack or any other.
January 31, 2008 10:05 PM
I work in Indianapolis for a large airline. While boarding flights, it's common to find a boarding pass of a selectee that has not been stamped by the TSA. Before boarding the passenger, we have to escort the passenger back to the checkpoint to undergo further screening. When I approach the supervisors in the past and told them that the airline was taking a delay because of this issue, and the delay would be written off to the TSA, they deny it's their fault because G2 security is in charge of verifying boarding passes and checking ID's of passengers that come through the checkpoint---NOT TSA. They are leaving the accessibility to a sterile area in the hands of a private outside company. The TSA on the B and C checkpoint do not look at boarding passes to ensure only ticketed passengers are coming into the concourse. If a selectees boarding pass is not stamped, they downplay it saying that G2 did not send the passenger to the right security lane. TSA is nothing but a show, and a poorly rehearsed, slapstick comedy at that!
January 31, 2008 10:11 PM
Mine is a specific complaint, regarding the treatment of a box I checked nearly three years ago out of St. Louis.
The box contained a computer wrapped in bubble wrap. I specifically chose the box because of its double walled construction, which was necessary to protect the computer.
At STL at the time, you surrendered your tagged baggage to a TSA inspector across from the ticket counters. The required inspection took place behind a standard privacy shield about 15 feet from the surrender point, behind a roped off area.
I watched the TSA inspector pick up the box and drop it unceremoniously onto the inspection table, before tipping the box over and letting it fall from its upright position. I told the "gatekeeper" TSA person to ask the inspector to be careful, and that I wanted to observe the inspection.
He went back to say so and came forward with a curt reassurance that "everything will be fine" and did not admit me to a place where I could see the inspection.
When I got the box back at baggage claim, I found that its structural integrity had been destroyed. Rather than opening the box at its flaps he had taken a boxcutter and carved out a door on the large side of the box, which he had "repaired" with the TSA inspection tape.
After its treatment by the TSA, the computer's case was warped, and the computer would not boot. I had to spend nearly $200 repairing it, and count myself lucky that the data on the computer was still intact.
The airline refused liability, of course, because TSA had damaged the box. TSA proved impossible to contact, even after discussing things with my congressman's office.
This points to two problems: First, I had thought I had the right to observe the inspection. This was denied, and no TSA person there that day would answer any of my questions about the process. I later discovered that all the answers to my questions were readily available on TSA and inspection equipment manufacturer websites.
Second, the TSA personnel destroyed that piece of luggage, rendering it useless for any subsequent trip. I had thought that checked baggage inspections were supposed to be non-destructive and was prepared to unpack the box for the TSA in order to facilitate that. I'd even arrived early at the airport to guarantee it.
I hope that by now the STL TSA operation has improved. It's a pity I can't travel with boxed items any longer, for fear that the TSA will simply destroy the boxes before the airline baggage handlers even get a chance to handle them.
January 31, 2008 10:14 PM
How long does it take to get a comment posted here? My last post did not violate any of the rules it just pointed out that, YES, there are some crappy screeners, but there are also a bunch of us who really care and take pride in our jobs. LOST is over now so moderator please post my earlier comment!
January 31, 2008 10:15 PM
despite being tax paying citizens like those of us in coach, first class passengers enjoy preferential treatment at checkpoints. You guys are a government agency, not employees of an airline.
January 31, 2008 10:37 PM
The only reason the TSA is allowed to exist is because the rich do not have to be subject to it's whims and humiliations. They bypass all security and walk right up to their private jets. No hassles at all for them.
Make EVERY passenger on EVERY plane at the airport go through TSA.
They'll be out of jobs (and we will be able to fly in peace again) in a week.
January 31, 2008 10:46 PM
When I went through security in Atlanta on December 5, 2007 I was seven months pregnant dealing with pre-term labor and high blood pressure. I was granted travel by my doctor for this one and only specific trip. Due to the wait of the line I almost missed my flight. To make matters worse, when I got to the metal detectors, I encountered the most horrible TSA agent and human I have ever met. My family went through the detectors fine, as I was walking up to go through the detectors an elderly foreign lady walked in front of me and set off the detectors. She didn't understand when the agent asked her to return and walk through again. This process took ten minutes. When she wasn't successful on the third time, I asked if I could go through to make the flight with my family. The TSA agent walked through the detectors to the entering passenger side, got in my face and yelled at me and scolded me like I was three. I am a twenty five year old pregnant woman, that is five feet four inches with pre-eclampsia and pre-term labor. And I have a man, that is easily six feet tall yelling at me in my face telling me that I can wait. He could have simply said, no please wait. IT WAS UNCALLED FOR TO COME OUT OF HIS WAY TO GET IN MY FACE AND YELL AT ME.
January 31, 2008 10:51 PM
I am a photographer who travels pretty much constantly, mostly on international flights. I just have a couple of items to address. Firstly, the water thing. I always arrive at the airport with an empty water bottle, then fill it at a water fountain after I pass through security. I have never had a problem with that. My real problem is with theft. It is not possible for me to do my job without bringing fairly expensive equipment with me on my flights. I regularly have to replace cameras and equipment stolen during the screening process. I really try to keep my gear close and protected, but since I am ALWAYS selected for random intense screening, there is that time period where I am trying my best to comply with the body search, and my bags are separated from me and out of my sight. I have learned not to report the thefts, even right after they happen. That has lead to my missing my flight, being intimidated and threatened, and of course I did not get my camera back. Ok- I have learned that losing a few things is part of doing business with the TSA. The same thing has happened to me in Africa and some parts of the middle east (Only there, if you leave a carton of marlboros in your bag, they take the cigarettes and leave the cameras alone.) What really worries me is that if some screeners are basically dishonest, what is keeping them from putting something in your baggage? Something bad? What happens when a foreign agent knows that a TSA employee is morally compromised and threatens to expose the theft unless they assist with smuggling or terrorism or whatever? Security is good for all of us, as Our nation has devious and well funded enemies. But false security is very very dangerous.
January 31, 2008 10:59 PM
When I got to the security checkpoint, the TSA employee told me that my license was expired. I said, "Well, that's still me, pointing to my picture and holding it next to my face." She was not amused and wrote a code on my ticket. I said, "Oh, no, is that going to put me in the line for extra screening?" She just stared at me, so I dug through my luggage and produced a valid U.S. passport. She gave me a smarmy look and walked up to some supervisor near the screening equipment, pointed at me, and shook her head. Sure enough, I was shepherded into the line for extra screening. When the TSA screener was flipping through my private work files ONE PAGE AT A TIME and taking one item at a time from my luggage, swabbing it, and X-raying it again, I asked if she could please hurry up because my plane was leaving in about 15 minutes. This cop came up to me and screamed at me inches from my face, saying, “It’s not her fault that you’re late to the airport, so sit down and shut up or we can take this outside.” I KNOW the TSA employee was intentionally delaying the screening process both before and after this police rant. I thought that I was going to be arrested, all because my I.D. had expired.
January 31, 2008 11:03 PM
i cannot understand that getting checked through security at Gatweick to include shoe removal and the whole 8 yards.To disembark in Minneapolis and go through the whole thing again.Showing pass ports I understand.
This is a nonstop flight none of the passengers went mall shopping outside of the aircraft so none of us had anything different on or in our laugguge to cause concern.
The worst thing was a woman that acted like Attila the Hun doing the checking...............Just do not get it.
Idaho Spud
January 31, 2008 11:05 PM
UPSman
I am a frequent traveler. It drives me crazy about the regular ignorance I see in the lines of security. As far as I am concerned the TSA should all get medals for dealing with the world's most ignorant, beligerent, clueless casual travlers in the world.
I have not stood in a security line in over 18 months that was not shut down by an "uniformed" traveler trying to bring a gallon of shampoo, forgetting a boarding pass, or forgetting about a laptop they are carrying.
PAY ATTENTION travelers and the majority of your "gripes" will go away.
1) Put all your metalic stuff, cell phone, belt, keys, change etc in your bag BEFORE you get to the X-Ray machine
2) Take your jacket off before you get to the head of the line
3) Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on
4) Don't pack your stuff up standing next to the rollers exiting the x-ray machine - they have tables, pick up your stuff and GET OUT of the WAY
5) If you don't know what the rules are to get through security, chances are you will complain on this blog about the TSA who is putting up with your stupidity...
That felt great. Thanks for the chance to vent.
January 31, 2008 11:07 PM
In August '06, I traveled from Orlando to Atlanta. I called the airlines prior and was told that it was OK to wear flip flops through screening. That flight was OK except my lock had been cut off when arrived at ATL even though I watched my main bags x-ray'd and told it was OK. So I didn't need to explain the orange massage ball with goose bumps for my back. On my way back through the Atlanta airport, I put on my flip flops and the TSA was SOOO rude. I wasn't protesting. I was trying to protect my feet from millions of germs, possible wet from kids, and sweat. She talked over me, took my keys, put them in a bowl, gave them to me to make me buzz, had me to walk barefooted to the holding pen and then called someome to wand me because of her trickery. I told her supervisor, was told she would investigate and give me a call. I never heard from anyone.
January 31, 2008 11:08 PM
Regarding the taxpayer supported first-class express line at security: The concept that the airline controls the line, not the TSA, and therefore can allow first class passengers to bypass the line for security, is bogus. This security is a government service, and ALL taxpaying citizens should have equal access to that service. By accepting a first-class entry point into the security zone, the TSA is allowing the airline to offer a premium service bought and paid for by the taxpayer – regardless of who actually set up the velvet ropes. It costs the airline nothing, because the rest of us already paid for it.
January 31, 2008 11:12 PM
People seem to have a lot of anger toward the TSA about airport problems and also towards those who process our passports. Don't like long airport lines or those bothersome searches? Don't like the excessive time it now takes to get a passport? Go ahead and blame a federal employee. After all, they caused these inconveniences,didn't they? The correct answer is NO! Put the blame where it belongs: RADICAL ISLAM. Almost none of these problems existed until this DISEASE reared its violent head. Give credit where credit is due.
January 31, 2008 11:19 PM
One piece of my two piece swim suit was stolen out of my checked baggage. My two sisters and mother will not fly anymore due to luggage missing. One of those sisters was strip searched by a male due to body piercings setting the metal detector off. My father will not fly due to restrictions put in place because of a rediculously small number of terrorists. The entire american public has to suffer for the mistakes of a few. After my experience of being stuck on a broke down airplane in Bangkok for three hours in over 100 degrees F with no water, I believe I should be able to bring my own drinking water with my, not have to buy it at the outragous airport prices. Another issue I have is that at one airport I flew out of, the TSA employees were going through passangers checked luggage out in the open in from of everyone. This is totally inappropriate. Needless to say, I would rather drive than fly any day. Driving is more convenient and faster from the experiences I have had.
January 31, 2008 11:31 PM
Hmmm, third time for this post. Back during the days of multiple screening (first at the entrance to the concourse second at the gate) I got the special high intensity treatment on more than one occasion. Belt, shoes, jacket, etc removed at the gate frisked, patted down, and when the brass fastener for my jeans set off the metal detector, even had to roll down the front of my jeans in public. Told them more than once that I had no problems in removing both my shirt and pants to travel in my bvds and shoes. if that would make them feel safer. Got threatened with immediate arrest.
In 2002 (Oct) I had a kidney removed while in Chicago. The incision was around 12 inches and had nearly 30 staples (used now instead of stitches). When I went to the airport the gate screener had me raise my shirt up around my armpits. He wanted me to remove the translucent bandage covering the recent incision. My wife was yelling at him for having no common sense. Again we were both threatened with arrest. Wonder what he would have done had the incision opened up on him.
January 31, 2008 11:32 PM
I travel mostly out of SFO and usually return through Miami.
While TSA employees are not rude, neither are they polite or friendly. Mostly they come across as tense or harried or preoccupied. I returned from Mexico via Houston recently and had exactly the opposite experience. Everyone at Houston seemed very comfortable. Most were cordial and there was more than one smile.
No airline would put up with the poor customer face displayed by most TSA employees. The difference is, customers can choose an airline. And so, the root of the problem lies in TSA management at the airport level. They don't have to answer to their customers, and so they don't.
January 31, 2008 11:33 PM
I fly a few times a year from IAH to Toronto for extended stays, so I'm usually loaded down with luggage. I understand the necessity of going through security and try my best to make the process go smoothly and quickly. Unfortunately for me (and many other passengers I'm sure) I have to take out my laptop, take off my shoes, take off my winter coat, keep out my ID, take out my clear baggy for liquids, etc. I wish there could be some way to minimize all of these steps, like being allowed to place multiple items in the same bin - or having extra space and time at the end to put everything back in my bag and sit down to put my shoes on.
I'm also concerned after reading the Laughing Squid blog entry. Having to take out electronic items like cameras I travel with and all cords would bog down the security process even more.
January 31, 2008 11:42 PM
The last two times I've checked luggage one bag each time had the TSA notice that it was searched. BOTH times it was the only piece of luggage that ended up with broken items (souvenirs from Disney World) and an electric shaver that ended up out of its protective case and left turned on therefore a dead battery upon arrival. My unsearched luggage had no broken items.
January 31, 2008 11:43 PM
Grin: Once at O'hare a TSA baggage screener opened up my tool chest. He grabbed a container of sockets, placed it on his belly, and proceded to open the container. He dropped sockets all over the floor. When he retrieved the sockets from the floor, he turned around. I told him, "that won't ever come out." After a dirty look from him he looked down and saw a grease stain 3 x 9 on his paper white shirt. You go into a tool chest and you don't know what you're getting into.
February 1, 2008 12:47 AM
I just want to say for the record that while I certainly appreciate the need for airport security, my experiences with the TSA do not make me feel safer. I have no objective way to contradict the official line that I am safer because my shoes were removed, my bottled water and my toothpaste were thrown out, and my camera batteries confiscated. It seems like the terrorists are winning - they've instilled fear in us and have disrupted our lives. What's worse, we're doing it to ourselves through our own government! Obviously, some people are placated by the ordeal air travelers must go through. Maybe they're more trusting than I am. I guess my ultimate point is that if the terrorist threat is serious and we are serious about maintaining our freedoms and quality of life, we need to figure out a way of IMPROVING the experience for airline travelers. Better technology, better paid and trained security personnel, less knee-jerk reactions (shoe bomber? everybody take off their shoes.), more respect for people.
February 1, 2008 1:15 AM
In a previous comment, a poster talked about "cranky" TSA agents at Philadelphia. Being more diplomatic, I must say that the screeners there are unprofessional. I arrived on a flight from Germany during a time when all of US Airways' 767s and A330s come in from around the world. The lines for screening from the international terminal were incredibly long. One TSA agent chose to inform people they couldn't bring their luggage cart past a certain point by saying, "You better not be thinking you're going to talk this cart past here." It is certainly not a warm welcome to America. The person letting people into individual screening lines told people, "Move it people, we don't have all day." This is precisely what I was thinking about the TSA as somebody yelled "Code XXX" (can't remember what color) and the entire screening process stopped for the entire terminal as the agents ran away into the gate area (except for the 20 or so sitting in chairs on lunch during the rush). Four or five minutes later, they came back and "Test clear" was heard over the radios. This was a complete waste of time for all passengers trying to make connecting flights. After standing in line for an hour, another set of screeners opened up new lanes since the screening line had shortened. Sometimes, the TSA just plain gets everything wrong. It's disorganized, unprofessional, and behind the times in customer service.
For people from the West Coast, where would you rather eat based on service? McDonald's or In-N-Out? All of you said In-N-Out because they treat you like a valued customer there, the food is presented well, and care is taken in your order from start to finish. You pay the TSA for security screening, and you get excellent safety in return, but you also get a large dose of bad attitude.
February 1, 2008 1:20 AM
Integrity, I have. I'm a TSO at Chicago O'hare. These searches are, in fact, legal. Read up on the Patriot Act. Our searches are Administrative Searches, which are exempt from the Fourth Admendment. You have every right to deny your bags to be searched, before you lay you items on the x-ray belt. Don't want your bags screened? That's fine, but you wont be flying. Once you hand us your bags, you have forfeited all rights over them until we are finished screening.
This response troubles me. I guess we should not only be griping at the TSA, but the Federal Government that passes the laws that give the TSA the authority and mandate to do what many find objectionable. Exempt from the 4th Amendment?? Just because the law seems to say something can be done, does not mean it should be done. I guess we can't really expect one government agency to stand up against a law like the PATRIOT ACT which is arguably unconstitutional and an abuse of power. Sad times indeed.
February 1, 2008 1:24 AM
You people need to stop complaining and be thankful that your flight makes it safely to its destination. It is the consistency and the diligence of even the most rude and unpleasant TSA Agent that safeguards your life in the air. Have some respect.
February 1, 2008 1:25 AM
Pet peeve - while waiting in a long security line, it is frustrating and insulting to watch flight crews receive preferential treatment in the security line.
You advise passengers to arrive up to 1-2 hours early, so that we may wait for the flight crews and other personnel to be cleared through security first. I wonder how much more efficient security lines would be if flight crews had to wait along with passengers.
A TSA person in Seattle told me that flight crews receive preferential treatment because "the planes couldn't leave without them." Funny, I thought it was passenger fares that enabled air travel.
jte
February 1, 2008 1:34 AM
okay let me just explain something to you. I can bring habanaros dried and grounded into a fine dust, which when thrown into the air can be just as effective as cs gas. I can bring a CIA letter opener, which is a knife made of a special plastic which is very deadly onto a plane.
and you guys can't do anything about it.
the point I'm giving you is. that there is no way for everyone to be safe. it's never going to happen and instead of treating the population like sheep and idiots, and making up a bunch of idiotic laws in order to try to give the "illusion" that they are safe. you aughta just remind americans that life has dangers in it and that if they want to be safe they aughta learn to protect themselves.
Hell. Putting a security guard on a plane, would do far more to make people safe without inconveniencing them than all your moronic rules and regulations.
Frankly, until the rules are relaxed, I won't be flying. it's beneath my dignity and I hope other americans do the same.
February 1, 2008 2:02 AM
In response to "Yes, this system is flawed but it is the one we have. At least we dont have the military standing around with AK-47's providing security as in some 3rd world countries, where if you cause any kind of problem you are taken away and interrogated and may not get a chance to leave for days."
Actually the US does take people away and interrogate them with no chance to leave - I know because it happened to me once at Newark. I was treated as a criminal because the screener did not recognize my valid visa as one he had seen before. I was moved into a small room and left for 8 hours. no one told me why I was there and I was threatened with a gun when i tried to ask if I could go to the bathroom. Recently i read of a Finnish journalist who was held for 2 days and denied food, water, outside communication - she had been coming to write about how the US was a lovely place to visit.
February 1, 2008 2:13 AM
Why do you screen pilots? It doesn't matter what they have on them...Hello! - they are flying the airplane. If they want to do harm they can just crash the plane. Who cares if they have a leatherman or a knife or whatever they want! All the better for them to defend the cockpit. There is a crash axe in the cockpit already. Hello! How about some common sense here?
February 1, 2008 2:28 AM
I travel an aweful lot 280,000 miles in the last few years.
I find the biggest annoyances are from the other people in the line being slow and inconsiderate of other people. Blocking the collection belt rather than pushing their possesions down and stacking the trays. I think you need to either have someone focussed on making sure the line runs smoothely or make it more clear to the passengers.
One of my worst experiences with TSA security screening was in SEATAC where there was an hour long delay to get through the checkpoint. When i finally got through i found out that only two of the four or five machines were operating and an airport staff member informed me it was becuase the TSA staff were having a lunch break. I missed my flight because of it.
Probably the worst experience was having a fairly large amount of cash and some jewellery stolen from my bag while by TSA. It was locked with TSA locks and arrived at the other end with the locks still on and missing my possesions.
Since then i never pack anythiing valuable to be checked in because quite frankly i dont trust you. And both TSA and all airpots are not liable, they could do anything and get away with it.
February 1, 2008 3:02 AM
"Get there early, don't bring weapons or other contraband. Follow the rules." says the retired cop.
I got there early, I didn't bring weapons or other contraband, and I followed the rules. Yet I got abused at TSA at both airports. Why should I have to put up with that?
Aimee wrote:
"I'm a TSO at Chicago O'hare. These searches are, in fact, legal. Read up on the Patriot Act. Our searches are Administrative Searches, which are exempt from the Fourth Admendment."
Welcome to the United States. Here we have this marvelous thing called the "Constitution" which trumps all other laws, including the so-called "PATRIOT act". No laws can make anything exempt from the constitution. Ever. It doesn't matter what the "PATRIOT act" says if the constitution says otherwise: the constitution always wins. That's what a constitution is. That's what it's for.
February 1, 2008 3:47 AM
I have to say I haven't had any major issues while traveling. My work requires me to fly quite a bit and to many airports. It could be faster but that's a "nice to have". I always prepare right, slip on shoes, no belt, all my metal objects in my backpack prior to getting in line, and getting there early. Out of all the airports I goto per year Manchester (MHT) has by far the nicest and most helpful TSA agents. The slowest security is Denver (DIA) by a long shot. I mean this as a constructive criticism and not a slight. DIA is a REALLY busy airport so it is understandable. From what I have seen is the people you see belly aching the most in line are the people that didn't prepare correctly. It will get better as techniques are improved and developed. Thanks
February 1, 2008 3:58 AM
My daughter as a first time traveler had a terrible experience with a TSA lady. I was sending her home after visiting me in California. She is 22 years old but looks like she is 14. Her suitcase was being x-rayed, she had a large belt buckle inside the case (she was not wearing it and it had passed through inspection on her way out to California). The TSA officer stoped the machine and pulled her suitcase. Upon finding the large beltbuckle on a belt, she started to scream at my daughter. She threaten to call the Police and have her arrested. The TSA officer caused such a scene, that my daughter started to cry because she was so upset. The TSA also told her that the prevous airport(CHA) should have stoped her on her way out to California and not let her have it. After intimating her and making her cry, the TSA then let her go on her way.
