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Labels: Gripes and Grins
posted by Glen at
8:05 AM
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87 Comments:
Nightmare ... in both directions! as well as a failure to locate knives in camera case that I wasn't aware of until I got to my destination.
Part of the issues w/ the LAX airport are not related to the TSA but the design of the airport in general. Hopefully, I can be clear about items that are TSA related.
I flew from ORD to LAX to BNE and back. On my outbound trip from ORD and LAX -- neither screening process found the 2 kitchen steakknives in my camera case (I did not know they were they, it's my son's camera). Imagine my shock when I opened the camera case in Australia and found the 2 knives in the case under the camera.
On both legs of my trip, I saw several issues w/ TSA in LAX. One of the most visible is the space between when your carry-on items go thru x-ray and where you walk thru the metal detector. I frequently travel with a laptop and a purse. My rule is to always be on the same side of security as my belongings. On the outbound, TSA was running my belongings thru before I could make it thru the metal detector. On the return, TSA was rushing me thru the metal detector while my stuff was still behind in x-ray.
I have never seen TSA run after anyone that has forgotten anything nor taken something that was not their own. I believe TSA should respect the request to be on the same side of security as their belongings.
March 21, 2008 9:41 PM
I was searched, TWICE, in 2 days. Talking about going to the side, taking jacket off, being scanned, had my belongings searched for explosives and other bad things. My toothpaste, and AXE deodorant was taken because it was "too big." This is ridcious. Toothpaste? Are you serious?
What can I do with toothpaste? Squirt it in the pilots eyes?
Axe? Are you serious? deodorant is not considered a dangerous item?
I was screened twice, by the same person(s) for two reasons. The first time was a "random" check. Second time, they said I was flagged by the airline.
March 22, 2008 1:09 PM
Security check points need to be moved into the long empty hallways towards the gates. I had to wait in line in a open walkway (over the road) for 40 minutes and it was very cold and windy! People should not have to wait in an area that is exposed to the weather and fumes from cars and busses!
March 23, 2008 12:54 AM
@no regrets...
You clearly have no idea why liquids are a threat. Your items were confiscated for a reason. Maybe you should check out the liquids posting on this site and such and do some research. Do you seriously think TSA is going to take things for no reason?
March 23, 2008 9:33 AM
You would think LAX being a major airport would be more secure but it isn't. I have tested the airport with large liquids and with prohibited items, and my bag as a carrion has always gone through. No one has stoped to check it. If DHS hires all these TSO's why aren't they trained to do the job by the SOP??
March 23, 2008 3:37 PM
Do you seriously think TSA is going to take things for no reason?
Uh, yes since the ban on liquids their job has become easier.
March 23, 2008 6:15 PM
If liquids over 3.4oz are prohibited due to the possible liquid explosives plot, why does TSA have large open containers right behind them where they just throw all the confiscated possible liquid explosives? Wouldn't that just put them in danger of being blown up???
March 24, 2008 1:46 PM
To whom it may concern,
I traveled to Asia last Christmas. After the TSA screening my suit case is missing for 2 days. After founding it. Most of the items are missing. Yet, the tricky thing about this whole thing is. I have a TSA certified lock and it is still there. Yet the stuff inside is missing. I'm not sure if I can trust TSA to provide us security when the very basic theif problem isn't solved. Someone should look into this situation and hope this won't ever happen again.
March 24, 2008 8:02 PM
We were making a connection in LAX to DFW from NRT (Japan) March 23rd, and the entire experience in LAX was by far the worst I have ever had. Horrible long TSA lines snaking down into the airline check-in booths, and poor overall leadership abound. Nobody seemed to know how to handle or care about the situation, and the treatment of customers was laughable. Arriving nearly 2 and a half hours early we nearly missed boarding call while agents fumbled with the line. (We only spent 45 minutes getting through customs) With an equal amount of customers and staff, the NRT security was quicker, more thorough, and much more pleasant. I recommend sending over a few TSA and airport mangers to NRT to see how things are done.
March 25, 2008 3:24 PM
I think the TSA crew at LAX do a good job. I have flow out of their with my gaming PC rig a few times and the guys have taken good care during screeing while I observed, even reattaching the strap that held my acessories case shut. I wish the same could be said about the San Antonio TSA, they are on some kind of power trip.
March 25, 2008 9:54 PM
Up until 18 months ago, i've had nothing but good and decent experiences at LAX with TSA as a whole. Nothing went missing, security lines were a breeze, everything was fine. Until my arrival leaving LAX to Vancouver, i arrived and was missing a pocket knife, and some minor bath stuff as someone (TSA likely) left my entire front zipper pocket open on my backpack which everything fell out of. No big deal, 50 bux at most in goods gone.