My Daughter arrived at the gate still very upset. There were other passengers on the flight that had witness the scene and told her that the TSA officer had no right to yell at my daughter and that she should file a complaint. I am in the process of contacting my Senator to file a complaint.
February 1, 2008 5:00 AM
I am so glad you have a "Gripes and Grins" section, instead of just "Gripes". Now my friends and I have a place to post all our fun stories of the good times we've had dealing with TSA personnel!
February 1, 2008 5:00 AM
I have in two separate occasions gotten onto the plane with a knife in my pocket. Not on purpose of course.
The first time I took all of my stuff and put it into the boxes to be scanned. I guess because the person working was concentrating so much on yelling at me about not taking my laptop out of its case that someone was not paying attention to my jacket that was going through that had a small pocket knife it.
The second time, I though I checked all of my stuff before I left. Even gave the pocket knife that was in my purse to my boyfriend. Yet this time it was the fact that I didnt have my laptop in its own box and it was missed again, in my jacket.
It bothers me that not all of the time but on many occasions I have had to endure someone being rude of having to strip down just to get through, yet these important details are missed.
I understand the need for more security but I do miss the times when i didnt have to lie about my little sisters age just to make sure she gets onto her flight safely. But are we going through all of this for nothing?
Also I think anyone under the age of 18 should be allowed to have someone walk with them to their gate.
February 1, 2008 5:04 AM
I'm a fairly frequent international traveller who often connects flights in the United States.
I would like to know why I'm forced to pass through another set of security - metal detectors, etc - immediately after disembarking a transatlantic flight. This even seems to happen when I'm at my destination airport, i.e. when all I want to do is go to baggage reclaim.
It seems to me that if passengers on inbound international flights present that much of a security risk then perhaps the planes shouldn't be allowed fly to the United States at all!
February 1, 2008 5:16 AM
Zip-Ties - since we can't lock our bags now, and we have had things stolen out of our bags, I now carry zip ties. It is a 2 second process that prevents hours of paperwork later. (Since using zip ties nothing has been stolen.) Most of the time screeners have been OK with putting them on for me after the x-rays - I always ask nicely with great appreciation. But, on 2 occasions my request was answered by a TSA worker slamming my fragile bag to the floor. And maybe I could understand if there was a long line of people... but I was the only one checking in and no one was waiting behind me - the screeners had just been standing around during the 10-15 minutes I was checking in at the counter. Are zip-ties such an unreasonable request??
February 1, 2008 6:20 AM
I agree about PHL. The screeners there treat people like dirt. They act like they are some kind of god.
February 1, 2008 6:30 AM
I find it sad that so many people have so many gripes about the TSA. After 9/11 most of the population was screaming "how could you let this happen to us" and "what are you going to do to prevent it from happening again"? Now 5 plus years later they have forgottoen the horror they felt watching the events of that day. I agree there are many problems with the TSA but unfortunately it takes time to work out all of the issues of undertaking such a massive effort in such a short period of time. It is quite easy to sit back and point fingers and gripe about taking off your shoes or giving up your water but who wants to be the one on the aircraft when the TSA ignores a potential threat and something goes horribly wrong. The TSA is faced with a workforce of officers which is limitted by Congressional law, which has progressively decreased over the last 5 years, so there will be long lines. The TSA is not perfect and they are researching new and improved ways to screen people and baggage but this is not a small company who can just go out and buy what they want. There are all kinds of government regulations and rules which govern how things are done. Remember the $90 dollar hammers of the early '80s? The TSA can not just go to the super security retail store and pick up the latest technology so we suffer through with what we do have. Then of course we have to have a middleman buy it for us because we can't be trusted to get it on our own. This is the way the government works you need a conteractor to buy it, another one to install it, and a third to teach your officers how to use it. I whole heartedly agree that there are not enough officers who smile and many who bark out orders, which I find totally unacceptable but remember there are just as many rude, pushy, and downright disrespectful passengers too. You as a passenger only have to deal with the TSA for a small portion of your itinerary and it should be a pleasant as possible but it is security after all. I would not be inclined to explain all of my "company secrets" to the general public if I owned a company, especially not in mixed company, so why would the public expect that the TSA would explain every procedure to anyone who asked? To those of you who claim that the TSA has not prevented anything I challenge you to prove that statement is true. The fact of the matter is you can not prove we haven't because no one knows what never happened but I would bet my last dollar you would blame the TSA if something did happen. Speaking of blame, why is it that anything that happens to be missing from anyones bag is automatically taken by the TSA. Before the TSA was around there were several national news reports and undercover expose's done by the networks, showing the blatant thievery which goes on when your bag goes down the chute into the dark, dank, underbelly of the airport. Now all of a sudden the airlines have hired (or converted) all of their baggage handling peronnel into saints. Being the new kid on the block the TSA has been blamed for everything that is wrong with airline travel. The TSA is blamed for your bags being late or missing the flight, bags getting dammaged, personal items being stolen, and bags that get lost. If the TSA was around a few years further back we probably would have been blamed for the Lindberg baby kidnapping. It is ridiculous and short sighted of passengers to think just because the TSA opened up your bag they stole something out of it. Did you ever stop and think that maybe, just maybe, an airline person opened your bag, saw the TSA notice, and realized it was a free ticket to take what they wanted since the airline claims department would blame the TSA at the other end anyway. Every day there are claims which flood the airlines and now all they have to do is ask if there was a TSA notice in the bag and if there was then they direct them to the TSA to make a claim. I would bet the TSA has paid out more money on claims that were not our responsibility, that would equal the annual budget of many small cities in this country.
Lastly I would like to say we have come a long way from where we started and I agree we have a long way to go but as with any entity that exists in a changing environment there will always be bumps in the road. Some passengers also should remember flying is a privilege not a right and yes the TSA are public employees but we still have a job to do and we are human and the last thing anyone wants to hear while trying to do their job is "I pay your salary so you need to treat me better".
February 1, 2008 6:40 AM
Flying from San Francisco last year, I had an expensive piece of electronic equipment (an AppleTV - worth around $300), stolen from my baggage, with a CAS (Covenant Aviation Security - who TSA subcontracts to in San Francisco) screening notice in its place in the bag. Not conclusive evidence that it was stolen by the screener, but it certainly seemed likely. I filed a claim with CAS (Not very straightforward, and not very heartening - why does the company have a department which deals solely with claims about its employees stealing items?). After a month or so, they contacted me for further information (some of which I had already provided. Another couple of months passed, and I received a terse letter telling me that there was "no evidence that CAS or its employees had been involved".
The whole experience was extremely frustrating. How is it that we have got to a state where employees of a private company can steal my things, that that theft is investigated by the same company, and that I have no real recourse to getting my money back?
February 1, 2008 6:49 AM
To Whom It May Concern,
Recently, I was with a group of military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan traveling from Kuwait to Atlanta for our 2-week R&R period. I appreciate the Atlanta TSA personnel thanking us for our service when we first stepped foot on American soil. That was a fine example of Southern hospitality! However, I found it a little baffling that we had to take off our combat boots, dogtags, belts, etc. to go through a metal detector. My questions are three-fold: 1) Why would we need to go through security when we just got off a plane that departed from an airport in Kuwait with very strict security measures and customs procedures. 2) In no cases to my knowledge have terrorists been wearing US-issued military uniforms with valid military IDs, why not just let us bypass security, and 3) Having us get undressed in such a fashion while in uniform in front of other civilian passengers was a little embarrassing, and it undermines the professional demeanor that we would like to ensure the American public understands we uphold. Thanks for your time!
Very Respectfully,
LT Nixon
February 1, 2008 6:58 AM
I am a frequent traveler like many of you who have posted here. I feel, for the most part, that TSA is doing a good job at keeping us safe. My concern from these posts are the ones who have no idea what they are complaining about or may be not up on policy and procedure or what the TSA goes through to get new systems.
To those who posted concerns about illegal searches and seizure. I researched this and found that TSA are using administrative searches that each and everyone of use consent to when we purchase our tickets. We, as travelers give TSA our permission to conduct the searches when we begin the screening procedure. Officers are doing what is mandated by the congress of the United States of America to keep ALL of us safe.
I also see comments posted on here about searches of passengers who have metal implants. I again am like you and have metal knees which cause the metal detector to light up like a Christmas tree. I have asked the same questions. Why? Again, I have done the research and found that officers do not have the right to do minor surgery to see if you are telling the truth. Until the ACLU allows TSA officer to use those backscatter systems they can not see that you have a metal hip or a firearm concealed in your pants. The only way to figure this out is an additional search.
Oh, here is one more thing that I learned, the officer running the x-ray can ACTUALLY see inside my bag. Learned that the hard way when I was asked if I had any liquids in my bag and I said no. I just didn’t think, but I had a soda in my bag. I guess the rumors are true and soda is a liquid. = )
Thank you who are keeping us safe. And if everyone else did some research you may actually understand what the TSA and their officers are doing which may make your travels easier, it did mine.
Signed,
An educated and safe traveler- THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO TSA!
February 1, 2008 6:58 AM
Let me just say that I appreciate the TSA for the job that they do to help keep all of us safer when we travel. There is no way to prevent all possible terrorist activities, but at least TSA is on the job. However, being on the job does not have to be done without regard for the individual PERSONS being screened. Some airports or locals seem to have genuinely caring and concerned screeners. They are polite and friendly and portray an attitude that makes the PERSON feel that, "we are all in this together, ... we all want the same thing...security....I will make this as painless as possible, but I must do my job!!" Love it! Great! Want my shoes? Here they are! No Problem. Then there are the other certain places, dare I mention an airport for risk of being censored? Yes! Dulles Airport in Northern VA has the worst reputation in my book for the way I am treated. Never a kind word or smile. Always leave me with a complaint. Last time I went through there, I had personal items in my suitcase (which was checked) broken. Meds (Narcotics) removed. Shower gifts (a cookbook and a home improvement book) carelessly unwrapped, etc. Only at Dulles. Why are the standards of conduct for TSA employees not system wide? and who runs "random checks" on TSA employees conduct? How about a Dale Carneige Course on how to make Friends and just be nice, or respectful of property. I put my meds in my suitcase so as to avoid problems with screeners and ended up loosing my meds. Can you not tell that a package contains a book by screening? Why cause damage, why not be nice at the gate, how much does a smile cost?
February 1, 2008 7:24 AM
Please explain how many actual terrorists have been caught at United States commercial airports in a position to execute an attack with actual access to the means by which they wanted to do so by this agency and its employees. Since the federal government pushes for performance review in most of its agencies and requires corporate and foundation leaders to do the same, why shouldn't you ? I doubt tsa will do this because the actual answer probably is zero. Instead, we will get excuses about "national security" as a justification for not admitting the abject failure and creeping totalitarianism that tsa really is. Just keep on taking water bottles and jam jars, you're really great at that.....
February 1, 2008 7:25 AM
PilotOne said...
I'm a Pilot. I have been fingerprinted by the FBI and given the highest security clearence including Ramp clearence. Yet at the TSA check point we still need to get half naked in front of customers that trust us to get them to their destination. I don't get it? We (Pilots) don't need weapons to create another 9/11. We are already flying the Aircraft. Is it necessary for us to go through such intensive screening? In Tel Aviv the hotel van picks us up at the hotel and drops the entire crew off planeside. No security screening. If Isreal trusts us. Why can't you. (TSA)
---------------------------------
PilotOne,
We at TSA also get screened daily, just like you. We are also fingerprinted and go through back-ground checks. Half naked is a relative term. Half-naked to what? I don't think that pants, socks and shirts is to be considered half-naked. And that comment about you pilots don't need a weapon, you are flying the aircraft; that will deffinatley not help your cause, I suggest you do not say that comming through a checkpoint.
Now the comment about Isreali security; I wish I could search you all like that. However, the ACLU and all those other groups prevent us from doing that. Passengers/ Americans demand their privacy and civil rights- that is why we do not do dump searches and strip searches.
As a great philosopher once said; DTA- Don't trust anyone.
We are screened daily and you are screened daily, so is everyone else that wants to board an aircraft or get into the gate area. Congress has mandated it and the TSA follows out the regulations.
Thank you.
From a hard working TSA Officer
February 1, 2008 7:27 AM
We live in an era that has such high technology, we should find better ways of screening passengers with better less intrusive equipment. I can see common themes in all of the blogs. The human factor in the screening process makes it a lot more personal, inconsistent and prone to error. There are ways to let machines do all of the scans with 100% consistency and several times the efficiency. If you weigh the initial investment of capital equipment versus employee salaries, over time the machine screening would be a lot more effective and inexpensive.
Lets face it. No one likes going through a maximum security area an if you eliminate the human factor people will feel less like they are having their rights violated.
The Aerospace industry does so much to ensure the comfort of passengers, but we are still using outdated and inconsistent methods. We need to bring technology to this process and take the human and emotional factor out of the screening process.
February 1, 2008 7:28 AM
I've had some good experiences with TSA. On a couple of occasions, I forgot and had my Leatherman or my pocketknife. TSA escorted me back out of security and told me where I could mail the items to myself. They even gave me a pass that would get me back to the front of the line.
I've also forgotten water bottles in by bag, but's it been no big deal. I apologized, they threw it away.
Being ready and dressed for the security line is key.
February 1, 2008 8:04 AM
Being a sworn LEO, I watch things a little differently than others. I have seen the TSA agents be rude, yell at people, reek of stench, man handle expensive equipment, make repulsive sexually suggestive comments, cut in line, and adapt a holier than thou attitude.
If I were to do or say anything like that while on my job, I would not have one.
I also have noticed that the checkpoints are overly crowded and understaffed. Whay have six checkpoints and olny have two open when there is a 45 minute wait to get past them? We certainly by now know when the planes are leaving and when the rush of travelors will arrive, yet the "serve the public" ideals of public employees & management have forgotten about increased staffing at peak travel times.
I would like to see a no more than 5 minute wait be part of the TSA agenda and bring in more people to handle the needs. As long as they wait in line also and don't skip to the front!!!
February 1, 2008 8:13 AM
You couldn't catch a cold!! Your staff are rude and basically useless and a drain on our income.
February 1, 2008 8:14 AM
I just don't fly anymore. Why submit to institutionalized harassment and intimidation?
February 1, 2008 8:15 AM
The TSA is broken and will remain so until it:
- Cuts the PC nonsense and starts to do real behavioral and psychographic profiling. Talk to the Israelis; they don't take a one-size-fits-all approach to security and haven't had a problem on an airplane in decades.
- Hires people with real intelligence credentials: ex-law enforcement, military, etc., not just minimum-wage flunkies who are power-tripping in their role as the guardians at the gate
I don't mind paying a bit more for real security, but the charade that passes as security now is laughable. I don't feel safer, just more hassled by poorly educated screeners who consistently fail routine security checks (just read the news) and are constantly barking orders at passengers.
February 1, 2008 8:18 AM
A suggestion --- Allow holders of HSPD-12 badges to use the "trusted traveler" lines without requiring a fee. These folks have been thoroughly vetted and their Id contains their biometric data.
February 1, 2008 8:19 AM
My nephew had a stroke and walks slowly with a cane. TSA treated him terrible. They took his specially made cane away and made him use a wood cane while they went all over him with a wand. They searched everything and made him stand the entire time. When we got to Las Vegas, he was so weak he needed lots of help to get off of the airplane and then needed a wheelchair. He almost collapsed and I thought he would need to be hospitalized. It was the first time he flew since the surgery that caused the stroke at his young age. The TSA was heartless. I wanted to say something to the TSA at the time, and my sister said not to, that it would only make it worse. My nephew also has a hispanic name. I assure you that TSA discriminates against hispanics and disabled people.
February 1, 2008 8:28 AM
Being a sworn LEO, I watch things a little differently than others. I have seen the TSA agents be rude, yell at people, reek of stench, man handle expensive equipment, make repulsive sexually suggestive comments, cut in line, and adapt a holier than thou attitude.
If I were to do or say anything like that while on my job, I would not have one.
I also have noticed that the checkpoints are overly crowded and understaffed. Whay have six checkpoints and olny have two open when there is a 45 minute wait to get past them? We certainly by now know when the planes are leaving and when the rush of travelors will arrive, yet the "serve the public" ideals of public employees & management have forgotten about increased staffing at peak travel times.
I would like to see a no more than 5 minute wait be part of the TSA agenda and bring in more people to handle the needs. As long as they wait in line also and don't skip to the front!!!
February 1, 2008 8:32 AM
For the most part, TSA agents are polite -- I'm polite to them and they're polite to me. SLC has to have the nicest agents around -- when I was wanded, the (female) agent explained everything she was doing and why. BOS, however, has some of the rudest agents I've ever seen; they don't respond to courtesy, they bark orders instead of asking. ORD varies -- the TSA agents are polite but the contractor agents are very rude.
February 1, 2008 8:33 AM
Quoted:
"Doesitmatter? said...
TSA stole my toothpaste at ACV. Because of a ridiculous policy banning any "liquids" more than 3 oz. in volume. First of all, I don't think that toothpaste is a liquid. Second, it's a reactionary policy based on false intelligence. My honest belief is that the policy is mainly in place for all those people who have to discard their own water bottles, but can then *buy* another water bottle, containing the exact same tap water, just on the other side of the security checkpoint. Ridiculous!!! Or perhaps worse than ridiculous... how 'bout fascist?"
Uh, TSA didn't steal your toothpaste - They disposed of it because YOU couldn't follow a simple policy banning "Liquids, gels, PASTES and creams" Read the website and the 3 dozen posters & signs that are all over the airport!
Just because you don't agree wuith a rule doesn't mean you can ignore it.
2nd - You can buy water on the secure side of the checkpoint because everything that is on that side has been screened already. The liquids you bring in have not been. If it's tap water you want, empty your bottle before you get to the checkpoint, send the empty bottle through (perfectly acceptaple for screening) then refill it with tap water on the other side! WOW! A novel idea!
February 1, 2008 8:33 AM
TSA told me to come over, as he selected my luggage to inspect. He was inspecting someone else's dirty luggage, and he was wearing latex gloves. I went over and very politely asked him to change his gloves, as I was going on a trip and my clothing was all new and clean. He argued with me, and I told him it was a simple request to change his gloves. He refused and motioned for me to go on and was mad. I am a woman over 50 years old. Watch out when your luggage is inspected behind closed doors. I have told all of my friends that I think the new epidemic will be germs spread from dirty TSA people refusing to change gloves. I am clean, and that disgusts me. At Christmas, we drove over 800 miles each way to visit family, because I don't want dirty hands in my clean luggage.
February 1, 2008 8:35 AM
My gripe is with the treatment of airline crews. Remember, it was a myth that some of the 9/11 terrorists were in an airline uniform.
First off, airline crews must be fingerprinted and pass a ten year background check. Pilots must report virtually every contact with law enforcement on their annual or semi-annual physicals. Some flight crew members even have concealed weapons permits from their state of residence. Yet, these flight crew members who will have access to every item on the airplane and control of the airplane itself are treated like prospective terrorists. It has been over six years since 9/11 and the government still has not chosen to deal with how to relieve TSA workload by granting flight crews access to the secure area after verification via biometric identification technology.
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization uses passports and finger prints to identify foreign crew members before allowing them to enter the country. Disney World uses a full hand print to identify multi-day pass customers. The California Department of Corrections uses finger prints to identify prisoners. So why can’t the TSA use some form of biometrics like these to identify crew members thus relieving security screening congestion and removing a daily obstacle to flight crew members trying to get to work?
February 1, 2008 8:37 AM
No doubt this has already been addressed, but the total lack of any trace of humanity with thes people continues to amaze me! I have been in L.E. for over 20 years and even I cannot strike up a friendly conversation with these folks. There must be a "no smile" policy enforced with them.
February 1, 2008 8:43 AM
Honestly, the TSA is trying the best they can. But I don't understand why they will hire people with little or no education and not those who have some. I applied and I have two associates degrees, and nothing. My friend applied and she didn't even finish high school, and she was accepted. This shows that the quality of the agents is really not those you would respect that much and really, raises concerns about just how effective they are, especially in the light of recent "test" that enabled a man with a fake bomb strapped to his waist to sail through the checkpoints. PLEASE, upgrade the agent standards!
February 1, 2008 8:46 AM
I feel the blog is a good idea. Yet I also feel that changing security policy because people vent thier anger on here is a mark of a weak organization. I can't write a blog about the speed limit on the highway. If I could would they change the speed limit to suit my needs? Security measures are put in place for your protection. I feel that some of the secuirty measures can be silly. Yet I am not a specialist in airport security and terrorist activities, nor is the majority of the travelling public. So I know that all the secuirty measures put in place are a direct result from some information that the government obtained about plots agaisnt flight safety. I also know that we have not had an event since 9/11, and to all the people out there that think TSA is a joke. Maybe we have not had another attack because TSA is doing a good job. No matter how much it might feel like an hassle. I see screeners on a daily basis. They deal with more stress in one day than most people deal with in a week. Remeber 9/11 everyone! Also remember when you are entering the screening checkpoint that they did pin point the the exact time, place, checkpoint, x-ray, AND screener(who at the time was privet contractor) who let the items through the checkpoint on 9/11. Personally I would not like to be in that persons shoes knowing that I let the item (that took so many lives on 9/11) through security.
Stop and think about your own safety when you fly. Thank TSA for what they do. You might just brighten there day. Hopefully they return the favor.
February 1, 2008 8:47 AM
Regarding shoes, laptops and the like, I am all for security but some things are just a little distressing for no reason. When I travel with handbags and my laptop, I get very concerned about being there when my laptop comes out of the x-ray machine because I've actually seen an airport employee pile a bunch of containers on top of mine, with my laptop in it and take off with them! I had to yell to stop him, which, of course, created a mild system of alert... I don't know if he did it on purpose or simply didn't see my machine, but this could have delayed my flight if I had not been there. And I still had to put my shoes back on and wait for the rest of my luggage. This happenned at Miami Int'l.
February 1, 2008 8:51 AM
I had to fly to Va from Texas. I had packed by Desktop PC in a large suitcase, and padded it with clothing. I can understand if it looked suspicious, that is fine. What I don't understand is the massive dents on both sides of my case, for some reason a hard-drive was laying on the bottom of the case disconnected, and my processor was ripped out of the socket. Needless to say I had to build a new com puter. At what stage are these TSA employee's held accountable? Also a had a tube of tooth paste that was smashed and all over my clothing...
February 1, 2008 8:51 AM
When we went through security in Orlando on a Tuesday afternoon, the line was extremely long and not moving. We were traveling with friends who went through another line and were allowed to go through with no problems. We tried to follow them and were told by a TSA worker that we could not. She ushered us into another line that took 30 minutes to get through. My husband and I could not understand the wait until we FINALLY got to the front. Two lines were being merged into one line. In addition, some people were being ushered to the front of security for some unknown reason. I don't understand why these people were so special. We were traveling with two young children, a carry-on, a car seat, and a stroller. Since we weren't allowed to follow our friends they had to wait for us for 30 minutes because of this nonsense. Who makes these rules?
February 1, 2008 8:52 AM
I've flown on multiple flights to the United Kingdom and I can honestly say, if people think our security is strict, then they haven't left the country. The UK security system is very confusing and most of it's employees are extremely rude. The TSA on the other hand is much more friendly to talk to but there still always is a tough guy on the block that seems to be uncooperative. As a videographer and carrying my equipment on board and there never seems to be an issue and with TSA. I always seem to have a laugh with them over the expensive cameras I carry. Which is something that needs to be more common through airports. If you can do your job and approach people with friendliness than I think most people won't have any gripes about the sacrifices they have to make to remove their shoes or contain liquids.
Thanks for protecting us and I appreciate the friendliness towards most travelers.
I did want to know however, if we are only allowed to carry certain liquids on the plane, why is it that after we get passed security, we can still buy bottled liquids in the concourse? I think this is something you need to highlight as I've always wondered what sort of screening those items go through.
February 1, 2008 8:52 AM
When I was recently in Tampa, I watched as TSA officers assisted an elderly man up out of his wheelchair and patted him down. I did not have a problem with that. They simultaneously checked out his wheelchair, which I had no issue with either. I did, however, find it incredibly disturbing that they proceeded to try and drag him through the metal detector, despite the fact that he obviously lacked the ability to walk. He was so weak, so feeble, and so clearly disabled that I was terribly disturbed by the lack of consideration and apparent ignorance of these officers. The poor old man trembled and teetered over even with two TSA officers holding onto his arms. His family members kept trying to speak to him, with encouragement and reassurances. They also kept telling the officers he could not walk. When he fell into the side of metal detector--negating the results--the officers were frustrated and another TSA employee came over to help them put him back into the wheelchair. They then took him away, stating that they'll have to search him more thoroughly. I did not speak up, though I wanted to. I prudently decided that I did not wish to be subjected to further security myself, or perhaps be refused boarding altogether. This is not America. I am a patriot, I love my country, and I am willing to endure some additional levels of security for safety, but what we have done is trade one type of terror for another. Intimidiation and subtle fear have become an insidious part of security at our airports and this treatment is unwarranted for the vast majority of us. America was attacked on 9/11 and we, the people, are America. We deserve better.
February 1, 2008 9:01 AM
I am confused why first class and business customers get special priveleges (there own dedicated security line etc) in some airports. Isn't TSO federally funded? Don't all travellers pay the same security fee? The addition of personnel and resources dedicated to these "privilege" lines would expedited the "security" experience.
February 1, 2008 9:13 AM
TO: In October of '05
Your assumption about screeners being uneducated is erroneous.
However, you are spot on that yelling and showing disrespect needs to stop.
Thanks for your comments
February 1, 2008 9:15 AM
I typically fly about 2x per year. Experiences over the past few years have been mostly negative with everyone cranky. On a recent flight out of gate E at PHL however, the TSA was efficient, courteous, and dare I say smiling! Could this be a sign of a better future? I sure hope so! We have to put up with the TSA and they have to put up with us. Why not smile about it??
February 1, 2008 9:29 AM
TSA employees (at least in the USA) are rude and unhelpful without exception. they're worse than state school system administrative employees, and that says a LOT. every single time i fly all i get is sarcastic comments and yelling and blatant disregard for people and their possessions, and also for their needs. also, i would have to say that the employees at the philadelphia international airport are the absolute worst. TSA should spend some serious time training its employees that people are innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. you can't just go around assuming everyone is breaking the law, ordering us around like a bunch of criminals. your unhappiness with your career choice has absolutely nothing to do with us. in fact, our safety is the point of your existence in the airport. get your perspectives straight or find some other outlet in which to vent your minimum wage anger.
February 1, 2008 9:34 AM
As a Canadian I confess to being uneasy about traveling to the post 9/11 US. I've managed to avoid it so far, because of the numerous stories of other grandmas being pushed about and screamed at by 'security' personnel from Canadian citizens who have headed south to your country. In most situations the likelihood of being robbed and the threat of violence from the pack of thugs ahead can be avoided by crossing the street. Now that I have to go to the US, it is unsettling to know that I have to walk through them.
February 1, 2008 9:42 AM
Why do we often see the TSA masses huddling around two, maybe three opened checkpoints when seven or more checkpoints are available but are closed. The perception of inefficiency in the eyes of the flying public is rampant. This occurs at various times of the day in several of the large and medium sized airports, SEA ORD and BNA are a few.
This is extremely frustrating to see ten or more screeners relocating the grey platics totes when a backlog of passengers exist and are waiting to screen through the checkpoint.
February 1, 2008 9:45 AM
ok in San Diego Nov 1st i was going through security check when a man that hardly spoke any english was screening my bags. well i guess they wanted to look in my bag and asked me to step aside with him and leave my daughter with strangers. I told the man I WOULD NOT and he told me i had to which i still refused, Then I was asked to (by same guy) to leave my child again but by herself (she is 1 at the time) Once again I refused. he started to get frustrated with me becouse i would not comply, by leaving my daughter alone. Finaly after about 10-15 minutes of arguing with broken english i started to open my bag there and he got upset. At this point i told him "if youwant to look in my bag there is nothing in here that my daughter cant see or be around so if you want it open i am not leaving her by herself of with a stranger" finaly a female english fluent came by and helped by walking over to where he wanted to go to look in my bag.....It was diaper wipes
you guys need to get people that can atleast understand you are not going to get a FATHER to leave his little one year old daughter alone so you can look in bags for diaper wipes od whatever they may have, and people that understand english. Last time I checked thats what language is spoken and it would make things a lil bit easier
Thomas
utah
February 1, 2008 9:48 AM
The screeners at BOS are the rudest and classless TSA employees in the country and SFO isn't that far behind. Every time I pass through screening (3-4 times a month) I feel like they just don't want to be there or I am the cause of all their problems. They are grumpy, bark orders, and give the appearance that they don't care about the passenger. While TSA may say that this is not true I must add that perception is reality. On the other hand screeners at MCO and MCI and sometimes MIA are friendly, engaging the passenger and almost make the screening process palatable.
February 1, 2008 9:58 AM
OK, here's an idea. How about usning some of the other databases that are out there to identify non-threats? I'm in the Navy Reserve and have a TS+ clearance. Why not allow military members to use either their CACs or some biometric to bypass security? These people have already been vetted by the nation's security apparatus as being trustworthy. Results: shorter, quicker security lines and lack of frustration at double standards for people like me. /flame suit on/
February 1, 2008 9:58 AM
karen said...
I fly a few times a year from IAH to Toronto for extended stays, so I'm usually loaded down with luggage. I understand the necessity of going through security and try my best to make the process go smoothly and quickly. Unfortunately for me (and many other passengers I'm sure) I have to take out my laptop, take off my shoes, take off my winter coat, keep out my ID, take out my clear baggy for liquids, etc. I wish there could be some way to minimize all of these steps, like being allowed to place multiple items in the same bin - or having extra space and time at the end to put everything back in my bag and sit down to put my shoes on.
I'm also concerned after reading the Laughing Squid blog entry. Having to take out electronic items like cameras I travel with and all cords would bog down the security process even more.
January 31, 2008 11:42 PM
***********************************
A few pointers to Karen and everyone else who flies:
Large electronics including
Laptops, video cameras, cpap machines, game consoles and dvd players need to be removed from the case and x-rayed separately. This allows us a clear image of not only the electronic item, but the bag that it was contained in. We do have reasons for instituting policies. Let's say someone doesn't want us to find something they have hidden in their bag, and they know they don't have to take out their laptop, the can easily overpack the laptop bag, stuff the item in between all the other stuff inside and get through without a problem. This is NOT the case because they do have to take out the laptop and the bag and laptop are scrutinized separately. The reason for taking out the plastic baggy with liuqids is simple, if its in your bag we can't tell if its in a ziplock or not. I always tell passengers that it save them time by avoiding a search on the other side of x-ray. One of the biggest gripes I get when I am searching someone is that they're late for their flight, well that is why passengers are told to show up two to three hours early so they can clear security, with time allowance for a search if necessary and still make their flight. But most passengers show up ten minutes before boarding, complain that the line is too long, then gripe even more when they leave stuff in the bag that has to be searched. Its simple, take it out and save time. Do we seem rude? Well we are sometimes dealing with rude people too, we get shouted at by passengers who don't want to take their shoes off, don't want to take their luquids out, look at us blankly when we ask them to step off the checkpoint to chairs where they can get themselves together, you know the American public is sometimes not that easy to deal with but we are doing the best we can. Do we have rude employees? Perhaps we do. But for every one rude employee that we do have, we have another 3 who are professional, courteous and understanding of your needs and are trying to get you to your destination safely and in one piece.
February 1, 2008 10:01 AM
Well, my first gripe is that it seems one can only comment on this blog using Internet Explorer....
I have to say that by and large I think TSA is a vast improvement over the private minimum-wage security we had prior to 9/11. I find the screeners to be far more efficient and far more attentive to their security duties.
That said, while TSA has plenty of screeners who act in a courteous and professional manner, the level of professionalism exhibited by TSA employees taken collectively is abysmal. I am amazed at the number of TSOs who react angrily when travelers fail to follow or ask for clarification of their incoherently barked instructions. I have frequently been delayed in getting through checkpoints while TSOs finish socializing, and I have been yelled at by TSOs for following instructions on TSA signage. A little courtesy goes a long way, and a lot of headaches could be avoided if TSOs would make a better effort to be polite, communicate clearly, and listen to people's concerns. Aggression and abuse of power only heighten stress and escalate problems.
I don't agree with all of the TSA's policies, but I feel far less put out by them when I am treated professionally. Conversely, when I am treated unprofessionally I feel as though the TSO is less concerned about security than about just getting through the day. No matter how many layers of security and theater you pile on top of that, unprofessional treatment at the hands of security professionals will always make me feel unsafe. I have had my bags searched in a very professional manner and felt just fine about it. I've also had them dumped on a table and left for me to repack with nary a word (which left me standing around looking stupid, not having been told I was free to go, until another TSO yelled at me for loitering); needless to say, that incident didn't exactly inspire confidence.
I have done plenty of travel to parts of Europe and Asia that have experienced terrorism for far longer than the US has. Even in third-world airports like those in India, security officers have invariably treated me with unfailing professionalism. Not only that, their screenings are frequently more thorough than those in the US and completed in the same or less time. In many locations in Europe, primary screening is performed by a security agent who quizzes you as you check in for your flight. Not only are these agents thorough with their questions and highly effective at rooting out suspicious people, but they are exceedingly polite and friendly. The end result is that I feel more secure and less stressed and harried by the screening process.
As Americans we strive to be the best in the world at everything, and certainly when it comes to security screening we have the people and technology to make it the most efficient, unobstrusive, and secure system in the world. As it stands, though, it doesn't even compare favorably to security at an exceedingly chaotic third-world airport (where, by the way, they really couldn't care less about the name that appears on your ID, but you can bet your life that there are no bombs or weapons getting on that plane).
February 1, 2008 10:04 AM
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I had to run as fast as we could to catch a connecting flight in the Miamiairport. Our plane was delayed due to weather so making it to our connecting flight was going to be very close. I though we weren't going to make it through the security line in time to get to the gate, but thanks to a pilot at AA and the TSA staff, we made it. A big THANKS to everyone at Miami for helping us get home!
February 1, 2008 10:08 AM
When the X-Ray operator has a question about what is in a bag, how about immediately pulling that bag out of the machine for supplemental screening instead of stopping the entire line for 5 minutes waiting on a supervisor to come over and look at the display?
Also, I can understand why airline flight crews get to go to the front of the line, but there is NO reason for the Taco Bell employees to cut in front of paying passengers. Many of us have jobs to do, too, which is why we are traveling. If we can build enough time into our schedule to wait in security lines, so can they.
February 1, 2008 10:10 AM
I am puzzled by the comments of soldiers and people with security badges who think they should get preferential treatment at security checkpoints. Unless TSA has a way to validate your security badges and military status, how are they supposed to know that you are legit? So you say you're a soldier? How is the TSO supposed to know you didn't buy that uniform at the local Army surplus? You work for DoD? You sure you didn't make that security badge with Photoshop and a laminator? I would think that of all people, those entrusted with our national security would understand that. Insisting that TSA delay security lines while they verify IDs from one of a gazillion different government offices is pretty selfish (and would probably take longer than ordinary screening anyway).
February 1, 2008 10:18 AM
A little civility and humility together with an instilled awareness that what is being performed in terms of searches both off baggage and people is an invasion off personal privacy.
So far we have not heard off much success in apprehension of any 'terrorists' maybe that is construed as a measure off success but we do here occassionally off the 'system' being tested and failing.
The TSA desperatly needs some 'people skill' crashcourse and get rid off the ilk which seems to love their somewhat draconian powers to intimidate us.
While some that have to put up with the humiliations do.
Many who don't are voting America out and going elsewhere.
The direct and consequential cost is enormous and could be avoidable to a large degree.
TSA is a result off a 'kneejerk' reaction to a problem other countries have had to deal with for years.
February 1, 2008 10:18 AM
the answer to why crew still have to be screened - David A Burke - I am an airline employee, I understand that the crew has full access to everything, but in the 80's a fired employee was allowed thru by people who didn't know he'd been fired, and he shot both pilots, killing 44 people when the plane crashed.
February 1, 2008 10:37 AM
I am an almost 75 year old woman who has had 4 joint replacement operations which makes traveling difficult enough for me excluding security. Naturally I set off all alarms when flying and have to go through additional screening. The condition I have is permanent and this will always be the case. I do not understand in this age of highly sophisticated computers that my name and face can not be stored somewhere so I can avoid this body search each time I fly. In addition, joint replacement is becoming so common as the baby boomers reach old age, that more and more people will need this additional body search. Think of the time and manpower being spent on these old people while the possible terrorists who are naturally younger don't get nearly the scrutiny we do. I know profiling is not a good idea, but how many 75 year old female terrorists have been picked up yet?
February 1, 2008 10:39 AM
Why is it that there are cameras all throuout the airline terminals to supposedly prevent bagages thefts ande prohibited activity. Then there are no camers at the TSA screening points where they actually should be. Not only to protect passengers properties from being taken by other passengers but by workers also. TSA also states that if something is missing from your checked baggage and the lock is broken off it is not there fault, although there it was locked when you checked it in, and when you get it back there is a note that TSA searched your bag. It was there when I gave it to them and they are the last known agency to go into it. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE for that.
February 1, 2008 10:40 AM
As an employee of TSA (no, I am not a screener) I have read these comments and have noticed that so many of you feel it necessary to outline all that we are doing wrong, but yet you don't have the gumption to leave your name...almost all of these are from "anonymous". If you feel so strongly about how awful we are doing, then hide behind your anonymous post, then you have no right to point fingers.
I will say I am proud of the VERY HARD job our some 40,000 screeners do. They deal with more of the public than any other position in any type of job. Think about that. They see and interact with hundreds of people every day, face to face - never knowing who they are dealing with. Oh how quickly we forget the impact of 9/11...
I suggest you think about your "attitude" if you were in their shoes. Everyone is entitled to a bad day now and again, maybe you should give a smile, say "hello" and you may just be suprised that it gets returned. You want to fly and they want to make that flight as safe as possible. I would be thanking them, not complaining about them.
February 1, 2008 10:44 AM
10 minutes after going through the TSA checkpoint, I became really sick. My body started itching and I starting getting really warm and sweety. I had to see a doctor. He said that if I was already becoming sick, having to disrobe in a cold airport and walk barefoot on the cold cement floor could have done it. How can I get reimbursed for my doctor's bills?
February 1, 2008 10:49 AM
I have a question for the blog left by "realitycheck" and signed it "insane"
They said....
"My PEPPER SPRAY gets through on my key chain each and every single time but I've lost several hundred dollars worth of skincare items over the years since this government mandate began."
My response to this is how insane is it to continue to carry skincare items if you know it is not allowed?
February 1, 2008 10:50 AM
I just returned from a trip from Buffalo to New York. I fly very rarely and hadn't taken a flight since before 9/11. I was quite nervous about the security process with all the new regulations, but it was no trouble at all. The screeners in Buffalo were very pleasant and professional and very willingly helped me to put my belongings in the proper order to go through the scanners. At JFK on the return trip, the lines were slightly longer, but still not at all inconvenient and the screeners there were very polite too. At least at those two airports, I think you are doing a great job.
February 1, 2008 10:50 AM
I read the article on the TSA website about how they didn't pass a covert test. They shrugged it off as, oh well, you wouldn't pass either if you got tested on every spreadsheet. EXCUSE ME! If my child doesn't pass an exam, I wouldn't be happy. Nor were the American people not happy when Enron's spreadsheets didn't match up.
Those TSA comments sum up the attitue behind a lot of client complaints. The TSA attitude seems to be, "If it's good enough for government work, it's good enough for me." That's not the attitute that should be accepted in the nation that's supposed to be leading the world. If our ticket prices are increasing to pay the TSA, we should be able to expect and demand excellence.
February 1, 2008 10:54 AM
So, is a nerve being struck or are you simply too sensitive to pointed, knowing criticism that you are choosing to censor everything I have to say? I've attempted a number of posts and none have appeared. What gives? My impression is that you really couldn't care less what people actually think and just want the opportunity to blow more BS up the collective skirt of the public. Figures. Prove me wrong! Have the guts to answer to the issues. Publish EVERYTHING or don't publish anything at all. Typical TSA corruption and incompetence. The one and only thing that TSA really has learned to protect is itself from critical evaluation. Stamp something with "national security" or "post 9/11" and it becomes impervious to criticism. My suspicion here is that you are being inundated by many more thousands of entries than you expected, the vast majority of them unpleasantly negative. Furthermore, only a small portion of them are being allowed to pass through the acceptability filter.
February 1, 2008 10:55 AM
All screening areas should open wide into areas with nearby seating, so we have a place to get all family members back together, put everything down, and put our shoes back on. At LAX I recently went through one that opened narrowly on an area with no seating. We had to put small children on the end of the table at the end of the xray machines to put their shoes on. This physical arrangement added enormously to an already stressful situtation.
February 1, 2008 10:55 AM
I travel once or twice a year, so have to "study" before each trip to find out what's new in security rules. Last time I had to unpack my whole large bag and transfer a scanty minimus of necessary things to my single carry-on because I had not realized my large bag was considered oversized and therefore subject to added restrictions (be there early, pay surcharge, expect possible rejection). This, fortunately, I was able to do. But what if I had not had my husband to take the rejected suitcase back for me? It was lucky he was standing outside the security area to help me with this.
I wish there could be some consistency so that such surprises need not happen. I don't mind being frisked and xrayed -- I think it's crucial to guard against terrorism on airplanes. So I am happy to comply, but annoyed and frazzled by the changes that keep happening.
Anonymous
February 1, 2008 10:58 AM
When a passenger does not readily comply with an order, it is possible the person does not understand what he/she is expected to do. It is not helpful for the screening personnel to simply repeat the order more loudly and more harshly. The passenger may need an explanation or some help, or maybe just some extra time.
February 1, 2008 11:00 AM
I just returned from a trip from Buffalo to New York. I fly very rarely and hadn't taken a flight since before 9/11. I was quite nervous about the security process with all the new regulations, but it was no trouble at all. I had checked out the TSA website ahead of time regarding permitted items and was prepared. The screeners in Buffalo were very pleasant and professional and very willingly helped me to put my belongings in the proper order to go through the scanners. At JFK on the return trip, the lines were slightly longer, but still not at all inconvenient and the screeners there were very polite too. At least at those two airports, I think you are doing a great job.