The next flight out of LA to Tokyo Japan, i took the same backpack, secured the zipper with zipties so it couldn't unzip on it's own in case it was caught on something. This time though my lighter, cigars, cigar cutter, and new pocket knife went missing. These items are all things that aren't allowed to be brought on board (unless they're snuck on, which i learned about later). These totalled about $200-250 dollars, i filed a complaint and got a check from American Airlines for $200, after 4 months of emails back and forth.
My most recent flight to Salt Lake City left me without a camera, as someone rummaged through my duffel bag (checked) and stole the camera out of the middle of 3 shirts (was wrapped around camera). I'm still in the process of trying to see reimbursement, but considering that every airline states that it doesn't cover photographic equipment and associated pieces, it's not looking good. But theft is theft, whether they stole a knife, gun, camera, it's all personal property that is stolen and should be reimbursed.
The fact that every airline has disclaimers against what they dont cover, goes to show what they have to account for being stolen, which is pretty much everything under the sun besides articles of clothing. If you look at the list, it covers nearly all electronics, money, keys, and other small items that can be hidden.
LAX is beginning to sound more and more like Philadelphia airport in the amount of thefts that occur.
March 25, 2008 10:09 PM
I am amazed at the attitude of the TSA screeners. They have decided that travel sized tube of tooth paste that clearly is labeled as in compliance with the limit was not really the size it stated on the tube. Who made them the experts. This only one example of the arrogance they seem to be developing.
I have come to the point that as soon as I get to the security line I develop an attitude just know I am going to have to deal with them.
You really need to work with your people on dealing with the traveling public and apply the rules evenly and fairly.
March 27, 2008 6:30 PM
This is what drives me nuts. What's the point of me riding my screeners to remain polite, taking them aside once a week to clear up questions on our SOP, and making sure they're paying attention when every third sup call I get is "they let it through...".
I do my best to make sure my officers know there job and do my best to instil in them the pride and the sense of duty that should come with being an officer of the United States Federal Service.
But all that is swept aside everytime they here a passenger telling them they got it through another airport. LAX is notorius inside.
I get to watch the morale of my new officers go to nothing in a few months because the ones that do care see that:
1.) No one else does
and 2.) Even if they do care they don't get recognized for it.
I try to tell them that we are like the police in the sense that we serve the public, we must uphold the public trust, and that at the end of the day we're here to protect them. And then they read this blog or hear it from a passenger, or work overtime and see another shift operate and know that no one else except for a small few feel this way, but no one cares.
For all the good I do, and the good my officers do, the passengers we do serve, who maybe, just maybe after dealing with officers under my command have a renewed faith in TSA or at the very least the checkpoint officers, is undone when they fly though other airports like LAX.
I've indented the wall with my forehead, and I don't know what else to do.
March 28, 2008 12:02 AM
TSA needs to be sued. This is an organization that is employed by hoodlums or just anybody that signs an application for the job. Workers are so unprofessional. Its like dealing with high schoolers all over again excepts these are grown adults. Thank god I don't need to travel a lot. This is just a false sense of security to allow such searches and protocols to be effective. There is no mission statements for the TSA. I don't acknowledge such a organization that don't even know how to do their "job." This whole blog deal I believe is a false sense of consideration. Unless I see some sort of re-staffing and better service within this division, I will trash this division anywhere I can utilize my freedom of speech. This is ridiculous. I blame whoever is in charge of TSA for this. To the "blog author" if I don't see this posted... I will acknowledge that there is bias and pass this onto tv network connections that I know.
March 28, 2008 12:12 AM
Does the TSA at LAX go out of its way to hire individuals that can only speal ebonics? I just love seeing individuals that work for the Federal Government wearing corn rows, saggy pants, or even have studs in their ears.
Does the TSA have some type of dress code? On one occassion I even saw and individual wearing a Lakers key chain around his neck. I did not realize that the TSA was endorsed by the LA Lakers.
March 28, 2008 12:29 AM
TSA and attitude never..I had one TSA screener threat me with not allowing to board my plane because I looked at him wrong. The LAX TSA is one of the worst in the nation. I travel all the time. Do the screeners that check the ids get paid by how few ids they can check a hour? I have never seen a person move so slow.
The worst thing is there no accountability with regards to the TSA. They operate without the threat of losing their jobs. They can be as rude as they want to the general public and not be in fear of losing their jobs.
March 28, 2008 12:33 AM
We should have something in place similiar to EL Al Airlines.