February 1, 2008 11:03 AM
Like Lew's mother, I have a replaced hip. As a result, I'm subjected to additional scrutiny, adding to the time required to pass through the screening area. Why can't we have an ID that is impossible to alter and that says this person has a big chunk of metal in their body.
February 1, 2008 11:07 AM
I'm not a US traveller but I do use air travel a fair bit here in Australia. We have very little airport security, I dont think we need it. On the way back to the Gold Coast from Sydney they let me bring on a vintage valve amp wrapped in a green garbage bag, no checking at all. It could have been full of TNT.
Where are the replies by TSA staff on this blog? Sounds like they have plenty to answer for. It definitely turns me off going to the US.
February 1, 2008 11:15 AM
First the good news: aiport security screening is so much better than pre-9/11 that is not worth discussiing. The bad news: lack of consistancy, lack of leadership, and lack of willingness to really improve security rather than just giving the impression of it.
There are thousands of screeners around the country who do a great job and try their best everyday. Unfortunately there are also far too many who just show up and get by - and this includes the supervisors. The agency was designed to provide standardization of security - a fairly simple concept - but has failed. Evidenced by the hundreds of comments to that effect on this blog. TSA is reactive when the job is preventative.
Until TSA gets senior leadership that understands security and wants to do things right, not just easy, the perception and reality of transportation security is not going to get any better. We are one moment of inattention away from another disaster and it will be the system that is broken, not the individual who might have missed something out of the thousands of bags and people they screened that day. All of the bloggers in chief need to drop this nonsense and get down to real work. Did the same person who created this blog decide to invite CNN to go along while your internal security team went through a checkpoint with a bomb strapped to their waist - when you know from history there is a very likely chance they will fail the test? Is it the same person who proposed having a restaurant-like reservation system for arriving at the checkpoint? Or was it the person who thought it a good idea to bring network news cameras into the former "secret" operations center in Virginia?
Help us all by cutting out this feel-good stuff and bringing in a management team that understands this is serious business.
February 1, 2008 11:19 AM
I fly on a regular basis, and I have not found TSA personnel to be rude. A little curt, maybe. But I hate this new security environment. The overall hysteria is driven by fear. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions, and our politicians are using it to manipulate us. The fact is, terrorists have always been around. Security is an insatiable demand, and complete security is a myth. How many of our civil liberties will we give up before we conclude that it is just not worth it?
February 1, 2008 11:21 AM
I have about a dozen stories I could tell here about how the TSA has driven me crazy, but I'll limit my remarks to two topics: Waste and stupidity.
Every time I pass through an airport security zone, I'm amazed at the number of TSA officers doing nothing, talking about their cars or stereo equipment, girlfriends, boyfriends etc. while there are x-ray and metal detector lanes not being used. Why are these people on the clock and not working to process passengers faster?
At ORD, a 30+ inch LCD screen monitor, a nicer TV than I have in my own home, was being used where a carboard poster would do. During the 25 minutes I stood in line it displayed a single cryptic message: "Remember 3-1-1." Whatever that means -- something to do with shampoo I think -- it could have been printed on a poster thousands of times for a fraction of the cost of that TV screen.
Also at ORD, a screener opened my bag to find an English Christmas pudding -- a gift from the UK -- and was beside herself at finding something new to confiscate. It took nearly five minutes to convince them the contents were more akin to fruitcake than Jell-O.
February 1, 2008 11:21 AM
I work for TSA at Las Vegas. I just want to remind travelers that we, the screeners, don't make the rules we just enforce them. We have a video running and people telling you what you can and can't take. Folks still have that bottle of water in bag thinking that rule doesn't apply to them. Again we didn't make that rule. If someone is rude to you file a complaint. Find a supervisor or a manager and say something.
February 1, 2008 11:26 AM
on a day trip to dca from atl, I had packed a lunch; sandwich, 2 pringles ( small 5 oz. cup with foil wrapping sealed ) and 2 20 oz. drinks. upon arrival i noticed my bag has been opened and not all the way zippered closed.. upon inspection I found, pringles & 20 oz drinks opened. what was the purpose, if any??
February 1, 2008 11:34 AM
I recently flew from Sarasota, FL, to Dulles, VA. One of my checked bags was searched likely at Sarasota with the notice left inside. Unfortunately, the sun screen bottles which probably triggered the search were not put back correctly and the top came off one. It completely discharged damaging two shirts, two belts, a pair of pants as well as the suitcase.
Instructions to those who go through bags must be to replace items such as spray or liguid bottle in the same way as when they were checked. I had the bottles double wrapped in plastic bags to ensure that if somehow one discharged the liquid would not spread. The screener undid the bags, checked one bottle, and put that bottle into one bag but not tied. Thus when it discharged, it was able to leak everywhere.
So not only did I lose a $10 bottle of sunscreen, but now I have $100 worth of damage to clothing, etc. What a shame!
February 1, 2008 11:36 AM
Hi,
I just want to mention that your rights as a citizen DO NOT stop simply because you're in an airport. TSA agents DO NOT have the right to suspend or in anyway limit your freedoms.
Suggestion: Please make sure TSA agents have enough of an education as to know what citizens rights are.
February 1, 2008 11:43 AM
Gripes - Don't like the sticky
inspected stickers plastered any
where the inspecter wants. Prefer
it wrapped around the handle.
Removing TSA approved luggage locks
and straps and not returning them.
Had a luggage strap around a hard
sided older suitcase to keep it
from popping open as has happened.
The suitcase was inspected and the
strap not replaced. It was a
simple snap together strap with no
locking capability. If the
inspecter has time to inspect my
luggage then they have the time to
put everything back.
February 1, 2008 11:44 AM
I travel through the Atlanta airport regularly which as you know is VERY busy YET the TSA people working there seem to be more focused on socializing than checking the people coming through. If they would cut out all the chatter between each other maybe they could be more efficient and also make sure to keep us all safe.
February 1, 2008 11:45 AM
I've seen several comments from military members. I'm a retired AF colonel and appreciate what the screeners are doing. It's not well appreciated. However, I do have to question the process of selecting military personnel for special screening. Most military tickets are purchased with government fares and every military member has a military ID. However, one-way tickets are almost always selected for special screening. Can't the system (airline or TSA) use some common sense?
- I transferred from Germany to Hawaii with my family of 5 and 2 pets. We traveled from Frankfurt to Atlanta, to Florida, to San Francisco, to Honolulu. Due to one way tickets we all got special screening on all 4 legs.
- I led a team of Air Force inspectors on an official trip. We had one-way tickets due to getting a military flight for the return leg. 15 senior personnel all got the special treatment.
- I regularly see military members on their way to Iraq or other locations, in uniform, getting selected for special screening because they have one-way tickets.
- Seems there is no concept of low threat personnel.
February 1, 2008 11:47 AM
I am a US Marine who flies frequently in uniform. I was treated 100 times better pre-9/11 by the private security people than I have ever been by the TSA post-9/11. To everyone else that may sound logical, all the security concerns came post-9/11, but here's the thing..in peace time screeners thanked me for my service and when metal items on my uniform set off detectors I was allowed to go through with a smile and wave from the screeners. Now, we are at war where our men and women in uniform are making the ultimate sacrifice and we are treated WORSE. And it's by people who portray their agency as fellow front-line fighters in the war on terror. I've have been personally treated with disdain by TSA screeners who didn't want to deal with the "hassle" of all the items on my uniform and in my bags that set off detectors or need inspecting and they enjoy having power over our nation's real heros, because they chose stay at home and pat down old ladies and harass fellow Americans.
February 1, 2008 11:49 AM
I must say that I have never met a rude TSA screener yet. I have met several in Atlanta that appeared to have no idea what they were doing (training issue). I am concerned that the TSA employees fail the bomb tests so often. The world laughs as you search 3 year olds and 95 year old women. We call it "security theater" and the TSA is good at playing their role. By the way, do you require all your TSA employees to go through the same security process? If not, your agency will become the next infiltrated federal agency by terrorist sympathisers.
February 1, 2008 11:52 AM
First and foremost, please allow the niceties. I am happy our nation is concerned about safety and is making efforts to protect us. I understand and agree with the need for security measures and am willing to abide by those set in place that are efficient and effective.
That being said, here's the fun stuff.
As most of my fellow bloggers, I travel by air often, most frequently through LGA and JFK. I have traveled through many, many other airports throughout the US and abroad. Some experiences have been unremarkable and forgettable. Others I try my best to forget but just can't no matter how hard I try. I have been flagged by Delta for the 'Super Secret Search' and get it every single time I fly with them. One would think that after the 10th straight time I have been personally searched (one TSA employee ran her finger along the bare sole of my foot! not sure what she was looking for) and my belongings pulled apart only to find nothing amiss, they would get the idea that I am not a threat at all. While I realize the airline gave me this great distinction (I have stopped flying them), I am curious about the differences in the way the search is carried out. I usually carry my purse, my knitting bag and my computer bag. All three of these can fit in the 'will your bag fit' bin with plenty of room to spare. One screener wouldn't allow me through because I had 3 bags while the gentlman behind me had his overstuffed roll on and giant overstuffed brief case breeze by. Why is it strictly the number of bags rather the overall size? All 3 of my bags will fit under the seat in front of me, he would have taken up and entire overhead bin.
In addition, I have had my checked luggage searched many, many times. Most people pack their belongings in a manner to protect something (shoe placed a certain way to prevent dirty soles from touch particular clothing items, clothing items folded a way to prevent wrinkling, etc), is it too much to ask that the screeners use some consideration when searching as to not completely dishevel every suitcase? An even smaller request, how about screwing the caps completely back on every bottle you open. I have had an entire suitcase of clothes ruined because the cap of a perfume bottle wasn't screwed on all the way (yes' the bottle was in a plastic bag but that doesn't work if they don't seal the bag back either). Take a little more time, you have it. After all, I have to get to the airport at least an hour early as it is and am probably standing in line at the security check point getting searched as well (let's not forget the liklihood that my plane isn't any where close to the airport yet). Hire more screeners if necessary.
If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem so here is my suggestion: Nothing personal but these workers appear no more qualified than mall security guards. Really. If there were to be an incident at a check point, a real one, are even one percent of these people trained, knowledgable and capable (that part is important) to handle the situation? These people need to be more than tyrants with minimum-wage attitudes. We need to hire these people under the same standards as federal law enforcement officers. Train them to be professional, capable, respectable, authoritative and curteous law enforcement officers and you will see a massive improvment in our system.
One more last thought - I wonder what the first time visitor to the US that has to make a domestic connection (coming into LGA, then connecting to CLE, for example) thinks of the rude TSA worker shouting and barking orders at the passengers in line thinks of the United States. Great first impression, I'm sure.
February 1, 2008 12:06 PM
I have to agree with "anonymous" about the attitude of the screeners. its not what they do, or why they have to do it, its their attitudes. If your going to accept a job where you have to deal with the public day in and day out you gotta have a good attitude. I am sick and tired of just what has already been mentioned: angry, bitter, bossy, aggrivated people barking and spitting orders rather then showing courtesy becaus the cant stand their jobs and their lives. So the government makes them employees, protects them with a union (and do not bother telling me they arent protected, you ever see a civil service employee get "let go" without an act of Congress?)
I have flown through Zurich, London, Berlin, Riyadh, and the only encounters i have EVER had have been with TSA agents. Even in Riyadh, where they are suspicious of everyone, they were courteous and professional because they are told that they are often the first impression of the countries people that international travelors get.
Come on TSA! Its Attitude and professionlism that count. A great many people would overlook other inconveniences if only the TSA "agents" werent so dang arrogant.
True Story: Older lady ahead of me at ATL told the TSA agent point blank that he should learn to smile and be happy for his wife divorced him for immitating Scrooge. He looked back at her, hesitated, and told her she already had!
February 1, 2008 12:09 PM
TSA personnel are totally unprofessional. And they know they can do whatever they want because there's no recourse - complain in an airport and you won't be allowed to board your flight. Maybe you'll get tasered and thrown in a holding cell. The TSA is responsible for creating this situation through it's clear lack of interest in accountability.
JFK: the screener tells everyone not to put their wallets through the X-ray machine because they might get stolen. As I walk up to the metal detector with my wallet in my pocket, the same guy starts yelling at me: "What's in your pocket? Remove it!"
JFK: Why is my line moving so slowly? It seems the TSA employee is sitting on a chair ten feet from the line while checking IDs. Virtually every passenger is confused by the non-stnadard location and getting yelled at.
LAX: one of the airports where you have to have your ticket in your hand as you walk through the metal detector. Boy do they like yelling about that one. Between laptops, shoes and liquids, it's a wonderful balancing act.
PDX: Zero people in the security line. I am re-packing my laptop and liquids when the security screener comes through and tries to throw my laptop 10 feet away. "Other passengers need this space to pick up their bags." What other passengers?
SFO, LAX, HNL: two weeks ago. Every TSA screener is excited about the new $250 bounty for finding a fake ID. They double wait times so they can shine a flashlight on my license. They still don't bother to look at my face and compare it to the license.
LIH: My license expires in 8 weeks. I can't send in the renewal application until 6 weeks prior. The screener starts complaining that my license is about to expire. Not expired. About to expire.
February 1, 2008 12:26 PM
Quit the security theater.
It seems like the TSA hasn't even bothered to read the GAO reports to Congress, and has ignored most of the comments by security experts.
Most of the major changes instituted by the department are ineffective or are only present for show. The airport security checkpoints, for example, cost the public billions of hours every year, cost a fortune to run, and have only served to escalate the situation.
The GAO reports found that only a very small number of changes were actually useful, such as properly securing cockpits. Interestingly, that is the *only* change that was made which would have deterred the 9/11/01 attacks. Everything else has been security theater. Attackers have valid identity. They were in the country legally. If they tried today, they could still get a flight. There are many well-published ways to get weapons on flights, per the GAO reports.
Quit wasting everybody's time and money with the security theater.
February 1, 2008 12:40 PM
Get real...TSA trying to make nice by posting a blog and asking for comments. Sorry but I don't trust them, and you shouldn't either. Every airport I fly into or out of most (not all)of the TSA personnel are arrogant, sullen and nasty. It's overdue for TSA to clean their own house.
February 1, 2008 12:40 PM
A TSA employee stole my father-in-law's money clip while he went through security in his wheel chair. That is all.
February 1, 2008 12:43 PM
What's which checking ID all over the place?
Do you honestly think that bad guys won't have IDs? If 12 million illegal immigrants can get them, a few well-funded terrorists will certainly have a perfectly valid ID.
Or are you hoping that bad guys will have a label on their ID or business card that says "John Bin Ladin, Terrorist Cell Leader"?
It only servers to annoy us, and doesn't do any good.
February 1, 2008 12:44 PM
Why would the TSA need to put cookies on your computer at their site? I'm sure this complaint will be listened to and read thouroughly, just as the others have. I'm suuuure you really care about our rights and privacy. Which is exactly why your site installs tracking cookies on people's computers.
February 1, 2008 12:44 PM
I am at the airport regularly. I see the screeners dealing with things that people should not have to deal with on a daily basis. These people (tho not always the most curtious) are performing a service to the american public. If people could accually comprehend how many times there had been hijackings and plots to take planes down. Before and after 9/11 they might just think that what they do is worth while. Do your research folks before you spout off about things that you don't fully understand. Or know all the facts about the history of terror in the skies. Does the average Joe know all about every attempt to take over or take down a plane. No, you people have no clue. These people do use a service to keep use safe. Smile when you go through, follow the rules when you go through, and you won't have any trouble catching your flight. The rules are there for your safety just like the speed limit on your local street. Your safety is the first concern.
February 1, 2008 12:53 PM
When you give people power who have not earned it, they do not understand its value, and are doomed to abuse it.
TSA security screeners exemplify this statement. If there are any consistencies in the TSA screeners around the country, it is that they have seemingly unlimited amount of power and they love to remind people of it.
DFW Terminal A
Routinely there are lines in excess of 75 people. 8 hand-luggage machines available - 4 in operation; 6 passenger walk through metal detectors available - 1 in operation. Obviously, this would create a backlog since more hand luggage articles are going through the scanners than their owners are going through the metal detectors. Because of the backlog, agents don’t let people through the metal detectors, exacerbating the delay. Instead of opening up more metal detectors, TSA supervisors explain in a condescending way to upset passengers that the reason there are delays in the line is due to passengers carrying hand luggage. Although this may have something to do with the delay, the 80/20 rules says that if you fix the real problem of not enough detectors open, you may solve a lot of the delay and frustration. 45 seconds was the average for 1 passenger (clearing without metal) to walk through the metal detector.
Doing the math, that’s 45 seconds x 75 people = 56.25 minutes. And that’s assuming each passenger is not stopped.
Can’t TSA recognize this?
Arrogance and undeserved power by TSA screening agents prevent them from recognizing internal faults. AA counter agents routinely ask the TSA supervisor to open up the non-utilized passenger walk-through metal detectors and are told “No”. If passengers are not happy with AA service, they can go to DL; where can passengers go when they are treated poorly by TSA? Another TSA line?
LAX Terminal 2
The following on schedule flights were departing within a relatively short time:
Air Canada to Toronto
Virgin Atlantic to London
Air New Zealand to Auckland
Air France to Paris
Northwest to Minneapolis/St. Paul
Hawaiian Air to Honolulu
A little over 1,700 passengers would be departing in a window of 2 hours.
When a passenger who was waiting in a line for 90 minutes complained to the TSA agent when he got to the front of the line and noticed that only 1/3rd of the available machines were being utilized, despite the onslaught of scheduled departing passengers, he was pulled aside and ‘Secondary Screened’ in front of the other passengers. The message to the other passengers from the TSA Agent: “Keep your mouth shut or you too will be pulled aside and given extra attention.”
It was my understanding that the TSA was to keep our country safe from terrorists. But who will keep us safe from the TSA?
February 1, 2008 12:59 PM
I am an Airline Pilot. I agree with the inconsistencies, unprofessionalism, and harrassment comments already made on this board.
I would like to know why when I am in Las Vegas, with only 45 minutes to get to my plane, I have to sit in the line with the wheelchairs and I get shouted to when I try to move up to the front of the line. If I wait till all the wheelchairs are screened, My flight will be 2 hours late.
I also want to know why my uniform is give more weight than my ID. If I show up in civilian clothes and my ID around my neck, such as when I travel on company business, I am told that I can't use the employee line. I have actually gone as far as pull out my wrinkled uniform shirt and put it on and then everything was okay. This is ridiculous. Are you guys checking the man or the clothing?
Why is it every airport is different than the next. I travel to at least 3 dozen airports per quarter, lets get the procedures straight.
February 1, 2008 1:08 PM
I'm trying to understand why flying on a one-way ticket AUTOMATICALLY triggers you as a security risk. One-way tickets cost more than round-trip tickets, let's not forget that the defendants in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing case were caught when they returned to Ryder to pick up the $40 deposit they had left on the truck they blew up. On more than one occasion--weather, business plans, etc. I've had to buy a one-way ticket back and I've always been a 'selectee.' The TSA guys laugh about it and say they don't understand it either. I could see if you picked at random a certain number, but this just doesn't make sense.
February 1, 2008 1:10 PM
Another, "Why can't TSA talk to us like we're people?" post
I had a small black leather bag. I forgot I had put a normal (but mostly empty) tube of toothpaste in it. The TSA agent saw that the machine sensed it, and asked me if I had toothpaste and where it was. I said, "In the bag." "Where in the bag?" "In the main compartment. There's only one compartment." "Where in the bag?" "... I'm not sure how to answer your question." "Where in the bag? In the front?" (My bag has a front and back?) "I'm not sure what you mean. Which way is the front?" "Is it in the front of the bag or not?"
- repeat -
- repeat -
Then I ask the next agent about mostly empty containers. She said that I could just get back in line again if I really wanted to take my toothpaste with me. "So if I do it a second time you'll let me through?" "No." And to think, some of these people raise children with this kind of resolution of misunderstandings and conflict.
February 1, 2008 1:17 PM
For what it's worth, I refuse to fly because of the TSA. Haven't been on a plane in 2 years now, even though I missed out on some trips because of it.
There are 2 guarantees in an airport now.
1. You will be treated as cattle by the airline
2. You will be treated as a criminal by the TSA.
I am neither and will not be treated as such, so I no longer fly.
February 1, 2008 1:21 PM
I found the TSA Screeners very rude and unprofessional at San Diego Airport when I traveled through the American Airlines screening area one morning. A few of the screeners were not even paying attention and when someone triggered the fire door in the secure area they kept their screening and did not stop the process of letting passengers through their security check area even though there had been a breech in the airport via the fire door alarm. I have worked security so know that was a complete violation of the SOP yet they ignored the alarm. I was horified and will not be traveling from there again.
February 1, 2008 1:46 PM
I think there's nothing wrong with the TSA personally. The problem is that some passengers lack common sense!!
February 1, 2008 1:51 PM
We were faced with some incredibly rude security people in Philadelphia in Mid-July of last year.
We had just returned from Spain and while there, were treated just as graciously as can be, in spite of the bombings at the Madrid airport (which we traveled through without ever having to remove our shoes.) The Philly folks barked and shouted at us to "GET OVER THERE NOW!", and all seemed to hate their jobs or be having bad days. It was awful and very disrespectful, especially to us older folks. I am embarrassed beyond words to think of people from other countries getting this nasty taste of America.
It also seemed completely unnecessary since we had gotten off the US Air flight from overseas and had not left the security area of the airport.
I write about my travels for publication and have already included mention of the bad treatment we had at Philly.
We had to travel from Seattle (where we reside) to Saratoga Springs NY in October, and were dismayed at the thought of getting on a plane again. We took the Amtrak, with a roomette, which was an absolutely wonderful experience, with great food (several hot meals included in the ticket price), courteous service, especially at Union Station in Chicago, all with mesmerizingly beautiful scenery of our wonderful land and very interesting conversations with fellow passengers. Even though I do not sleep well on a train, I would do it again. I encourage all people to take the train if they are tired of flying and have the extra day or two!
Thanks to the awful people at Philadelphia, we will now plan future trips around train travel, not plane, and are encouraging everyone we encounter to do the same.
NOTE: I did have to fly down to California in January for a family obligation, and could not take enough time off work for the train. I spent half the flight comforting the young lady next to me: the poor girl was so afraid of flying, she was in tears.
I told her to take the train, next time. For many reasons, (safety, changing weather patterns, etc.--we were stranded for a day in Philadelphia on our way TO Spain) we are avoiding air travel from now on.
February 1, 2008 1:52 PM
I've travelled abroad a lot since 911. My experience of TSA procedures and staff has been of incompetence, rudeness, arrogance, and unprofessionalism. Compared to officials in other countries, TSA is at the bottom. You might call that the top but if there's one thing that's apparent, being "thorough" and professional does not equate to being "tough", or acting like some damn cowboy, albeit with a NY or Philly accent. The incompetence I've experienced (and written about ad nauseam, including to my congress reps), gives the lie to the whole enterprise and its facade.
As an aside: it took only one trip utilizing my "TSA endorsed and labelled" baggage lock to be cut off the bag.
What a joke.
February 1, 2008 1:56 PM
Have passengers considered that the amount of stuff they pack into their bags can cause delays and backups? I've dealt with 50, 60, 70 pound CARRY ON bags. Not only are these bags overloaded, but potential safety hazards that can crush or kill someone should they shift in midflight in an overhead bin. Or if someone loses their grip on the bag when removing it from the overhead bin.
However, we do not have the authority to tell people they need to check it in at ticketing. So, the guy with three bowling balls in his bag is waved on through, while the guy with the windproof lighter is stopped. No, I don't understand this either.
But, back to the point: pack less stuff, people. You'll get through security faster.
February 1, 2008 2:12 PM
I have just a general observation regarding airport safety. I just can't help feeling like the entire TSA process leaves us MORE open to an attack. Customers are filed up in long snaking lines, and in peak hours we can wait there for 30 minutes or more. At hub airports I'm in the middle of hundreds of fellow passengers within 50 feet, all before any of us has had our baggage or persons inspected.
What would prevent a terrorist from blowing themselves up in the middle of the very attractive target the TSA set up for them? It makes no sense to me!
When will you have the budget and ability to address the security logistics at our airports?
February 1, 2008 2:17 PM
i was allowed to fly with shaving cream into atlanta, but then when i left the airport they made me throw it out. idiotic. the TSA employees are idiots who make it seem like they have had no training whatsoever. i have never had a pleasurable experience with them. all stupid, no logic. id post my name but knowing this government i would probably be punished, where is the country i know and love?
February 1, 2008 2:25 PM
Terminal 5 at LAX must be one of the worst to fly out of in the evening. There are typically a third of the available screening positions open. The line for security is regularly 400 people plus (I have counted twice). The TSA needs to staff their stations more appropriately and keep the system moving efficiently.....Otherwise I am pleased with the service they provide and respect what they do.
February 1, 2008 2:30 PM
as a tax payer and freq flyer, it would be worth paying a little more to provide some courtesy training to the staff at major airports. so rude! i understand they deal with a lot of idiots but so do waiters.
i've noticed the smaller the airport, the better the service. the staff at EUG and GCK stand out as very professional.
February 1, 2008 2:33 PM
I frequently travel across the atlantic from the UK and take many internal flights in the US. I must say that the TSA are usually very organise. It is a nice change to the chaos that normally greets you at a UK airport. However my main problem with TSA is the fact that for every 10 members of pleasant staff I encounter there is always the one person working for the TSA who is extremely rude and ignorant when doing their job. It is the one member who is unpleasant that travellers remember. The people responsible for hiring should ensure that the people they are employing are going to be dealing with members of the public, the public believe it or not contribute money to the TSA in the way of security fees when they purchase their tickets. The TSA employees who are dealing with the public should be able to communicate with the public. Not indulge in a one way volley of instructions that makes you feel like you are back at school.
If you take anything away from this message, please take this: employ people who can communicate with the public. Being able to do this and make the skies safer is alot nicer for eveyone with a few manners and a smile.
February 1, 2008 2:41 PM
Actually there is NO law that you have to show ID. I have been through many times without ID. Just tell the agent you don't have ID and they write a code on your ticket and you go through extra screening.
February 1, 2008 2:41 PM
Can I also please make a suggestion to the screeners of the blog: why not put in a section that allows for solely letting the public tell you the best bits, the things you are doing right?
Also why not introduce on the website the ability to rank the TSA at different airports? This would give an indication of where the TSA were doing the right things with regards to communicating with the publics and maybe those aiports that aren't rated so highly can learn from the airports that are rated highly?
February 1, 2008 2:44 PM
I checked this blog after hearing about it on Fox News and CNN, and am both surprised and pleased to see the TSA and other government agencies actively soliciting input from passengers. I travel infrequently, but I did fly (to/from a border town) a month after 911 and have flown several times since (generally from DFW or Love Field in Dallas).
As an infrequent flier and lawyer (generally dressed up for travel, with laptop, etc.; used to going through metal detectors at courthouses every week), I find the security lines to be much shorter--or, at least, much quicker--than the ticket lines. I have been secondarily screened, and though I did find it irritating, it was no more so that picking the wrong line at the supermarket. I think some poeple are simply embarassed too easily, and should consider that their momentary embarassment or umbrage is simply not more significant than the safety of the dozens to hundreds of persons who will be flying with them in a pressurized tube from which there is no safe escape in case of in flight emergency. A plane is not a bus. A plane is not a taxi. A plane is not a train. Get over it, folks.
Recalling back at the sight of humvees, impossibly young soliders carrying automatic weapons at the airport, and the extremely strict security at metal detectors during my first flight after 911, I wish we still had it (and maybe we do at some airports). I have not traveled internationally lately, but I am confident that I would feel MORE secure after going through airport security in Israel or France or Brittain than I do in the USA.
As for inconsistentcy, shoe checking, etc., let's keep the bad guys guessing. In my lifetime, 911was the worst single day for air travel in any country, by far. It was the worst terrorist attack in the US, by far. It was relatively cheap for the bad guys to do, and cost us dearly. When I travel there are some things that I really want to keep with me, for fear of losing them or having them broken (like a cell phone and my computer), but how many liquids and powders do you really need on an average flight? Is it that big of a deal to take off your shoes? Don't you do that every day anyway?
TSA employees are generally underpaid, have poor working conditions, and spend every minute of every shift dealing with people who are too embarrassed, or too self-important, to subject to the same scrutiny as everyone else. Give them a break.
In sum, my only complaint is that the TSA makes its standards TOO clear, TOO consistent, and TOO accomodating. Traveling is stressul. Air travel is like riding in the Space Shuttle--everything needs to work perfectly for a safe flight. It is a nice feeling to lose some of that stress when you pass security, and more so when you find your seat on the plane full of people who, though you don't know them, have passed some scrutiny at security.
February 1, 2008 3:00 PM
After calling the TSA Claims Management office (571-227-1300) numerous times since last week and no one ever answering during business hours(?), I finally got through today - about 20 minutes ago. I was told all their computers were down so they couldn't tell me anything about my claim. When I asked about calling back later this afternoon, I was told not to as the computers were going to be down all day (a BUSINESS day!) because the TSA is "improving it" and this was planned! WHAT? If I ran my business this way, I would be out of business. You don't upgrade or "improve" your systems during business hours. What a waste of my taxes as you pay all of these people to sit and do nothing today! Shame on you! I guess this explains why I finally got through today, on a day when nobody had anything else to do. How sad...
February 1, 2008 3:04 PM
The security policies which have been implemented have had a more profound impact of how I view our country than any other single policy development. Everytime I travel via air, I feel as if we are in a situation similar to what would be found in the Middle East, absent the armed soliders. The lengths the average person must go to when entering the airport is appropriate for a country that has little ability to thwart attacks, attacks which are usually random and devastating in their damage. Certainly the security measures required today have radically changed the idea of being able to freely travel within our own country.
I am certainly not nervous to fly, I am not paranoid of terrorist attacks on a normal flight and the extreme measures seem, especially in retrospect, mere pandering to an unfounded fear than solid policy and protection. The stories which have made the news media as "thwarted attacks" usually involve single crazed persons without any real capability of danger. The restrictions on silverware, nail clippers, liquids, etc..., seem not to have to meet any objective standard of actual threat before restrictions are imposed.
I believe the restrictions imposed are a breach of the populations' civil liberties.
February 1, 2008 3:05 PM
What I want and expect most from TSA employees is "professional consistency"! There are some that are vindictive just because you fly infrequently and don't know the rules. I have seen instances where the screeners were going thru a group of teenagers and in my opinion obviously didn't like their looks.
"PROFESSIONAL CONSISTENCY"
February 1, 2008 3:07 PM
I watched in amazement on a trip back from Los Angeles as a TSA screener insisted on shoving a wrought iron stand through the X-ray machine. Unless they have electron scanning microscopes, I doubt there was much more to see. Anyway, when it got stuck, the TSA agent repeatedly turned the belt on and off. When it finally came through, it was completely bent out of shape. All I got from the TSA was a stupid looking expression.
February 1, 2008 3:24 PM
1) The TSA "Tort Claim Package" needs to be revamped. It is beyond the bounds of expectations/decency to have one form that covers everything from property damage to personal injury and death.
2) Please don't promise what you obviously can't deliver. The above mentioned form clearly states that if you submit it via fax, which I did, you will receive an acknowledgment letter within 6 days. It has now been two weeks and I have yet to receive anything.
3) Regarding the claim, an overzealous TSA agent literally tore the zipper off of my unlocked suitcase yet obviously could not have cared less as all they did was tape it closed, in one direction only, with "Inspected by TSA" tape in such a manner that the bottom was open and anything could have fallen out. What is going on that a TSA agent feels so comfortable ruining someone else's property and could not care less? Where's personal responsibility? Why do I have to spend hours to get an estimate, take pictures and complete a very long claim form when they know what they did and should have proactively handled it?
4) And lastly, yes finally, I called immediately after I discovered why my suitcase had all of the TSA tape on it (12/26/07) and spoke to a very nice TSA rep named Frances. I was given an event ID number and told that the TSA Customer Service Manager in Atlanta would contact me the next day to discuss my concerns mentioned in 3) above. All garbage as no one has called me to this day, over a month later. When the TSA spokesperson was quoted as defensively saying that the TSA was responsive and did contact people, I had to snicker. Please, my situation and experiences thus far with the TSA are proof that there appears to be no accountability to the taxpaying, flying public. Actions speak louder than words.
February 1, 2008 3:26 PM
I am a TSO working at JFK airport. As I sit here reading the gripes of passengers from around the country, sadly I must agree with many of them. Complaints about TSO's who dress shabby looking, have a power tripping attitude, rude to passengers, half asleep, cranky, and so on and so on. Well, I see it every day, it's true and outrageous. I don't know who is responsible for passing these people through the employment process, but it really does need to be revamped. Some of the newly hired employees step into this job thinking they know everything, because they have passed their assessment test, and "40" hour training. They don't want to take the advise and recomendation from "seasoned" TSO's who have been here for over 5 years, because they feel they know EVERYTHING. The attitude they display to passengers is even more disgusting. Yet, it is condoned by management because we are so short handed, and constantly losing TSO's to other Federal agencies. I am truly frustrated about this because the quality of the majority of the new hires, are patheticly from the bottom of the barrel of humanity.
February 1, 2008 3:26 PM
Last year I flew over 100,000 miles with Newark Liberty as my primary airport.
The one thing I really don't understand is why there is no security at any baggage claim in any airport I've traveled through (large international airports as well as very small regional airports). We seem to be primarily concerned with keeping the planes safe and not the airport. It would be just too easy to leave something in the baggage claim areas, just look at the unclaimed baggage in storage as well as those that are riding the carousel.
I traveled the Middle East/Mediterranean in the 1970's and one of the airports in Israel had security checks at every door coming INTO the airport. Why can't we do that? Or, are we just going to assume that all terroists fly and want to bring down airplanes?
February 1, 2008 3:29 PM
It is completely inappropriate for the TSA to provide separate screening for first-class passengers. I pay my share of taxes and I deserve equal access to the resources my taxes provide for.
February 1, 2008 3:33 PM
To the poster who asked about the multiple ID checks. It is necessary, unfortunately. I have personally witnessed 4 incidences in the past few months where people bypassed the first check at LAX, Terminal 5. One lady explained that she was First Class so she just came through and was absolutely indignant, one didn't speak English and set about making his own rules - even trying to cut in line at the x-ray scanner. It's these folks who make it harder for the rest of us as there are people out there who think they are very special. From a TSA standpoint, sadly, no one stopped them either. I guess as long as humans are involved, the margin of error is there and stands the most chance of being lessened with multiple checks.
Quoted:
Hi there: I am confused as to why you have to show your passport or ID at 3 stages during clearing security ? I can understand that they check it as you enter the line. But, why again before you are directed to a machine and then again before you can put your stuff in the xray machine?
Thanks for answering this question.
January 31, 2008 3:41 PM
February 1, 2008 3:34 PM
Before a flight over to England this past summer, my wife, infant son and I passed through a pleasantly empty security checkpoint at JFK. The emptiness was the only pleasant thing about it. Travelling with an infant is guaranteed to impose additional stress on a parent, but some of the new airport security measures are becoming ridiculous.
As we approached the baggage scanner, my wife quickly removed her shoes and placed them on the conveyor belt along with her purse. I handled the rest of the carry-on baggage and broke the stroller down so it could be placed through the scanner. Just as my wife was about to step through the metal detector carrying our son, one of the screeners pointed at his shoes, the shoes of a 5-month old baby, and said they had to come off. Was he serious? Yes, he was. It saddens me that we live in a world where someone can imagine a bomb could be placed in the shoes of a 5-month old infant.
My wife complied with the request and we moved on through the metal detector to pick up our bags. The diaper bag was selected for additional inspection. A quick check revealed a non-3oz-approved-container of baby soap. The screener said "this can't go!" My wife inquired as to whether we could place some of the soap in a smaller container. The man snapped back "I already answered that" (which he hadn't) and reiterated his statement that the container was too large. Seeing the futility in arguing, I told the screener "please enjoy the soap." He ignored me and tossed it in the garbage with spiteful glee.
In hindsight, it would have been amusing to dive to the ground and cover my head at this point, mocking the danger of casually jostling a dangerous liquid so much. Of course, that though didn't enter my mind at the time because I wanted very much to make our flight without further inconvenience.
Every time I pass through airport security nowadays I feel like a prisoner to the security personnel, guilty until proven innocent. I daydream about point out the flaws in their system -- such as collaborating with a group of other passengers to sneak in more than my liquid allotment in multiple 3oz containers -- but I stay quiet because I want to travel without being hassled.
February 1, 2008 3:46 PM
So many people have asked why we screen the elderly and small children. Sadly, as much as we hate to admit it, we have people out there who would use anyone to cause us harm. Did anyone see the news today where they used woman with down syndrom as suicide bombers? Its a sad world out there....
February 1, 2008 3:50 PM
I appreciate the trying to help keep us all safe, but doing it in a manner that is a bit nicer than we do it today would be appreciative. On one of my many carry-on searches, the TSA (male) employee opened my suitcase, found a tampon and commented that he now understood why I was being so "bitchy" was the word he used. On another search of my suitcase, a TSA employee commented on my folding technique....please help me understand how this is their right and how it is appropriate?
When I walk thru with a suit on, buttoned up and unfortunatley only wearing a sleeveless shirt underneath that is somewhat transparent, I don't appreciate being told I MUST take my jacket off so everyone can see my undergarments...not appropriate for women to take off their suitjackets.
Very rude TSA personnel that don't realize they are being paid by the nations taxes.
February 1, 2008 3:50 PM
I travel approx. 6 times a year and I agree, that a large number, but not all, of the TSA employees are either jerks or apathetic to the degree that I feel uncomfortable that they are the front line in protecting our airports.
Two trips ago, one of the screeners starting violently throwing bags into the x-ray machine. I gave him a look but I didn't say anything because I could tell that he would have unfairly ordered all kinds of searches on me if I protested. Luckily for me I did not have any fragile items in my carry-on. It's unfair that these people can do anything they want and get away with it without any consequences.
February 1, 2008 4:10 PM
I think it's be dandy if they could just keep criminals from handling the luggage and making off with my stuff.
Anyone who can sneak my camcorder out of checked luggage is capable of inserting anything as well.
Looks like the backdoor is pretty well open - mighty fine security there TSA.
February 1, 2008 4:20 PM
My sister traveled from NC to PA and back over the Christmas 2007 holiday. As a Christmas gift, I gave her expensive gourmet coffee flavors. Being well aware of the TSA requirements, she placed the items in her checked luggage (not carry-on). The coffee flavors were all in sealed, original packaging IN HER CHECKED SUITCASE, but were stolen anyway. Why did this occur?
Secondly, I believe I have been placed on come kind of special check list. I have ALWAYS flown round-trips (never one-way tickets), have no criminal history, have Anglo skin and name, and follow every TSA rule. Nevertheless, I am pulled from the line for a special search each and every single time. Even the TSA workers I have asked about this have seemed confused, saying odds are against being singled out more than once. I am patted down - sometimes by men - in areas of my body I do not want touched. They dump out my carry-on every time. I always have to remove clothing. Why am I the only one singled out every time I fly? Is it because I've been to anti-war rallies and donate to the ACLU? Seriously?
February 1, 2008 4:25 PM
The TSA staff at DCA Reagan National Airport are lazy. We stood in line for some time waiting for them to restock trays. There were no trays in which to lay one's computer or jacket near the entrance of the security door, and tall stacks on the other side of the magnetometer. They all stood around chatting even when asked to restock the trays. Finally, we gave up and just put our jackets and laptops on the belt.
February 1, 2008 4:29 PM
Quote: "After the horrors of 911 most people realize we must relinquish our personal freedoms to protect the common good. Some people will react negatively to the rules that dictate air safety, but TSA is doing a fine job protecting America."
You have GOT to be kidding me. Relinquishing rights is exactly what the terrorists want: to make us less free. If we relinquish our freedoms, there IS NO MORE COMMON GOOD.
If you want to give up your rights, that's fine. There are places like China and North Korea that may be more to your style.
This is still the US and the Constitution of this great land still applies.
And to the TSA: checkpoints are not rights free zones. Your "administrative" searches have become dragnets when things not germaine to your search are found. It no longer is an administrative search but a criminal search as soon as you get an LEO involved. It's a great fishing expedition because LEO's get access to stuff that they otherwise wouldn't get without your help.
Way to go, TSA.
February 1, 2008 4:40 PM
My travel experience from ATL to RSW was made a nightmare due to TSA. First at the securtity check point I remove my IPOD and zip in in a jacket pocket. I see a TSA agent watch me do it. I am asked to step through the metal detector, but the Xray conveyer is backed up. My items are left on in bins on the other side. Approx 2 min pass before my bins come out. I gather my items and head to the gate where I discover my pocket unzipped and my Ipod gone. I return to TSA were they will not check with the TSA guy I saw watching stuff on otherside of the unsecured side of the Xray machine. They offer very little help, as does the ATL Police officer who reluctantly takes a report. I fly home and upon arriving at my house open my bags and see the TSA letter that they had inspected the contents. Not only inspected but removed all of my tolietries from my travle bag and they were scattered though out my clothes and the toothpaste and mouth wash were removed from their zipper bags and the tops loosen to everything was covered in toothpast and had a minty smell.
February 1, 2008 4:41 PM
will TSA tell us why they do NOT have a procedure in place to correct screners that miss the ssss on boadring passes. at las last month both of us were missed and had to return to tsa to be checked we missed our plane and waited an additional 4 hours in the airport. missing 1 is possable missing 2 is a problem needing attention.
February 1, 2008 4:42 PM
I chortle every time I see TSA personnel hand-screening geriatric passengers. Does TSA have visions of a pack of seniors storming the cockpit of some plane and blowing it up with their bottles of Geritol? Oh wait, can't carry liquids on board, now. Hmmm. Well maybe TSA has visions of the seniors banding together and throwing their false teeth at the attendants.
If you folks would quit hand-screening grandpa and grandma, you'd get a lot more respect from the flying public. Use a little common sense.
February 1, 2008 4:42 PM
Last January, my husband and I were returning home to Dallas from Las Vegas. First of all, the line for screening is horrible and slow. Second, the screeners are really rude. I understand that dealing with people who have lost a lot of money and are upset is not a great way to spend the day, but scowling at people, slamming the trays arounds and snapping at people is not good customer service. Finally, there has to be a better process for having to searching people and their belongings than what is in place right now.
My husband and I go to Las Vegas and expect to make the standard donations to the casinos, so my mood that day was not bad and I tried to be pleasant and cooperative. After putting my shoes, purse, etc. in the trays, I proceeded through the metal detector. Of course, something on me set off the detector and I had to be taken and wanded. What I didn't like was that I was not allowed to collect my purse, shoes or carry-on before being taken over and wanded. The officer didn't even ask about my belongings and collect them prior to taking me over and wanding me. Why didn't the TSA officer ask about my belongings and collect them so they weren't left out on the belt to be possibly taken by someone else? Thankfully, my husband realized what had happened and retrieved my stuff, but what about those travelers who are by themselves and are separated from their laptops, etc? Not a very good procedure. I was none too pleased.