Whining Americans need to get over being humilated and inconvenienced. TSA needs to take there time and check thoroughly through all bags and people.
Traveling through London, I was patted down (privates and all) in front of everyone. Did I complain, NO, ITS FREAKIN SECURITY PEOPLE.
IF YOU GOT TO THE AIRPORT EARLIER, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET THROUGH SECURITY, YOU WOULD BE THROUGH IN A FEW MINUTES.
The only people who complain are the "these rules dont apply to me" idiots.
March 28, 2008 2:35 PM
How is it that TSA feels that piercings are a danger to the flying public? It is an absolute violation of our rights to be pat searched and humiliated in full view of the other passengers.
TSA spends more time dealing with obvious non-threats than dealing with actual threats.
March 29, 2008 4:58 PM
I'd like to know why TSA stole my Thumb-Drive! What dangers do your people think a Thumb Drive holds?
There was important data on that drive, and I am now out the $60.00 That it cost me to purchase it!
I can almost understand your stealing my fold-up luggage cart, but I cannot accept the theft of my Thumb Drive!
This happened at LAX.
March 30, 2008 5:18 AM
I have flown less than a dozen times since 9-11, mostly from LAX to SFO to Arcata, CA and back. One trip from LAX to Denver to Cheyenne was the worst time I ever had with TSA in LAX. My one trip from LAX to NWR and back went OK, but was probably due to having my wheelchair-bound Father with me.
During that time, I have been “randomly” searched at SFO three times (out of maybe six trips) and this was while I was changing flights and had not even left the passenger-only area. No one could/would explain how I could be “randomly” selected roughly 50% of the time.
On the trip from LAX to Cheyenne, my friend and I arrived at LAX nearly three hours early at the Frontier terminal, and were sent from the ticket counter to a long line at the one point of egress open. There were more than three hundred people in a long, winding line with only a few checkpoints.
I had packed any disallowed items in my checked luggage and had a single briefcase with my pocket items in a zip lock bag that went through the scanner. I had forgotten to remove my glasses from my shirt pocket, as they are so second nature to me I do not notice them.
As I went through the detector, an indicator light went off out of my line-of-sight and suddenly I was herded (literally) like an animal as TSA came swarming from all sides and surrounded me without any response to my requests as to what was happening. No one would say a word or look me in the eye. They acted just as the newsreels of WWII depicted the Germans acting when herding people to the camps from the trains.
When I expressed my displeasure at not being acknowledged or of not being treated as a human being, one of the TSA squad leaders came over and told me to stop berating his team, as they were only doing their job. He looked about 19 to me and appeared younger than anyone on his team. I told him that I would respect him and his team, when they respected me as a person. He basically ignored me as they continued to herd me into a cubicle, where they found absolutely nothing, as I knew would be the case.
There was no effort to be civil or apologize or act towards a passenger with respect. There was simply utter disdain for me and any rights I might have. I nearly missed my plane despite my early arrival, just because they wanted to act like little pr**ks under the cover of authority.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and TSA are fundamentally using their authority to deny basic civil liberties in their actions and methods. There is no regard for, or respect of, the passenger whose taxes, and ticket fees, pay their wages. The LAX TSA is one of the worst in the nation there is no accountability with regards to them. They operate without the threat of losing their jobs. They can be as rude as they wish (and usually are) to the general public and have no fear of losing their jobs.
I am completely aware of the need for increased security, but it should not be at the denial of basic civil liberties and courtesy, especially by a group of civil servants acting no better than common thugs.
March 30, 2008 5:27 AM
I had heard horror stories from friends and family who had lost expensive items like cameras, ipods, jewelry, etc. to TSA employees with sticky fingers. But on a recent trip through LAX I experienced a new low. I was traveling to San Francisco and had $10 in quarters (to ride public transportation), and a pack of Dunhill cigarettes stolen from my checked bag. How can we take TSA seriously when they employ a bunch of petty thieves?! They claim to have a very rigorous screening process for prospective employees, but I bet it's nothing compared to the rigors they put us through to find our contriband bottles of shampoo and nail clippers. While we're on that subject, I had a TSA employee ask to frisk my calves to see if I had anything stashed there. That would be fine, however, I was wearing shorts and sandals at the time. Did he think I was smuggling something in a prosthetic leg, or under a ptach of fake skin like in Mission Impossible? I think he just got off on the power trip or feeling womens legs. Needless to say it was creepy, but if you don't want to be shuttled to the "little room" and miss your flight, you better comply. I think TSA is a joke and they do nothing to improve the safety of air travel.
March 30, 2008 5:56 AM
Friday March 21st 5AM at LAX. Approached security in the AA terminal on my way to DFW. Advised them of my pacemaker. Was sent to 4 different lines before being patted down. TSA agent forgot to "red stamp" my boarding pass. Got to the gate for the bus to the satellite terminal and was told to wait for a TSA agent who came and patted me down again and searched my carry-on bag. He intitialed my boarding pass and left. Again,the AA gate agent wouldn't board me on the bus because I had no "Red Stamp". Finally a TSA supervisor was called and stamped my boarding pass. It took me 55 minutes to clear security. I am a 71 year old man in poor health and will not be flying anymore because of this experience. Too stressful.
March 30, 2008 10:36 AM
I don't have time to read ALL the blogs, however, I did see one that told of having liquids pass thru undetected. I travel thru LAX quite often. A couple weeks ago, in my haste, I forgot to take my laptop out of it's carryon and into a separate tray. When I got to the other side, I told the screener of that; he just looked at me and continued his conversation with another TSA employee. As I was leaving the TSA area, I saw a gentleman sitting in a raised booth and advised him of this and he assured me he would look into. I feel TSA needs a procedure for EASILY reporting problems such as this so that they can either re-train or replace people who aren't doing their job. It takes two to tango!
March 30, 2008 12:52 PM
Bring it on. Whatever you (TSA) needs to do in order to keep us safe. I don't have anything to hide.
March 30, 2008 12:53 PM
Kippie, any comments?
March 30, 2008 1:04 PM
I fly in/out of LAX Terminal 1 once or twice a month (20+ times in past 12 months), and in the past two months have flown out of Terminal 5 twice and Terminal 4 once. I usually do not check luggage. I've not had any problems. On Sundays the T1 line can get too long (goes outside, almost to Terminal 2). Suggest open the extra room earlier. Once line gets long it is tough to catch up, so suggestion is to be more proactive. Also, when checking luggage, it seems curbside capacity is not adequate, and inside checkin requires double-handling (checkin with airline to get tags, then have to schlep luggage over to baggage scanner area--that's preposterous, suggest change systme to not require passenger to handle luggage after checkin. Otherwise, in light of Terminal 1's massive (Southwest Airlines) volume, I can't believe how quickly I usually get through, so, ...Good Job! Terminals 4 and 5 have been eerily emptyish, so no issues there.
March 30, 2008 2:04 PM
Face it... TSA is doing the best they can with the funding, tools and training they have. All of us are in such a hurry placing unnecessary stress on the TSA agents. I travel quite often, bi-weekly or weekly depending on the quarter. Most often traveling for business. Are things missed? Sure they are! Are things stolen? Sure! What you all fail to realize is that TSA agents are humans just like you and I. Some of them are there just for a paycheck and some are there to truly ensure the safety and security of today’s travelers. The agents who catch the over sized fluid containers and objects are the ones who truly care. The ones who let things slide through are the ones who are there for a paycheck. From the top TSA does its best as well all do to hire the most honest and truthful associates they can. Unfortunately some people have mastered the hiring process. This is why you see theft being an issue with TSA. As for items being missed, human error! Could you clearly identify all items in a bag through X-ray viewing only? They have a hard job dealing with difficult situations and people daily. I have had few items slip through; a few items come up missing and a few items taken. Upset… NO! I understand the travel policy. Preparing in advance I don’t pack items that are of great importance, items I have to “Sneak” because I know they are not allowed and other items that are questionable. If so I check them! Pack accordingly and be ready to strip down going through security. If you do this in advance you make the jobs of TSA agents easier and make the security lines go much faster for other travelers. Take extra time for the “What if”. You never know! TSA could use better people there is no doubt about it but dang… give them a break and maybe they will improve. Then again maybe if our fine president would take some funding and put it into TSA rather than other unnecessary programs we would have a better program. LAX agents are doing the same job as the agents of PDX, SFO, DFW, ORD, SUX, OMA, DEN, MSP and so many others. It’s an issue we face all over, not just one area! If you had an item slip through were you honest in finding a TSA Lead to let them know? Most likely you did not. If they don’t know who is slipping up how can they hold them accountable and improve? If you get your bag back and notice something missing do you again let a TSA Lead know? Most likely not and if you did not how can they hold that person accountable and improve? Take the extra moment to check your bag at the airport when you receive it back from TSA. Take note of the employee ID. All you want to do is point the finger at TSA but you fail to help them improve by just sitting back and criticizing. Help them help us and quit pointing fingers. Thank you TSA for attempting to make the travels of my family and myself safe. I appreciate your efforts!