After the ordeal and finding out my barrette set off the metal dector, I was able to go and get my shoes, etc. from my husband. At that time, I observed the trays flying out of the machine at a high rate of speed. These trays were left to hit and possibly knock over the other trays with valuables in them. Some of these trays were coming out with such force that if there was a laptop, etc. in a tray directly in front of this projectile, it could have been pushed to the floor. This was going on in front of a TSA officer and he just stood there and watched.
I do not think that those who are hired for these positions are equipped to understand what "customer service" means and something should be done about that. I know that dealing with the general public and people who have lost money, etc. isn't pleasant, but if a person doesn't like it, get another job.
Maybe if the officers were more pleasant, the experience for everyone would be more enjoyable. However, something needs to be done about separating people from their belongings when they have to be taken and searched. There is no excuse for separating a person from their personal items.
February 1, 2008 4:47 PM
Thanks for TRYING to do the right thing. The bottom line is that you'll NEVER catch everything--you can't stop a carefully planned terrorist attack because they know your procedures and how to get around them. You need to invest in better technology that relies less on imperfect humans to detect dangerous items. Finally, YOU are not the last line of defense, WE are. If a future hijacking is to be prevented, it's because of heroic passengers and flight crew, not because you're taking away people scissors. Keep that in mind.
February 1, 2008 4:49 PM
I'm a soldier in the US Army Reserve. This past summer my unit flew out to California for training. It was quite a sight at the airport. Seventy soldiers in uniform, orders in hand, having to strip for security. Uniform tops. Belts. Boots. The works. Humiliating. Shameful.
On our return flight, one of my soldiers forgot to remove his ID tags. He was taken aside for a more through inspection.
February 1, 2008 4:50 PM
I like TSA and for the record, anyone who thought cameras were not on TSA employees inspecting luggage..this is not true as it is REQUIRED cameras be on the screeners inspecting luggage for security reasons. Besides, WHY DO YOU PLACE MONEY,JELEWRY,IPODS, LAPTOPS,AND ALL OF THESE VALUABLES IN YOUR UNLOCKED BAGS ANYWAY????
THEY SHOULD BE GONE BECAUSE THEY SHOULDN"T HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! There isn't any cameras on airline employees (luggage handlers) who transfer your bag back and forth...that may have been why your claim with TSA was denied as TSA will not reimburse for an incident they did not perform. The airline will not take responsibility for YOUR valuables inside of checked baggage which is stated in FINE PRINT ON YOUR BOARDING PASS...THIS IS WHY READING IS IMPORTANT...how do you think they conduct their investigations in the first place...what security compnay whouldn't have camera so whoever said that is not thinking outside of the box....so before you are so quick to say TSA DID IT because you have a little slip inside of your bag or a sticker on your bag which stands for CLEARED NO PHYSICAL INSPECTION NEEDED.....think outside the box for a change!! Not everyone is honest.....thats the way the world is.
Same thing for carry on..we as travelers leave items unattended at the checkpoint then blame TSA because they are gone when we are the ones who brought them in the first place....we need to be checking for the items before we walk away from the checkpoint, they have a job and so do we as travelers. Why would a security adminitration show you confidential video tapes???? what do you think security stands for... OH yeah they are also only screening security...they are not the police which is the real security of your airport...did you ever notice that...so every security issue may not be with TSA...look a little closer.
It just upsets me because so many of us complain and always have something negative to say about TSA but when they are catching 15-20 travelers everyday who are trying to take guns and other prohibited items to keep our butts safe, we have no thank you to say about that.
Its so amazing how we can get online and do research about traveling and goole everything else we need to find online but make up excuses as to why we couldn't log on to TSA.GOV for at least 5 mins. to find out how to PACK OUR ITEMS OR TAKE A SECOND TO CALL THEIR 24HR CENTER FOR PACKING TIPS!!!!!!
I hope this is making since and teaching some of you how to pack your bags in the future as you travel.Not every incident that happens is TSA's fault.
Some of use just have be smart and think! :) WELL TAKE CARE!
February 1, 2008 4:50 PM
I RECENTLY HAD TO TAKE A FAMILY MEMBER TO PHL. WHILE THERE, WE WERE WAITING IN A LINE AT SECURITY TO BE SCREENED. WE STOOD AT THE BEGGINING OF THE LINE FOR 10 MINS. WAITING FOR A TSA SCREENER WHO WAS SITTING IN A CHAIR FARTHER AHEAD. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE SCREENING WAS TAKING PLACE WHERE SHE WAS SITTING BUT NEVER CARED TO MENTION THIS TO US AND THE LINE JUST GOT LONGER AND LONGER!!!!
February 1, 2008 4:51 PM
Why not let everyone carry a gun? At least that way we won't all be defenseless if someone tries to hijack the plane.
February 1, 2008 4:52 PM
When i recently went to PHL, i was so surprised to have seen so many screeners on the clock hanging out while there were lines full of people trying to make their flights. this completely made me late to my flight which almost departed without me! Does the government have to get rid of a few tsa guys so that the ones who are left will do their jobs more effectively?
February 1, 2008 4:55 PM
I took my grandmother to the airport. The security was upsetting. You had lines full of people that would have been minimal if the other security screeners would have been WORKING like theyre supposed to! Due to this, she missed her flight! Also, she didnt speak english, so while they were taking their time laughing and giggling, she couldnt explain that she was missing her flight.
February 1, 2008 4:59 PM
I would like to know why TSA will often try to intimidate passengers that ask for complaint forms by asking them for ID. What does this have to do with the complaint? It's nothing mroe than an intimidation tactic.
Additionally, when TSA tries to collect information of an ID, why does it ignore the Privacy Act of 1974 by not providing a Privacy Act notice? TSA is exempt from certain things in the Privacy Act ... yes that's true. However, it is NOT exempt from provisions that require a notice be provided, what's being collected, how it will be used and how long it will be kept.
So does TSA just ignore this law or is it ignorant of it?
And in either case, how can we be expected to respect and take TSA seriously when it selectively follows federal law?
February 1, 2008 4:59 PM
As an employee of TSA (non-screener) I think there are many great uses for this webboard. I do, however, think those people (who hide behind "anonymous") who post the insulting comments and nasty attitudes really need to think about what they are saying.
This is what I mean...we are an agency of over 40,000. Our employees are on the front lines of the fight against terrorisim, day in and day out - dealing with hundreds of people a day, face-to-face. Can you think of any other job description that might have to interact with that many people? Probably not.
Everyone is entitled to a bad day, and our TSOs, for the most part, take their job very seriously - maybe they don't smile because they are focused on their duties, or the man behind you that looks nervous, or maybe...they are just tired. I can understand that.
I think it is sad how quickly we forget why the TSOs are there in the first place...all those innocent lives lost on 9/11. The TSOs, Federal Air Marshals, the BDOs...they are there for each of you - to protect you from harm. So next time you go through screening and want to complain, just think of them and their job at hand and turn around and say, "Thank you."
February 1, 2008 5:04 PM
WHY DO YOU THINK THE GOV. AND TSA ARE EXEMPT FROM PAYING TAXES?
why do you say things like WE AS TAX PAYERS deserve this,that, and the 3rd....So what if our tax money goes to the GOV....if you doing things the right way, you get it back at the end of the year during what we call TAX SEASON and
Did it ever dawn on you as your were making that statment the GOV and TSA PAY TAXES TOO!
Get a grip on life! :)
February 1, 2008 5:05 PM
Three things:
1) If liquids are too dangerous to be allowed on the plane, why are they tossed into the trash like garbage? Wouldn't an explosive liquid be just as dangerous in the terminal as on the plane?
2) I go through security overseas and fly to Miami, where I go through Immigration and then Customs, but then to make my connection I have to exit and then re-enter the "secure" section of the airport, just so TSA can tell me to remove my shoes and sweater and strip all the things out of my pockets again. Seems less about my security than about a jobs program and the ability to say "see, we're working!"
3) The demand that we strip our shoes off to go through security should be coupled with the good manners to WASH THE FLIPPIN' FLOORS. The floors at TSA spots are as filthy as in the bathrooms, but we don't have to walk around the airport bathrooms in our stockings.
February 1, 2008 5:10 PM
I am a proud educated employee of TSA. I love my job and take it seriously. My question to the flying public is: Have you taken the time to look at the people around you and how they treat each other? Here’s another idea, if you have several children and they each do something you just told them not to do and they do it again, do you get frustrated? Yes! That is exactly how TSA personnel feel. The rules are there for a reason. If you need answers, just ask someone or do some research. You can find your answers.
On another topic, TSA personnel are constantly tested; whether it is a true terrorist threat or a person who wants to get that special item through, we must always be alert. It’s not like working at a bank, where all I have to worry about is whether my till is balanced or the lawyer who has to please that very important client. You are never told how to perform your job. The passengers believe they know how to perform my job. I would like to challenge a passenger for one week to walk a mile in my shoes.
Finally, I have read many comments about combative TSA personnel and none on passenger behavior. I have experienced a combative passenger. It would be nice to hear “Thank you” instead of expletives and personal attacks. Please, for the sake of your next experience; give thanks to a TSA officer for a safe trip home. I know your love ones do!!
February 1, 2008 5:16 PM
At BDL, a screener yelled at my wife and me because we got confused and walked on the wrong side of the rope. What should we do in a case like that? Who do we complain to? How can we stop them from retaliating by making us miss our plane?
February 1, 2008 5:17 PM
For those that want to know why TSA "Picks on" children & the elderly or infirm:
Posted online today
"Associated Press records show that since the start of the war at least 151 people have been killed in at least 17 attacks or attempted attacks by female suicide bombers, including today's bombings.
The most recent was on Jan. 16 when a female suicide bomber detonated her explosives as Shiites were preparing for a ceremony marking the holiday of Ashoura in a Shiite village near the Diyala provincial capital of Baqouba.
Involving women in fighting violates cultural taboos in Iraq, but the U.S. military has warned that al-Qaida in Iraq is recruiting females and youths to stage suicide attacks because militants are increasingly desperate to thwart stepped-up security measures.
Women in Iraq often wear a black Islamic robe known as an abaya and can avoid thorough searches at checkpoints because men are not allowed to search them and there's a dearth of female guards.
In January 2005, Iraq's interior minister said that insurgents used a disabled child as one of the suicide bombers who launched attacks on election day. Police at the scene of the bombing said the child appeared to have Down syndrome."
Today's reports indicate that the two women were mentally retarded. That's why TSA screens EVERYBODY!!
I guess when some under aged retarded female blows up here we'll hear "They should have scrutinized children more."
NO ONE knows what a suicide bomber looks like but everyone knows what complacent sheep look like - the american public.
February 1, 2008 5:18 PM
At ATL, I recall, I arrived from Sao Paulo at the same time as a bunch of soldiers arrived from the Middle East. The TSA screeners were extraordinarily abusive to the soldiers, yelling at them about what to do with their boots and gear. It made me ashamed to be an American.
February 1, 2008 5:21 PM
IS ANY BODY ACTUALLY DOING ANY THING ABOUT OUR COMPLAINTS ?? OR IS THIS JUST ANOTHER WASTE OF TIME ?? I HAVE SUBMITTED TWICE AS A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND NEITHER WAS PRINTED !! TSA SHOULD BE ELIMINATED !!
February 1, 2008 5:24 PM
OKAY PEOPLE WHO CLAIM IS TSA'S FAULT WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH ADDITIONAL SCREENING BECAUSE YOU BOOKED A LAST MIN. FLIGHT, MADE A CHANGE TO YOU RESERVATION, WAS BUMPED, BOOKED THE TICK WITH YOUR BUDDY'S CREDIT CARD..ECT....ITS NOT TSA FLAGGING YOU...ITS YOUR AIRLINE WHICH THEIR SYSTEM HAS A SYSTEM CALLED CAPPS WHERE 4 CAPITAL S WILL BE PLACED ON YOUR BOARDING PASS BY THE AIRLINE BECAUSE YOU DID SOMETHING SUSPICOUS WITH YOUR RESERVATION AND TSA WILL DO ADDITIONAL SCREENING AT THE AIRLINES REQUEST.....GOV OR NOT...ITS YOUR AIRLINE NOT TSA! Nothing TSA can do about it but following procedure for the 4 capital S...its sucks..but sorry..nothing TSA can do? I'm with the GOV too! :)
February 1, 2008 5:25 PM
TSA is a joke. I flew from LAX to Key West last fall and didn't realize until I checked in that my reservation was made in my married name but my ID is in my maiden name. Not one person noticed on the roundtrip flight. My ID was looked at by the ticket counter person, the TSA initial screener, the TSA agent as I was going through security and the same routine on the return. My ID reveived a cursory glance each time.
I have to say it is rather shocking to think that big of a discrepancy could be overlooked.
February 1, 2008 5:30 PM
You have every right to deny your bags to be searched, before you lay you items on the x-ray belt. Don't want your bags screened? That's fine, but you wont be flying.
The response above is terrible.
The constitution doesn't say we have the liberty to travel across state borders on foot, but not on horse (since motor vehicles didn't exist then). It doesn't say that we only have the liberty to cross 1 state boundary per day - any more and we forgo all liberties. There is neither a mode of transportation nor a time restriction on our Liberty of movement. Air travel is the only reasonable way I can go from the East Coast to the West Coast to do business. To claim that means all liberties can be removed due to a theoretical and unrealistic option to decline is total nonsense - even if it made it's way into the so-called Patriot act.
Remember: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." possibly Ben Franklin
February 1, 2008 5:39 PM
I think it is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS that there is a blog site, where if enough people complain about something, then TSA will change it.
Are you kidding??? TSA, that makes it seem that EVERYTHING you do is for naught. If TSA is needed (and I think it is), then WHY ON EARTH would you comprimise your policies because people don't like them?
Do you see the local police departments asking citizens for their opinions on the speed limit?
NO- because it's a LAW that is in place for the safety of YOU and OTHERS!
I don't think that these people would have problems if they read and followed directions, and were prepared.
I don't work for TSA or any part of the government. I have NO idea what goes into the rhyme and reason of why they make the rules the way they do. I have to assume that SOMEONE knows something that I don't! That there is a REMOTE possibility that SOMEONE figured out that terrorists would be able to cause some real damage with more than 3.4 oz of liquid.
And quite frankly, I'M HAPPY ABOUT THE RULES!!
Yes, they may be inconvenient. So is the speed limit when I'm running late to work.
But I'd rather be inconvenienced by having to remove my shoes and "throw out my toothpaste", than inconvenienced by a DARN TERRORIST TRYING TO TAKE DOWN MY PLANE!!!!!!!!
February 1, 2008 5:40 PM
How about some reliable means of identifying who screened you, and rate how they do?
I know I am not about to dare stop and write down information from someone's badge - that is just begging to get pulled aside for an extended period of time.
Give every person a comment card with you were screened today by Joe A., Freb B., etc. Or at least the line number or some uniquely identifiable information, and a fill in the time section. Then have boxes to deposit filled in forms a decent distance away from the screeners. Include a checkbox to mark if you think anything inappropriate was done. Then actually do something about the people staffing the lines that consistently get a 1 out of 5....
February 1, 2008 5:46 PM
I don't mind taking time to take my shoes off, my belt off, my jacket, and all my metal items. I would just appreciate a spot where I could put my shoes back on, my belt on and all my other belongings without being rushed by the conveyor of items crashing into my belongings.
A simple table and chairs set off a distance when exiting security would suffice. Then people could get there stuff and sit down to redress and organize their luggage without feeling like cattle being herded through metal detectors.
People would also find that they don't have to hurry and won't misplace as many items.
Let's try to humanize the process a little. We definitely do not want the process to anger ordinary citizens; they'll be less likely to spot / help during a real threat. They'll also distract the staff from real threats.
Just thoughts.
February 1, 2008 5:53 PM
The TSA hires people that couldn't get hired at McDonald's.
February 1, 2008 6:03 PM
Here's a gripe. Why does TSA allow large baby strollers to be hand checked? I can easily see a terrorist stuffing any amount of stuff inside the tubes, seat padding (I don't care how well they poke the cushions, thick ones can't be determined 100% safe)or other areas. In Europe, if an item can't fit through the xray machine, they make you check it. Period. End of story. But since TSA likes it's Customer service facade, we allow anything oversized to be "Hand checked". If someone must bring a double wide mack truck of a stroller to the airport, amke sure it folds up and fits through x-ray or make them check it. TSA should close this HUGE gap in security. TSA is always preaching "We screen everyone because no one knows what a terrorist looks like" but then allows holes like this to exist.
February 1, 2008 6:04 PM
In a world a increasing violence and danger, some of which taking place in airports and on airines, it is not difficult to understand the need for better security. But the TSA isn't better security. Its a reactionary body that has no consistency and little to no respect for passengers. Rules are followed at some places and not others. Why is it that I can get a knife and a lighter through security at O'Hare, then have my purse picked through in Minneapolis for a 3.1 oz little tube of lotion? If this country is going to get real about security then they should do it 100%, EVERYWHERE. The TSA is a classic example of the inefficiencies of bureaucracy and why reactionary policy making, especially with regards to security is not effective.
And for cripes sake, the oz limitations for carry on luggage has done NOTHING but cause massive inconvenience, particularly for women, who's toiletries exceed such limitations. And for a administration so worried about security and checking your body for anything you're not supposed to have, why are thefts of luggage and items so common?
The TSA needs help. Serious serious help. Until it receives it, long lines, inconsistencies in policies and general added annoyances while traveling. Welcome to America. We're free and safe. (yeah right. apparently not if you fly)
February 1, 2008 6:06 PM
Can some of the attendents be just alittle nicer! Some of us have 2-3 or more connecting flts and its bad enought to fly but when you get to an agent who treats you like a common crimmial and talks to you like and idiot it makes it worse! DFW, TX would have been a great place for terriosts to get in the day I flew out, since two of the agents stepped around the cornor to talk on there cell phones. with alittle over 50 waiting. Once one of them finished and an agent said something, she made a statement that she didnt care, let them wait, my bf done pissed me off. After she then started treating us like crap, I changed lanes, cas I knew I probably couldnt keep my mouth shut!! 97% of the agents are rude uncaring agents who think they are Gods! I agree with the one blogger...go to Europe, they assist you and smile and talk to you.. come to the US and you dread going through the line...and most agents discriminate if you dont speak perfect english they treat you like a kid. Im so embrrassed for vistors to our country especially for older Japanese and Mexicans. I agree on all the policies enforced an am greatful for the added protection.. but come on.. lighten up.. we have jobs to do to.. we are tired to and if your not happy at your job.. get a new one! Oh and the best agents can be found at Denver Int. Great job!!!
February 1, 2008 6:16 PM
I fly out of Sacramento and have never had a problem with the screeners there. Keep up the good work. The only complaint I have is regarding the other passengers--i.e. spoiled consumers--who get their nose bent out of shape over a few seconds delay...as if the world would end. I pray we never return to the days of minimum wage screeners.
February 1, 2008 6:17 PM
You've got bigger problems than this blog can handle. Your agency and your workers are totally out of control and serve yourselves by a magnitude of order more than you serve the public. Your screeners subvert the very essence of Constitutional liberties thousands of times a day. I constantly pray that you soon come to your collective senses and decide to uphold the tenets of the 4th Amendment, which you currently abuse and refuse to honor and recognize. There are much better ways to secure flight than by terrorizing the flying public. I would strongly suggest that you consider adopting them. The first step might be to stop drinking the Fear Juice you seem to be addicted to.
February 1, 2008 6:18 PM
If our goal is to provide adequate security we can start by disbanding DHS and implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 commission. We can then put in place a replacement for the TSA to take charge of keeping people off of planes whom we have identified on an individual basis with actual probable cause for actual bona fide reasons instead of the wholesale violations of the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments we currently have in place now. TSA can actually screen cargo in the holds which it does not currently do. TSA can stop harrassing senior citizens, young children, and people who do not appear to be loyal white red state republicans.
I make it a point each and every time I go through airport screening to thank the TSA flunkie for violating my constitutional rights and tell him or her to have a nice day. I'm not entirely sure he or she hears me or cares what I have to say, but it makes me feel good to say it.
February 1, 2008 6:23 PM
Quoted:
"LT Nixon said...
To Whom It May Concern,
Recently, I was with a group of military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan traveling from Kuwait to Atlanta for our 2-week R&R period. I appreciate the Atlanta TSA personnel thanking us for our service when we first stepped foot on American soil. That was a fine example of Southern hospitality! However, I found it a little baffling that we had to take off our combat boots, dogtags, belts, etc. to go through a metal detector. My questions are three-fold: 1) Why would we need to go through security when we just got off a plane that departed from an airport in Kuwait with very strict security measures and customs procedures. 2) In no cases to my knowledge have terrorists been wearing US-issued military uniforms with valid military IDs, why not just let us bypass security, and 3) Having us get undressed in such a fashion while in uniform in front of other civilian passengers was a little embarrassing, and it undermines the professional demeanor that we would like to ensure the American public understands we uphold. Thanks for your time!
Very Respectfully,
LT Nixon
LT Nixon,
As a TSA Screening Manager I would 1st like to apologize for the fact that we have to screen you at all and would just like to say that the screening force more than respects the active duty military personel.
We see you go off to a war no one wanted and we sometimes see the terrible aftermath when you return. You have our utmost respect and I personally want to thank you for your sacrifices. Many of our screening force are retired or reserve military.