March 30, 2008 2:26 PM
I’m a business traveler who flies to new and different locations constantly. With a great consistency, LAX has the rudest TSA employees in all the many locations I have traveled to. The way they talk to me (often yelling instead of speaking) in a belittling tone that makes me feel like a second grader being punished disgusts me. They are the absolute, bottom of the barrel.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually not anti TSA, and believe in the program as a whole. I just think these folks need some training from TSA employees who do it “right” such as Phoenix Sky Harbor, or Hawaii who (in my experience) do a good job at keeping things moving while still treating us with common respect.
March 30, 2008 4:49 PM
After my recent trip to China from March 12 thru March 20, 2008, I find it amazing that the Chinese version of the TSA doesn't xray shoes of its international passengers, including those whose destination is LAX. After de-boarding, all passengers wait in line for at least an hour to go thru customs. What a joke. If there was a bomb threat, liquid threat etc. it's already in your customs terminal.
And, yes, I know the 3 oz liquid rule has been in place for a couple of years. What difference does it really make if the liquid is in less than a 3 oz container. 3 oz of this mixed with 3 ox of that and 3 oz of a third item could still, a fourth, etc. could still possibly make a "bomb". Can face cleaners, toothpaste, shampoo, & drinking water really pose that great of a threat? I think not in any oz size. The US has gone completely crazy with the 3 oz rule. It doesn't protect any one, just ensures that the TSA employees have something to dig thru, and the producers of such items in larger sizes than 3 oz make more money on their air traveling consumers at the destination airport.
Lastly, please tell me why you can take an empty plastic bottle thru all check points and fill it up beyond the check point and take it onto the plane? Could have mixed something up with my various 3 oz containers and created a "bomb". ?Also, it doesn't make any sense that airport employees come in and off the tarmac with water bottles, etc. How often are they screened? At time of employment? Do their loyalties lie elsewhere? Doesn't make me feel very safe, just makes me feel like a criminal in my own county.
March 30, 2008 4:51 PM
I would just like to know where
do you get your security people
that has NO common sense about their jobs?? It is very disturbing!!
March 30, 2008 5:48 PM
My boyfriend and I flew into and out of LAX last summer (summer 07') while going to see his dad.
Maybe it was because I had my airline badges (I worked on the ramp for a Delta connection carrier) and my boyfriend had his TSA badges hanging around our necks.. I don't know...
But all of the TSA screeners I remember encountering were nice. A good majority were every funny!! They were joking around and having fun with me, the other passangers, and each other. At the same time they were still doing their job very well!
Also, we got through the check point in like 10 minuets or less!
(This was in the Delta terminal by the way.)
March 30, 2008 10:22 PM
I found the queue management at LAX frustrating extremly long lines confusion from passengers about where lines started and where they ended. Sometimes they stretched outside the terminal.
The process seemed ok but always not enough places to get your stuff together after the inspection. I went through when I was very ill once and was in a wheel chair someone elses laptop was put in my bag and then when it was shipped to me it had no packing.
Not sure how to improve but need to use benches which dont have sudden changes in elevation and do not put 2 queues on one machine
March 30, 2008 10:45 PM
It amazes me that an airport the size of LAX cannot process air travelers more quickly than they do. It appears when waiting in line for final screening there are approx. 15 TSA agents standing idle while 150+ passengers wait in line for 2 of the 10 screening belts that are active. This reminds me of a retail store that has 100 cash registers but only 2 functional. LAX is a model of government inefficiencies.
March 30, 2008 11:01 PM
Good evening. I would like to make a comment about the lack of TSA personnel in the middle of the day when you are traveling through LAX. I recently flew Delta twice departing from Terminal Five and my flight was at 2:30pm. I arrived at the aiport at 1:15pm and checked in which only took a minute at the kiosk. I then proceeded to go through security. At that time of day there was only one lane open and the line was extremely long. People were waiting patiently but it took a very long time to get through. Upon picking up my belongings I asked the TSA gentleman why there weren't more screeners and he indicated that if I had a complaint to tell the supervisor on duty. He also said that the government had cut back on the number of screeners and that most of the workers were doing split shifts so there would be adequate coverage in the AM and PM but not necessarily in the middle of the day.
I stopped and spoke with the supervisor and he actually handed me a printed card made up referencing this website. He also said that they get significant complaints about this issue but at this point there is no resolution.
My comment is that why can the government and TSA in particular do a better job of monitoring stations such as this and if help is needed bring someone out to help. While waiting in line I watched a significant number of TSA going in and out of their breakroom but no one came to help the long line of passengers. If you want the passengers not to be angry then perhaps a better handle on true customer service might help. Thank you.
March 30, 2008 11:21 PM
My biggest complaint is the "random" screening of elderly people and kids. Although terrorists are now using women to carry out their suicide missions, they have not ever used small children or old people. So why the extra screening for this age group? Kids are traumatized by it and seniors have no patience for it. My six year old daughter was tagged for extra screening. Can the TSA explain that away? While she was being checked for exploding liquids, I noticed an elderly man in obvious physical pain going through secondary screening. Yet many passengers are flagged by airline staff checking people in...based on what questionable criteria I wonder?
I hate to say this considering the mixed audience that reads these blogs, but let's get real; racial profiling would solve the majority of security related issues! In my opinion, there is no reason for secondary screening on non-Arabs. Since the TSI supposedly has access to FBI and CIA databases, they should be able to catch the non-Arab sympathizers before they ever get to the security checkpoints. However, if someone is really that hell-bent on sneaking contraband through security, they will find a way to do it...most likely through the "back door" of the airport using one of the many contractors that work with the airlines.
I could see being obsessed with the liquids prohibition for international flights, especially originating from another country. But banning touthpaste and bottled water on domestic flights? Get real! A simple solution would be to require all toiletries to be stowed away on check-in luggage and request that passengers drink the questionable liquid in front of TSA personnel if they want to bring it on board. No one likes paying exhorbitant airline terminal prices for bottled water!
I used to love flying, but now avoid it like the plague if I can. I would rather rent a car and drive across half the country than put up with the security B.S. The irony is the fact that the terrorists will most likely choose a different, "softer target" next time rather than risk blowing their assets on the airlines. I do realize that the TSA agents do their best, but where has common sense gone in the screening process? People do sneak things through all the time while others who follow the rules are subjected to secondary searches. I would love to see politicians, celebrities, and TSA brass subjected to these same security measures every time they fly. Honestly, I don't believe that the people in power would put up with it for too long...
March 31, 2008 12:41 AM
I was in line to go through security and noticed that my line was out of the small white tubs for the valuables. There were only big grey tubs. So seeing that the adjacent line had plenty of the white tubs I took one and started to place my cellphone, watch and coins in it. That was when the female TSA office on the adjacent line which I took the tub from started flying off the handle and started yelling at me. "Put it back! You put that tug back right now!! I was incensed by her rudeness but I did what I was told without saying a word. When my turn came up in my line I asked the seated TSA officer to get me a white tub for my valuables. He now had to stop the line, get up and borrow some from the same line I previously took the white tub from. The female TSA officer's action simply did not make sense. And why was she allowed to be so rude? I wasn't being rude to her. Matter of fact, I didn't even say one word to her! When I got through my line I requested to speak to a supervisor but I was told there weren't any there. Is that true? How is TSA going to get our support and cooperation when they are allowed to act in any way they wish?
March 31, 2008 4:41 PM
I am an American citizen and LAX is my home airport. I am a frequent flyer (United 1K member) of United Airlines and go through the TSA checkpoint for United's Terminal 7 at LAX at least once a week.
I have *never* had a problem with the TSA staff at LAX. You guys are doing a good job considering you have limited space to work in.
I am embarrassed by the ignorant comments posted on this blog.
Keep up the good work! You will never please everyone and 80% of those complaining on here are the sources of their own problems and use others to blame for their mistakes and stupidity.
April 1, 2008 1:06 AM
As a TSA officer who works at LAX, it saddens me to see so many negative comments regarding the job we do. Personally, and not speaking in any official capacity for the TSA, all I can say is that the challenge we face every day is enormous. A TSO will see thousands of passengers in a day. LAX was not designed for this level of screening and I can understand the frustration many of you feel waiting in such long queues. I know that the vast majority of TSO's are dedicated and hard working. Our conditions are not ideal and we are subjected to many stresses during our trying day. I am proud of the work I do. I try to respect everyone and remember that each person I meet is an indiviual. I do not consider myself above the law, but am in fact sworn to uphold the regulations put forth by our elected officials. If you have a complaint, I will listen patiently and either assist you or find someone who can. Rude employees are a problem can found in every occupation. We are frequently given training in customer service and yes, can even lose our job. Unfortunately for us, rude and uncooperative passengers appear frequently as well. After all these years many people do not even know what the TSA is nor that we are federal officers. I do understand your frustrations. I hope you understand ours.