Unfortunately, the TSA "powers that be" don't see things the same way we floor level employees do. They quote such names as Timothy McVeigh and other "Domestic Terrorists". I just want you to know that there is a blog site type of idea board for TSA personel only and there is MASSIVELY OVERWHELMING criticism of the very policy you are talking about. We (the actual people that work at the checkpoints - not the policy makers) feel that military personel in uniform, traveling on orders should be exempt from screening or at the very least exempt from the liquids/shoes and other more intrusive rules. We are fighting to get those rules changed for military personel.
At many of the airports I've worked at, I usually see TSOs or Supervisors escort military personel to the front of the line and try to be as accomodating as possible within the guidelines of our SOP. We feel that it's the least we can do.
Just wanted you to know that and thank you again for your service.
February 1, 2008 6:26 PM
This is directed at many of the complainers, not the TSA: you have a spoiled consumer mentality. This is serious business you clowns! Leave your fat egos behind for a few minutes while you go through screening!
February 1, 2008 6:27 PM
I travel to and within Europe and Canada for pleasure a few times every year. On a longer trip I have taken as many as 10 plane trips within Europe while I am there.
I find that I am treated with much more respect by security in foreign airports in Europe and in Canada than I am in the US. I always take out my computer, have my plastic bag in a bin, take my shoes off and act like a nice passenger. I also feel safer in these other locations because the security personnel are more conscientious, professional and move quickly. In LAX they seem slow, half asleep,detached from their jobs, and unprofessional. And of course there are also some who think they are the FBI with a bad attitude. They talk to each other and never help people get their things out for checking, and many are just plain miserable. The whole system is very inefficient - when you check in for an international flight you have to physically move your checked luggage on your own to another area for screening. In Europe, your bags are screened once you have deposited them and you don't need to enter another queue.
In more than one country, the pat downs are done behind a curtain to respect people's privacy. At Heathrow, an additional backpack search is often done at the gate.
At DeGaulle in Paris, a representative from Air France met my son and me and a few other passengers when we deplaned and personally guided us through their extensive security to get us to our Air France flight to Los Angeles, which Air France held for over 45 minutes for us to board.
February 1, 2008 6:43 PM
There have been other comments posted by people who have also had joint replacements but I would like to add mine.
I fly several times a year. I know the rules. I abide by the rules. I know how to go through the screening process. I know to take my shoes off; take my laptop out of the case; take off my coat, etc.
I always inform the screener that I have had a knee replacement and that I am going to set the machine off. I do so with a smile and I am not ugly to anyone. So why do they have to be so rude to me? I am a 64 year old woman who is very pleasant about the whole process.
I don't mind being "wanded" and I don't mind my knee/leg being patted down. But is it REALLY necessary to do a full pat down search when the only time that the wand reacts is to my knee? Some of the pat downs have crossed the line into groping - and being in that position is NOT the time to complain.
February 1, 2008 6:53 PM
Plain and simple
The terrorists won!
Most definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).
February 1, 2008 7:12 PM
...we don't make the rules. We enforce them.
I was just following orders. That didn't work as an excuse at the Nurenburg trials and it doesn't work here either. You're dealing with human beings and I would expect some application of common sense and courtesy by TSA screeners. I read complaint after complaint after complaint and have either seen it or have had what the complainer has complained about happen to me (with the exception of liquids and gels in my carry on luggage).
I don't look forward to travel even though it is part of my job. Travel is a very bothersome part of that job. When I travel all I want is uneventful travel where I arrive on time, with all of the things I started out with at the beginning of the trip. TSA screamers bring nothing to the table except for (justifyably earned) contempt by the traveling public.
I want rules I can follow on a consistant basis. Threatning me with either arrest or being barred from flying does nothing but make an already miserable day (being subject to the arbitrary whims of the airlines and TSA does nothing to my (not so)cheery disposition.
You have the right to witness your luggage being searched. You have the right to a search of your person to be conducted in private. I tell the TSA screeners that "I get very excited when separated from my belongings" and that most often guarantees that I can stand there while they swab down my Pelican case for the umteenth time. Catch grief from a TSA agent? Write down his/her name. I am on TSA's frequent complainer list (after 10,000 complaints you get an orange). Ask to speak with a supervisor. That supervisor being obnoxious? Ask to speak with the supervisor's supervisor. Get names. Document everything. If it looks like a load of used bull food, then it probably is. Complain often. TSA employees are poorly trained to just follow orders.
On several ocassions I had TSA want to swab down a hard drive in an anti-static ESD bag. Said "sure, and who should I make the invoice out to? Oh, fyi, this hard drive will run you $10,000 because it is pre configured and on its way to a customer. You pull it out and you've just bought it." A supervisor gets called on that one. A fast look and an external swabbing of the bag is what happens.
TSA folks, you're dealing with the American public. You are not military, you're not police, and you're not CIA. You have the unpleasant job of insuring that people only take things approved to fly pass the checkpoint. If you have a problem keeping a civil tongue in your mouth, then I suggest that you find a job more to your liking. Some of us do complain and we complain to our elected officials, FAA, airlines, etc. and when those folks get tired of the contiued complaints, they talk to people in Washington. A Congressional edict created TSA. Another Congressional edict can make TSA go away.
February 1, 2008 7:14 PM
It would be nice if the crew issue would be addressed with priority; I don't relish taking my belt off and being wanded/patted down in plain view of my future passengers.
I guess they're trying to prevent me taking control of the jet away from myself...
February 1, 2008 7:29 PM
Why does the TSA not allow a passenger to observe the search?
Regarding 3-1-1, outside the USA, it is a a one liter bag with 100 mL containers. In the USA it is a one quart bag with 3 oz contains. 3 oz < 100 mL, 1 quart < 1L. Would you please harmonize the limits?
February 1, 2008 7:38 PM
I am continually frustrated by the long lines at airport security. The number of people going through the gates at a certain time is a KNOWN quantity. Can't the TSA check the departure times to anticipate traffic flow? The airlines do an adequate job of staffing for the rush times. Some colaboration would go a long way.
Just a suggestion.
February 1, 2008 7:55 PM
All in all, I really don't have a problem with most of the processes involved in the TSA operation. The only thing that REALLY needs to be addressed and improved is the SERIOUS attitude problem that most of your employees seem to have. I have never dealt with a more arrogant, obnoxious, rude, inconsiderate and mean-spirited bunch of people in my life. It urks me to no end to think that our taxes are paying these people's salaries...so...they are working for us. Well, my friends, since you're working for us, you really need to check your attitude at the door.
February 1, 2008 8:05 PM
I'm just wondering if the TSA isn't a lame federal employment creation scheme? Considering the thousands of hours of delays and inconvenience imposed upon travelers due to its activities, is there any evidence to justify it's existence?
How many million passengers are screened in a month, and how many even remotely suspicious terrorists have been discovered in the process?
Certainly, if there are people with terroristic objectives, they are going to find some way to pursue their objective which will not be subject to the TSA processes. And, if that is the case, what is the point of even having the TSA?
February 1, 2008 8:16 PM
Two words: secret shopper
It's a useful filtering tool for any organization which has people who must deal with the public. Not everyone is suited for this kind of work, and for those who aren't, it's possibly better for all involved if they find another line of work or be further trained on how to manage their emotions.
Float inspectors through those security lines with the rest of us riff raff. Any employee seen yelling at the elderly (or anyone else for that matter); being snotty and rude or doing anything at the security post that isn't professional and actual work is given some extra training and a write-up. Second writeup gets the door and someone else gets a chance at a job. X number of write-ups at one airport and it's the manager that spends tomorrow looking through the want ads.
No, TSA people DO deserve to be treated with all the respect that they display to others. They aren't there to be porters or assist others. They are there to work with the public, and if they can't manage that, get out. That's the world the rest of us live with. "We choose to fly". They chose to take the job. So do it and do it right.
February 1, 2008 8:22 PM
Surgical implantation of an explosive or toxin-emitting device would be pretty easy if the mission is a suicide mission - do security measures deal adequately with surgical implantation threats?
February 1, 2008 8:23 PM
My sister was flying out of San Diego a couple of years ago. She checked a bag with a NEW laptop. A TSA agent checks the bag comments loudly, "There's a computer in here." Shortly there after, the agent is on a cell phone. When she arrived at her destination her bag was compromised and her laptop GONE. Who is the TSA hiring?
February 1, 2008 8:25 PM
My 53 year old girlfriend was pat-down searched before a flight from a small regional airport to another small regional airport.
She didn't seem to mind, but it made me really angry! I alone reserve the right to touch her!
February 1, 2008 8:30 PM
For the most part I don't have problems with the TSA. But a few times I have. Why must the TSA harass flight crew in uniform? IE. Can't put my cell phone, keys in my shoes, have to take my laptop out,ect. For real people. I'm at the controls of a mutli-million dollar airplane, and have 100's of lives in my hands. And all your worried about is what I bring through security..what a joke.
February 1, 2008 8:33 PM
barking security rules are one reason why I avoid travelling to america if at all possible nowadays.
I was once told that I couldn't take my parachute on board because I might use one of the strings to garotte someone. -No word of a lie.
February 1, 2008 8:39 PM
I was selected for extra screening today due to some ticket changes.It wasn't as bad as I had thought... The TSA agents noticed we had to be at the gate pretty quickly and brought a few extra people over to get our stuff processed so we could get out quickly, which was nice. Though, it as also dead at the time, so that made it easier. But, I was impressed.
February 1, 2008 8:57 PM
Wow....great forum...I dont spend a whole lot of time blogging, but here are a couple of comments.
I work for the TSA, and yes, i agree with the vast majority of your comments on rudeness, etc. We, as an organization, have miles and miles to go with that issue.
I do understand the officers frustration with having to say the same things over and over and over again dozens of times a day. Maybe the recorded message would work better, as some bloggers have suggested. But for some of you that have so much disregard for some of the policies, I think we all would enjoy reading YOUR suggestions as to how to make things better. What would YOU do to erase the 'illusion' of feeling safe?To go with that good constructive ( or not) criticism, lets have some good, viable solutions. And is "good" security really "fast"? In our "microwave" society of wantinng everything to happen quick, fast and in a hurry? Is that such a good thing?Our freinds in Isreal will take as long as they want to "talk to you". Will Average American Joe enjoy that? I think not. We cant do it all ( be fast, be thourough, be accomodating to every single issue that comes up,etc) and make everyone happy. And regarding profiling...Please dont forget that one of our Nations biggest terroist looks alot like 70% of the people walking around the airport. (Anyone remember McVie?)Oh I just read where two mentally sidabled women were packed with explosive and were blown up remotely and killed a lot of people. But we really should'nt pay any attention to them. They meant no harm. Its a terrible thing to have to think like a criminal, though. I just hit a nerve right there, but hey, this is a good forum. Just looking for answers....meanwhile....traveling public please arrive early, know the rules, and TSA family take heed in what the public is saying.
February 1, 2008 9:01 PM
I travel a lot and don't have a problem with the TSA procedures. I have the routine down to a few simple steps. It is isn't that hard but there seems to be a lot of people you just don't get the rules when going through security. TSA needs to print out a simple 1/4 to 1/2 page picture guide for going through security. Then distribute this while people walk in the line area.
1) select number of trays based on laptop and dress coats
2) put laptop in tray
3) remove liquids in 1 quart bag and place in tray
4) remove outer wear and place in bin
5) take all contents of pockets and place in bin
6) remove shoes and place directly on belt
7) hold ticket in hand and present to TSA while walking through metal detector (don't touch the sides while walking through)
Simplify it into one routine for anyone.
you know this kinda quick tips. TSA is filled with lots of procedures and in order for it to be effective there needs to be training of citizens not just tSA employees
February 1, 2008 9:03 PM
What is the TSA going to do when terrorists start surgically implanting explosives into their abdomens?
February 1, 2008 9:11 PM
I travel often and I've got so many gripes that I don't know where to begin. I'll start with this...are TSA agents completely blind?
I traveled with some equipment in a case that I lock. I use common padlocks not so much as security but they are the best solution to keep it shut tight. Knowing that the TSA would want to open them at the baggage point when I wasn't there I did the following....(the locks were simple 3-digit combo locks, not key). I labeled the case with 2" flourescent tape pointing to the locks noting that the combinations where on them. The locks also had 1" flourescent tape with the combination for each lock on both sides of the lock. the TSA CUT THEM OFF. You could not have missed the labels. If they were key locks, I could understand. But combos with everything OBVIOUSLY labeled?!? It must have taken them more time to get the bolt cutter and cut them off than to simply spin the tumbler to the digit. I had even set two of the digits on each lock so you would only need to turn one. Grrrrr.
February 1, 2008 9:14 PM
Evolution of security:
I do not believe security has evolved. It is much too disorganized to have been made from a coherent plan over a long period of time.
More likely security was intelligently designed by "a Creator" who gave us the original security in the form of commandments.
The application of Evolution of Security without similar applications of Intelligently Designed Security represent an ethical dilemma.
Perhaps you should offer an alternative security line for those of us who believe differently than you.
February 1, 2008 9:14 PM
My objection is about prohibiting weapons on planes in the first place. The heroic passengers of Flight 93 proved that passengers can be effective deterrent to hijackings. But if it was not illegal in the first place to bring weapons on planes, maybe some people on all of the flights on September 11th could have thwarted the terrorists without the planes crashing. Law abiding citizens are not a threat to aviation and do not deserve to have their basic human right to self defense taken away merely because they get on a plane.
February 1, 2008 9:14 PM
My gripe is that you, the TSA, are not providing any new information in this blog.
"Just Trust Us" is not good enough.
You need to admit that studies prove you are ineffective at your assigned jobs, that you have allowed mission creep to distract you from your primary responsibility, and your approach to dealing with people has made you the most disliked agency in this country.
As a taxpayer, I want to hear solutions, not excuses.
February 1, 2008 9:21 PM
There have been countless comments on the (in-)efficiency of the various tasks of going through checkpoint security, so I won't comment on that. But I do have something to say.
I fly perhaps half a dozen times a year within the USA, and half a dozen times a year to/from the US to Europe and have done so for close to 14 years. In smaller airports or during slow periods(as in few travelers due to the hour of the day or whatever) the TSA staff is often polite and I do not have any complains. In larger airports, or during rushes/when there are longer lines, TSA staff are often annoyed at the travelers and as a result they come across as rude. Now I can certainly understand this as I know what it is like to deal with a constant stream of people who may or may not know the first thing about what to do when presented with an x-ray machine etc, so I let it slide with a kind of "everyone has a bad day" attitude.
But what I can not accept is the (ex-military?) personnel who like the control. I always approach with a smile and if there is ever a question of looking in my luggage or checking me with the wand, I respond with "Go right ahead" and ask "How can I help/Where do we do this?" or similar. And not just once, but a few times, I've been met with the person saying "Hey! I ask the questions here!" or something to the same point, which is surely just an act of power and control.
The second thing I wanted to comment on, while I do not know enough to say if the actual x-ray process is effective or not; I know that many of the TSA staff most certainly are not. They might not be trained, they might be too stressed to notice much, they might not be paying attention because they are bored or just don't care. But so many times I've seen TSA staff not care, not even look at the x-ray screens or, (this has happened to me and others I've seen) when people set off the metal detector all they need to do is show a watch or keys they forgot in their pocket or anything like that with an "oops!" expression on their face and they will be let through - without being re-scanned or even checked with the wand!
The third, and last, thing I'd like to comment on, which is kind of tied in with the last one; is the inconsistency between airports (in the US - I won't bring up other countries). My passport says Kristofer, but I always go by the name Kris - which often my tickets say. I have, once, been refused entry because of the name not matching my passport. I have, twice, been let through even though my name was spelled Chriss and my last name was spelled with an I instead of an E and had two extra L's in it. (Ticket was incorrect due to ordering via phone.)
Just my two pennies worth.
February 1, 2008 9:30 PM
I have no real issue with TSA screening at the airports; all a necessary inconvenience. What I don't understand, is why the Government is so focused on Airports, when we have thousands of miles of U.S. borders left virtually unattended. If the terrorists haven't figured out by now, the ease with which they can gain entry to the U.S. through wide open borders, then I guess we have no worry...?
February 1, 2008 9:38 PM
I used to love flying. Now it's something I don't look forward to, thanks to the TSA.
It's just a rude charade.
February 1, 2008 9:44 PM
I wear an insulin pump and had heard some horror stories from other wearers who had to remove it, or worse, at the checkpoints. I don't fly often, but I've now been through the checkpoints maybe eight times, and I have never had a problem. The most I've had to do is take it out of its case and hold it out. I think pumps probably threw inspectors for a loop at first, and I'm glad that the kinks have been worked out.
February 1, 2008 9:49 PM
When I flew back from the Bahamas I had to stand in airline's check-in line and get my passport checked. Then I had to stand in line to go through security (and throw away my water). Security went through my bags and checked my passport (#2). Then I stood in line to go through customs (passport check #3). Then I went up the stairs, waited online for about 45 minutes, and had to be checked again, bags scanned and passport checked (#4). What a waste of time and resources. It took nearly 2 hours to get through security. Perhaps the TSA should certify the airline personnel to do the customs stuff so you don't have to go through it twice.
And the bottle of water I threw away cost $7 in the Bahamas(because apparently water is a very scarce resource).
Also posting comments on your site does not work in Firefox.
February 1, 2008 10:04 PM
I think that when evaluating security controls it's important to evaluate the cumulative cost and effect of a control. Does the social and economic impact of a control justify its implementation? How many millions of dollars have been wasted in tossed liquids? In contrast, how many explosives have been found? The TSA is in a difficult position. If anything happens, they will be blamed for being too lax. If the process is too rigorous, then people complain ad nauseum. We can't be protected from everything. It's really up to the American people to decide how much security we're willing to put up with. While writing this, I have the same statistical chance of being killed by a falling meteorite as I do of being killed in a terrorist attack. I am simply not going to put energy into worrying about the terrorist threat. I'm more concerned that I have a more than several MILLION times greater chance of being killed in a car accident or dying in my bathtub. 100,000 people died of the flu in the U.S. last year. 0 died in a terrorist attack.
Life is risky folks, and indeed, it is a terminal condition. I would simply rather have my water and shampoo on a flight and take the infinitesimally small risk of being killed by a liquid explosive. Does that mean that we shouldn't have airport security? Absolutely not, it is vital to travel safety, but it should done more effectively and should focus on the real threats.
It's time that we as the American public stop allowing ourselves to be so afraid. It's time that our leaders start telling us the truth about how much risk we really face. Until that happens, we will endure many more inconvenient trips to the airport. It's not the TSA's fault, they're only doing what the American public demands.
February 1, 2008 10:05 PM
The worst screener I ever had was someone who pulled me aside for several minutes of questioning while I was moving part of a telescope from PHX. Sample questions included: Did I really believe the moon landing happened?, and, Rings? On Saturn?!
I've seen quite a few redundant guards and crackpots while traveling, but never a clearly advertised mechanism for filing a complaint when I have trouble with a TSA agent. Big shiny badge numbers and a "suggestion" box at the end of the checkpoint would have made fiascos like the Great French-Fry Patdown Adventure much easier to face.
Also, the screening process could be streamlined without sacrificing much- on an average trip, my boarding pass is checked three times just going through the checkpoint, with two MORE agents watching on the sides to ensure I don't sneak past the line. That's five employees to verify that I'm still the same person after walking 30 feet.
February 1, 2008 10:07 PM
it's always been obvious to me TSA is one big false sense of security, reminding me to the famous 'duck under the table' ads on tv in the 50s.
My little 1 inch stapler was once almost confiscated, until i convinced the TSA guy he could have my staples (but he didn't realize i had a box of them in the bag as well). The ink of my fountain pen was once confiscated, but i'd say my sharp fountain pen is a far more dangerous stabbing piece. What about a bottle of wine in first class. Knock off the head and you have another wonderful thing you're not supposed to have.
February 1, 2008 10:14 PM
Many of the problems of the TSA are created by the nature of the job and the type of people who are attracted to the job. If you expect that TSA is going to be gentle and caring towards elders then you're crazy. Most of the gentle people have gone off into a profession that matches them better such as nursing, teaching, or something like that.
The real long-term solution is decentralization of the travel system. Chances are very high that there is a General Aviation airport within a few short miles of where you live. Point-to-point travel is something that is on the verge of happening with Very Light Jets.
Before 9/11 I used to travel weekly, and traveling for business now is much more difficult.
The basic problem is that there is no such thing as perfect security and to even approach it is very expensive and tons of hassle. If automobile travel was held to the same levels of safety as air travel then all our cars would be home rusting.
As for the Patriot Act "overriding" the Fourth Amendment....Laws don't override Constitutional Amendments. Laws are either in Compliance with the Constitution or the laws are unconstitutional.
February 1, 2008 10:16 PM
Dear ConstitutionalistRon,
The way to avoid the scrutiny that the screening process presents, which IS legal, (since you give implicit consent its an administrative search ) is to avoid the activity which requires the security. By law, the airport property is not your personal home or property. If you wish to access the secured area that an airport has become, you must submit to security procedures. If not, you don't have to come on to the airport property. It is that simple.
-Rush, Massachusetts
ConstitutionalistRon said...
Do people employed by the TSA realize they are continually engaged in warrantless searches (and, not uncommonly, seizures)? The entire process is illegal, is it not? Is it made legal by the fact the federal government pays screeners to engage in the act? Here's the fourth amendment, for you consideration: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." Violation of this very explicit federal government restriction is a fundamental flaw in the TSA organization, not to mention the rude, incompetent behavior of screeners. I don't believe you have the integrity to reply to this comment, either, by the way.