April 1, 2008 1:27 PM
TSA workers need to try and stop making rediculous comments when going through peoples property. It is already degrading enough that you are looking through our luggage. Think if the role was reveresed how they would feel. Sometimes just because you are wearing a badge it numbs that part of the brain that makes you human.
April 4, 2008 5:01 PM
I have read every comment up to date and have laughed at many of the complaints listed up to this point.
People do not realize the policies and procedures that these TSA officers need to follow. The only thing that these passengers care about is that they make it to their flight.
"TSA is a reflection of the traveling public".
This is what I mean by the above. A passenger enters the checkpoint in a bad mood maybe because they are late for a flight, have a headache, or maybe just have built up frustation inside of them. They reach a TSA Officer and are rude, upset, often yell, and just make an scene for all the other passengers to see. This just ruined the officers day and will be passed on to the next passenger that this officer has to deal with.
I mean come on now, How many people really belive that cell phone, coins, and belts have no metal in them? It's called a metal detector and it detects METAL!!!
TSA treats everyone the same. Older people often often have METAL replacements in their bodies and need to undergo additional screening. Whats so hard to believe about that? Nipple piercing's, guess what its METAL and your going through a METAL DETECTOR, what do you think is going to happen? TSA is here to assure that everyone is safe and has no prohibited items on their persons.
My thoughts on theft:
TSA is not the only one who handles your bag. LAX has only a couple of areas where their baggage handling is behind the scenes. This means if YOU deciede to leave your bag before it is clear security then YOU will have to worry about TSA going into your baggage without you there. If YOU stay and watch your luggage clear through security you have full knowledge that TSA did not even open your bag, or if they did you were a witness on what was the reason to insepection of your baggage. Now that TSA has done their job your bag goes downstairs through conveyors and meets with airline bag handlers who are not in the view of any cameras and can do what they want with your luggage even lose it if they want. Think about that next time your watch, laptop, or camera goes missing.
Get to the airport early. 4 hours in advance is what is suggested. If you decide that your wonder woman or superman and you can do it an hour I'm sure I will be seeing your posting along with the rest on here complaing on how you were treated bad by TSA.
Listen to the saying: Kill them with kindness. A smile will go a long way.
P.S. More Comments to come in the future. Thanks for all the laughs!
April 5, 2008 6:13 PM
Get to the airport early. 4 hours in advance is what is suggested.
I must have missed that little gem of advice. I thought that it was two hours for domestic flights. So you recommend getting to an airport 4 hours before your flight leaves? Well for a 0600 flight, that would have you arriving at 0200 hrs and TSA doesn't go to work till around 0530. So now you get to meet the airport cops who wonder WTF you're doing there so early.
April 8, 2008 5:20 PM
Chaotic and slow, that's the way I would describe LAX.
I'm not really a frequent flyer, but I have been through 8 different airports so far this year. So I personally know what I need to do to clear a checkpoint quickly and have some basis for comparison. Some checkpoints are more organized than others.
LAX (at the NWA terminal) was the most chaotic of them all. Perhaps this is partly due to the space they have to work with, what with passengers entering on one level and then having to go up to a second level to actually get through the checkpoint. But even the checkpoint just seemed to be absolute chaos.
I wasn't treated rudely or anything. But it seems like they would have this better organized by now. It really stood out as poor compared to other places.
April 9, 2008 1:23 PM
I travel a lot between LAX and various areas in Mexico. I always try to be up-to-date with what is not allowed and allow plenty of time to go through security. For the most part, the TSA officials speed you through and do a good job. I never had anything missing. Long Beach is a different story. Three times flying via JET BLUE through Long Beach to Ft. Lauderdale and Dominican Republic to Long Beach, each time, my art books, art albums, and art documents were taken.
April 15, 2008 12:44 AM
Why must we show our boarding pass to the TSA person after we've walked through the scanner? We have already shown it to the first TSA person and he/she has checked it against our ID as well as determined that our ID is legitimate? It is a hassle to handle the boarding pass when you're trying to put all of your items in the bins and run through the xray machine. AARGH!
April 27, 2008 9:37 AM
just now i experienced the first day of a new line procedure. who ever came up with this idea obviously never travels, and should be fired immediatly. I fly every week and your terminology of expert,casual and family traveler makes no sense. For example I am a gold flyer but sometimes have two bags with me, so does that mean I am not an 'expert' that day? So if I am someone who knows what TSA is and have no big bags doesthat make me an expert? give me a break. this new process is so ridiculous that I am not only posting a blog for my first time, but I am paying this internet access computer in the airport to do it. Really who thought of this?