January 31, 2008 4:12
February 1, 2008 10:19 PM
"TERRORISTS EVOLVE. THREATS EVOLVE. SECURITY MUST STAY AHEAD. YOU PLAY A PART." Where on earth did you get such a bad slogan? Have you been reading George Orwell's Guide to Slogans?
February 1, 2008 10:20 PM
To those bloggers that cite the Patriot Act allowing Administrative Searches. Go read that Act. I just did. No where are Administrative Searches even mentioned, let alone sanctioned. You have been grossly misinformed... in fact, here's a grin: the Act defines domestic terrorism as follows: "the term"domestic terrorism" means activities that-- ... (b) appear to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population..." LOL sounds to me that there just might be domestic terrorists within the TSA!!!!
February 1, 2008 10:22 PM
I'm not afraid of terrorists. I *am* afraid of the erosion of freedom and the direct costs (time, money, and frustration) I encounter every week when I have to fly. If I had a choice as to whether or not to get on an airplane, I would choose not to do so, but in my case it's a question of whether or not I wish to continue making a living to feed my family (my job requires travel).
I don't feel any safer for the "security theater" you inflict upon us. I'm sick of the pointless exercises that do nothing to make me safer. I'd rather risk being blown up by terrorists than have to endure the living hell I go through every time I go to an airport.
February 1, 2008 10:24 PM
I loathe going to the airport and dealing with TSA. Every once in a while, however, it ends up being fun... for someone anyways.
I went through security in Pittsburgh and forgot I had a water bottle in my bag. The nice TSA woman scolded me and then had to call her supervisor. It was late and the airport was empty. They sent me back through security and told me I could dump it out. I did.
I went back through security with no further problems. A moment later I hear a tough looking TSA agent announce "[MY NAME]! WHERE IS [MY NAME]?" I had forgotten my license.
At least some TSA agents are entertaing.
February 1, 2008 10:32 PM
I would like to respond to ConstitutionalistRon post. As I understand the legality of the screening, it is implied consent. When you enter the line to gain admittance to board your flight, you are giving permission to conduct the screening, and any searches needed to gain clearance. If you prefer not to be searched, you can always seek another mode to transportation. I for one have nothing to hide and would prefer to travel with those that are screened.
February 1, 2008 10:34 PM
The complaints about TSA policies are really boring. If you don't like invasive searches (I don't), then don't fly (I don't). After all, there's nothing on the other end worth your time. Stay home and do some extra work. You'll earn some money, feel better and avoid wasting time on having fun.
February 1, 2008 10:46 PM
I don't expect this blog to last long, so I'm going to say my peace while I still can.
You guys do a good job. Yes, that's what I said. I know that people will believe I am an insider plant. I've been flying for business purposes for years, and remember the years of pre- TSA security screeners. You guys do a very difficult job, and you do it very well, very professionally, and very courteously.
I don't agree with the policies. I don't like being made to feel like I am a non-citizen just because I want to ride in a plane. But those policies are not set by the TSA. They come from much higher up, and I understand that. When it comes to the guys and gals on the ground, working with passengers every day, professionalism and respect are the order of the day. However this episode will go down in our nation's history - this ridiculous paroxysm of fear about nail clippers, lighters, and shoes - it will be remembered that the people in the front lines performed very, very well.
You deserve our thanks.
February 1, 2008 10:46 PM
Why do 1st class passengers get a special line? My tax $$$ help to fund the program and its just not fare.
February 1, 2008 10:49 PM
I find it grossly annoying that the Swiss army knife I carried for decades on planes and elsewhere (and which has saved me innumerable trips to look for tools) has to be checked. Why can't some provision be made so small items you don't want in cabins can't be checked at the gate or somewhere similar so they fly inside perhaps a locked box in the plane, and you get them when you get back, without the risk of theft and loss (and the delay) of regular bags? I have always tried to carry on a very small bag whenever possible, to avoid thefts or loss, and that affords nowhere to put whatever the security actors think is the day's forbidden item. (Aside from that the policies on liquids, taking shoes off, and so on and so forth seem pretty far fetched. A baby bottle baby drinks from gets blocked? Or a bottle of water that, God forbid, someone is drinking from? Fire the surly and ignorant inspectors and replace with intelligent people, and pay them enough to get good folks to work there. And dammit let people have their normal stuff go on the flights with them without all the confiscation, inconvenience, and feeding thieves.
February 1, 2008 10:50 PM
Why does the TSA violate my 4th amendment rights in order to allow me to board a plane?
The intent to board an airplane does not constitute reasonable suspicision. The Supreme Court held in Speiser v. Randall, 357 U.S. 513 (1958), that the government may not condition government benefits on an agreement to give up constitutional rights. If I am required to submit to a search by government in order to board a plane in order to fly, how is this not a direct violation of this Supreme Court precedent? United States v. Lopez (1971) states the government "condition the exercise of the defendant constitutional right to travel on the voluntary relinquishment of his Fourth Amendment rights". TSA searches are unconstitutional and I for one am tired of being treated as a criminal just because I want to go on vacation.
February 1, 2008 11:01 PM
Only one thing concerns me... inappropriate touching by TS staff.
February 1, 2008 11:08 PM
Much of what the TSA does seems so much like "elephant repellent". "Look how successful we are. There are no elephants around here".
Why should we trust the TSA? You tell us you have intelligence that what you are doing is necessary. We heard that in the run-up to Iraq. Much of what we were told has been discredited.
Since 9/11, two changes have occurred that will probably do the most to prevent future hijack attempts. First, we locked the cockpits. Second, the flying public realized that being passive during a hijacking was not a good idea. If it is necessary, passengers will fight back in the future. It is not something that we want, but, it it another layer of deterrence that was not there on 9/11.
Both of these items are much more meaningful than taking nail clippers away from 80 year old ladies.
Use meaningful measures, eliminate the meaningless measures. Then you will have the respect and ungrudging cooperation of more people.
Curmudgeon
February 1, 2008 11:18 PM
Okay, so I have had my carry-on baggage searched by hand several times. which I am fine with. The thing that grosses me out is that the TSA agent wears latex gloves and does NOT change the gloves between searches. If I am at the start of my trip and the last person is at the end of their trip then TSA will potentially be contaminating my clean underwear with dirty gloves that have been touching someone else's dirty underwear! Come on guys, this is just gross. It also doesn't seem to be good practice in terms of stopping the cross-contamination of bad stuff like radioactive material or anthrax that you are searching for during this type of screening.
February 1, 2008 11:18 PM
After having my two year old daughter taken out of my arms during walking through a TSA checkpoint (and, no, we did not set the alarm off), I have decided to NEVER fly again. I would rather take the 12 hours to drive to visit family than deal with the awful treatment we had in the Dulles Airport. I have seen better manners and training at McDonalds!
February 1, 2008 11:29 PM
Oh, another comment. The TSA says wear loose-fitting shoes to make your travels easier.
Hello, I am flying on an airplane! If there is an accident, I do not want to be walking out of a burning plane in flip flops! I know it is a very rare occurrence, but it would seem to me one would want to be prepared in the event that something does happen. I personally think this is more important than how long it delays the security line. If you want to keep the line moving smoothly, drop the stupid rules and go back to looking for things that actually matter.
February 1, 2008 11:30 PM
Being searched while entering airport work area. We get the pat down ...yet they fail to have any of us empty out our cargo pockets I always have pens, objects that could feel like it needs to be looked at further...but NO! So why waste my time feeling me all over if you leave the job half done!!!??? How do you know what I have if you don't look?
February 1, 2008 11:36 PM
TSA stole a bottle of wine and half used non fluoride toothpaste (Kind you can't find in your corner drug store).
Now they could have easily sealed or locked by suitcase which could only be opened by TSA person on my destination. Instead TSA is seizing property when alternatives are there and without compensation.
Legalized theft has to stop.
February 1, 2008 11:53 PM
Conservativerealist posted about the success rate of the private company located at SFO. Are you quoting their success rates for before, or after they were caught cheating? You can google the report. Just look up "Covenant SFO cheating" you should find a whistle blowers testimony about how they're able to score 80% higher than their Federal counterparts by following the testers with cameras throughout the airport.
I'm certain the TSA would score just as high or higher if they knew when and where they were being tested.
February 2, 2008 12:13 AM
I'll repeat, that once the cockpits received armored doors, almost all of the TSA shenanigans became moot. Why do we still put up with it? The air marshals are armed, the flight attendants should be armed. Maybe one or two of each crew. So why not just let the public board the planes and possibly carry to? With most of the states having shall-issue CCW and very little problems, why bother screening for guns? Let us all be our own air marshal.
February 2, 2008 12:22 AM
I do have a complaint about TSA luggage searches that happened when I was flying from Las Vegas to the Akron/Canton airport in Ohio (CAK).
I had a two bags I checked, a suitcase and a backpack. With the backpack the airline check-in agent was afraid that it's zippers might get caught on the various conveyor belts. Thus they put the backpack into an easily openable and re-closeable plastic bag, which they keep stocked behind the counters. They then affixed all baggage identification labels to that bag.
The bag did not get put with the regular luggage. Instead, the airline personnel had to do an hour long search for the backpack. According to airline personnel, when it was screened by the TSA as part of checked luggage screening, they removed it from the bag, but after they screened it, they never returned it to the bag, nor even restored the luggage tags thus the difficulty the airline had in finding the bag and returning it to me.
I take no issue with the TSA opening a checked bag for screening, but I DO take issue with not returning the bag into a "safe for transit" condition, and removing all identification labels, and not returning them after screening!
February 2, 2008 12:38 AM
Going through the Denver airport 2 years ago, there was a large, loud TSA male employee who was very vocal about what people should be doing. He clearly embraced a military personna for dealing with flyers. As people passed through security he repeatedly said "I HIGHLY recommend you take off your shoes!". I was flying weekly at the time, and my running shoes had never set off the security gate (I did have to be careful to remove one particular belt I wore often). So I continued through, wearing my shoes. He came up to me, looked me in the face, and said even louder, "I HIGHLY recommend you take off your shoes!". I told him my shoes didn't set off the security alarm, and he didn't flinch. So I asked him - are you recommending that I take off my shoes or are you telling me I have to? He stuck his face about 12" from mine and yelled, "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!!". Of course, I took off my shoes.
February 2, 2008 12:41 AM
I think folks at the TSA have a difficult and thankless job. I treat all of these folks with courtesy and respect. The biggest issue I have with the TSA is that is the inherent lack of accountability with the existing system. For the most part, there is no supervision, no oversight and no one you can go to when you fall through the cracks of the system. Right now the TSA has more authority than most police organizations while at the same time the people working for them have only a fraction of the training and education that most police officers do.
February 2, 2008 12:49 AM
biggest gripe: I was flying home out of Logan Airport in Boston, and i was required to remove my Xbox360, nintendo wii, and laptop from my carry on. there is no rule about the consoles, and i have NEVER been hassled about them before. it put me in a very uncomfortable situation. I had just shown everyone with line of sight that i had well over 2000 bucks worth of electronics in my bag. Here is the kicker, i had several batteries, resistors, wires, led's (ir which can blind security cameras), and battery holders in my backpack which got xrayed and no one said a word, i sat at a starbucks and worked on these things, and no one said a word. if your gonna hassle me over a game console and laptop, at least catch the things that are actually dangerous, if you want the time and date of the flight, feel free to ask.
February 2, 2008 1:12 AM
I travel with some frequency, and the worst problems I've had with TSA fall into the single category as follows:
"When you give a little man, a little power, you get a big problem."
I'm not being gender specific here, its a quote. TSA people are overall polite if bored and annoyed - but sometimes you run into someone with attitude. I do NOT backtalk security people, and I do not make jokes, stupid comments, or other pissy little statements as I go through the line. Why not? Frankly, because I don't need the hassle. I have been threatened with "being detained just long enough to miss my flight" by TSA staff (in this case, a very pregnant, very angry, otherwise tiny little black woman at Manchester, NH). I've run into unparalleled stupidity and as always, just meekly move through th e useless line.
What annoys me most? The futility. I'm a firefighter, and have hazmat operations level certification as well as a fairly good background in science and chemistry. As such, I'm aware without thinking much how easy it would be to walk through that line with materials which would set off no detectors (indeed which have no volatiles) yet be easy to use in a way which would cause very serious problems. One comes to mind which would be of significant concern in fact, yet even if I placed on the carrier in full view and sent through the x-ray machine would raise no eyebrows. I'm not about to go telling random people more than that because I don't want anyone doing it, but the point is if I can think of it surely someone trying to come up with something could also get there.
Every flight has people carrying batteries with massive energy densities on board. We fly facing forward (if we were serious about safely handling bad landings, we'd be facing backward).
Security has to happen BEFORE people get to the airport. Once they're in that line at security, its too late -- unless the next step is to strip everyone down, make them shower on camera and step into clothing provided for the flight, then board with no carry on bags.
In the meantime, thanks to the ultimately futile TSA standards and practices, my "drive vs. fly" decision point has shifted from the 4 hour point to the 10 hour point. Anything less than 10 hours drive isn't worth a flight any more. How sad is that?
February 2, 2008 1:26 AM
Your (TSA) policies for visitors to your country, are the main reason I do not visit or travel through the US anymore.
I now book flights specifically to avoid stopping in any US-controlled airport. I will not take a vacation in your country either.
It's a sad state of affairs when you don't even trust your own citizens! It's also amazing that you feel you need to treat visitors in such an unconscionable manner, while also spending millions in advertising dollars to convince them to visit and holiday there.
It's just sad.
February 2, 2008 2:00 AM
My biggest gripe is with the shoe removal policy; it is very degrading, unsanitary, and provably worthless as a security measure. The restrictions on liquids and pocketknives are similarly pointless but are just very annoying as opposed to degrading. The evidence that the TSA has given to show that these measures prevent terrorist attacks are not even slighly convincing.
I recently flew from Beijing to the US, and the Chinese security screeners were deferential and polite, explaining calmly that liquids must be placed in a 1-quart bag, etc. I was not required to remove my shoes, and I passed through the checkpoint feeling calm and at ease.
Compare that to the US experience: TSA screeners being terse or rude (never polite), feeling rushed, dehumanized and out of control as you fumble with your shoes, clothing, and bags, and then trying to collect everything and get dressed again once you pass through the checkpoint.
February 2, 2008 2:01 AM
I have little confidence in what happens with checked luggage.
- On one domestic flight my good Fluke multi-meter and a few lower value items were stolen from my checked toolbox I need for work.
- A coworker also had checked tools stolen on another domestic flight.
- Another time a coworker saw his toolbox spill open as it slid down the conveyor at baggage claim because the TSA had not properly closed it after inspection. He was thankful this happened at baggage claim where he could deal with it and not when it was loaded onto the plane.
- I also have had liquids in my checked luggage create a mess after the TSA failed to put the covers back on tightly.
Sometimes I will ship my tools ahead of time via UPS or FedEx ground. However, for short notice trips it’s obviously not practical or economical to pay next day air to ship tools. I wish we had the option of witnessing our checked luggage being inspected by the TSA. When they were finished I would put my own lock back on. I would be willing to arrive at the airport even earlier for the added time needed for this. At least I could have some piece of mind and not have to do a full inventory of my checked luggage at the final destination.
Remember the "good old days" when all you had to worry about was checked luggage showing up late?
February 2, 2008 2:42 AM
after being threatened with arrest for being unable to read pictogram, i now turn on my little voice recorder and stuff it in my bag and record everything the TSA droids do and say around me. from listening to the tapes, it's obvious that they don't have the brains or manners god gave a salted slug.
the only thing these guys protect me from is a good day and some courtesy.
February 2, 2008 3:12 AM
Recently on a flight from Denver to Utah I had my first TSA experience with my 3 month old son. I had to declare and take out my breast milk (which had to be in its own bin), his baby bag, my shoes, my coat, my laptop, my laptop bag, take apart the carrier and the stroller (fold down the stroller), and put the stroller and seat through the x ray machine. Now the fun part was trying to do all this while showing my ID, ticket, and holding the baby. The TSA agent watched me fumble around with this for a few minutes before allowing my husband to take the baby. Of course I'd held up the security line quite a bit by then.
I'm not arguing either way about the policy. But I am concerned that there isn't a separate line for families with young children and the disabled. We have a lot more stuff to put through the machine and a lot more stuff that has to be searched, declared etc. It would be easier for the families as well as for the regular travelers if we had a separate line set up to make it a feasible and stress free trip through security for us too.
February 2, 2008 3:16 AM
If we complain here, why do I think the powers that be at TSA will take the Patriot Act, use it to obtain IP records and names and just put anyone who posts on the watch list?
February 2, 2008 3:46 AM
We sure should be proud...
We delay travelers everywhere .. on things that "terrorists" already know.
Why in hell would one try a shoe bomb now? They would be far better served putting liquid/gel explosives inside the handles of a telescoping bag. Or in the lining of a coat. Or in a jock strap.
Yes, the whole shoe thing is done in some stupid attempt to regulate the evils from the norm.
But at the end of the day.. If I wanted to do some damage.. I would have my illegal allien self work my way up at Mc Donalds and do it from there.
There is NOTHING.. NOTHING.. in current inspects that makes anything safer. At all.
I did a little bit less than half a million miles last year.. and most of the time as I stood in lines that prevent nothing, all I could think of was ways that it would be so easy to get by it.
But grats!
The public is paranoid, and may feel better by your actions. But in the end.. they are NOT safer and your actions are pointless.
February 2, 2008 3:56 AM
You asked for recommendations on how to improve the security around airports?
1 - Look for weapons, not water bottles.
2 - Great travelers with your name... "Hi, I'm John. We will be done here shortly. " By giving your name you have implied that you have nothing to hide and actually intend to do a good job (not the "no you cant have a complaint form, no you can't have our name, DO YOU WANT to miss your plane- we can make that happen")
3 - Understand and articulate the rules- I'm freaked about the lithium rule right now. I've emailed vendors for specs sheets on camera batteries - Will you even believe it when I get them? Your web site is incredibly confusing on the subject of batteries. If you can't explain it on paper, how on earth are you gonna do it on a powerpoint presentation. You can't train people to do something if YOU don't understand it.
4 - Only TRAIN and enforce rules that are published. POST THE ENTIRE RULE ON THE WALLS. If you cannot show me on your web page that this is what you want, you need to update the web page. Or let me through. I print out the updated guidelines and go thru my bag every time I fly. But we, the folks subjected to local arbitrary changes, know that means nothing. Even having your up to date web page in hand doesn't even help. If what the agent says if different that what is on the form, who is right? I really don't wanna be tased over it. The flying public know it is a toss grandma's special homemade jam or go straight to jail.
5 - If some thing was bought at the DUTY FREE - For heaven's sake - let people keep it. You are supposed to have screened the stuff being sold, so what is the problem? Did you do your job?
6 - Post the complaint for on the web page so I have one with me. If we have to ask for one, things have already gone to far.
7 - If staff doesn't want to state their names directly, the photos with names should be placed past the security area.
I got a problem with your staff, you need to know it. It is the only way it can be fixed.
8 - Complaints should be submitted to a central (THIRD PARTY) clearing house & made public, names redacted, for each airport. You and I both want to see complaints trending down.
9 - Earn our trust. Cos you don't have it now.
10- Have a Ups, FedEx or USPS satalight office just inside the secure area. If you don't want us to fly with some for some "stupid" new reason, at least let us ship it home. The letterman we got for retirement or that special jam will be just fine in the mail. Hand the item to them yourself, or let them have a staff member nearby to grab it. Make us pay some ridiculously inflated packing fee, but forcing people to toss something precious to us over a simple mistake or some OOPS new rule (or let you keep for the lunch room, and nobody believes your denials) only causes us to hate you more.
Oh, and as you haven't yet earned our trust, I am one of the anonymous horde.
But I sincerely hope you do manage to earn our trust.
February 2, 2008 4:25 AM
My experience with TSA has for the most part been pleasant (apart from the looong lines) but that's probably because I don't travel with much stuff.
It seems to me that a huge component of the stress of going through security could be alleviated by simply having a couple of TSA agents at the head of the line help you put your belongings in the grey bins. Rather than have to hunt for the bins (which are often in short supply) and attempt to pull them apart while carrying all of your belongings (they're often horribly stuck together in the stack) why not just have a TSA person there who helps you get the bins and you can hand them your laptop which they'll place in the bin while you take your shoes off?
It's kind of like the baggers in the supermarket. If we can have somebody at the end of each line who takes all your groceries and puts them in bags, would it be so hard to have a couple of people at the head of each line who help you put your stuff in the bins while you're juggling everything? To top it off, there could be somebody standing at the mouth of the metal detector who simply makes sure that each item goes through, rather than having the TSA people yell at you to push your stuff through like I see in other people's comments.
February 2, 2008 4:46 AM
Hi. I'm annoyed that I have to give my fingerprint to enter your country.
I'm a British Citizen. The British government has never asked for my fingerprint. No organisation in the UK has my fingerprint. Why should the TSA have my fingerprint?
I don't know what its like the in the USA, but in the UK, we fingerprint criminals. I'm not a criminal. The other millions of people who enter the USA every year are not criminals. If they were, they wouldn't have been allowed in. Stop treating me like one.
And long lines for passport checking.. what are there, the entire contents of a plane standing there? Several hundred people? Isn't that as good a bombing target as a plane? Why are we presenting the real terrorists with such a juicy target? Its insanity.
February 2, 2008 5:13 AM
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