May 1, 2008 11:20 AM
I would like to complain about a recent experience I had with your personnel while traveling from SJC to AKL (via LAX). March 23 @ 1730 hrs. I am a hunter and have traveled more than 100 flights w/ a rifle in baggage since 911. This was my worst and most aggravating trip because your people (supervisor included) does not know the policies of Qantas Airways and evidently the rules of both NZ and Australia. I went from SJC-LAX on Southwest. No problems. Upon checking in w/ Qantas they inspected the rifle/case and noted on the baggage tag and logged the firearm. When I took the rifle to TSA for screening, I was stuck there for more than one hour as they insisted I had to have a firearms declaration tag in the gun case so the pilot would know there was a gun onboard! Does the pilot look in the case? Was I the first person since 911 not to have the form? Please note Qantas has no such form and doesn't require the form. There personnel had no knowledge of any form. After 7+ years, why was this happening to me. Was mine the first to ever be inspected? NO!! Your people, supervisor included were wrong and caused me great stress and almost ruined the trip. Thank heaven for the Qantas supervisor (Debra) who quickly straigtened your folks out and got my rifle cleared (sans 'necessary' declaration form)
Please educate your personnel, especially your supervisors.
May 4, 2008 11:34 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
May 8, 2008 9:35 AM
mojomajor --- Sorry you experienced inconvenience with our program that is supposed to make the screening process more convenient. The fact is, you got us on the first day of operation at LAX and the bugs had not yet been worked out. In other airports we have found it takes a couple of days to get the system moving smoothly. As for your questions about whether or not you are expert, expert lanes are for those that are very familiar with our screening operations and you make the decision which line to go to. While we have security officers to help, if you think you are an expert, go to expert... it's up to the passenger, therefore termed self-select. Hopefully your next time through, it will be more smooth. Apologies again.
Nico
EoS Blog Team
May 8, 2008 9:37 AM
Unfortunately there are many passengers who complain greatly about TSA. I am a current TSO and take great pride in my job and its mission. We are there for the safety of the passengers and for the security of this country.
One hears the same complaints over and over, what is water going to do, what am I going to do with toothpaste etc. it seems that most of the complaining traveling public does not see or hear the news. This happens for a good reason and you, whiner, should understand why this happens. You see it all over the news and announcements:"TRAVEL LIGHT", people seem to take everything and the kitchen sink in their carry on luggage, what is the deal with that, but any way.
You get the passenger who is late, irate, and wants to be spoiled and escorted to the gate, was it the TSA employee (TSO) who made you late.... NO! You are late because you decided to be late. Give yourself sufficient time to go through all the process.
Rude TSO's.. Yes there are TSO's who lack customer service skills but if you experience that then maybe you should bring it up right there and there. Don't wait to complain in a blog or to someone else who will NOT help you in any way.
All in all understand that one of the airports that is a great priority to attack by terrorist is LAX. Don't expect to have everything ride smoothly because WE DO NOT TRUST ANYONE! If you give us attitude then do not expect to be treated like royalty, you abide by the rules then you will have a great experience. You get what you give.
Next time you travel, please plan ahead...if you do this you will have a better experience with TSA.
May 8, 2008 5:19 PM
lumpyl....
You should know the airlines controls TSA, just as they do the FAA and most managers at TSA are from the airlines with no security background or understanding of people (remember the airlines over book and can give a rats a..). I worked at LAX for three years and I am sure the supervisor will receive a MOC for standing his ground. By the way, how was your trip, what did you tag with you gun?
May 9, 2008 4:23 AM
Oh, I worked at TSA for three years at LAX, now I am at CBP, thanks for the help...
May 10, 2008 2:42 AM
Posting for TSA LAX ---
Lumpyl,
I’m sorry we were so aggravating when you traveled through Los Angeles. Your posting is especially concerning to me since the area described falls under my direct oversight. I’ll do my best to ensure the individuals involved receive additional training so they don’t make the same mistake with another traveler.
I won’t make excuses for the poor service you received from my staff; because there is never any excuse to justify poor customer service. I do want to take a minute to explain some of the complexities of transporting firearms aboard aircraft for the benefit of some of the readers who may not be familiar.
First, there are United States rules that each air carrier needs to follow regarding transporting firearms. Second, each individual airline has specific rules that apply when customers want to check firearms. Third, there are different rules imposed by each country you fly into; some don’t allow firearms at all. Finally, there are TSA rules about how firearms are packaged for transportation and what we look for when screening them. A TSA screening officer needs to make reasonable assurances that all of the different categories of rules are adhered to before indicating that a firearm is cleared for transportation.
The terminal you flew out of at LAX is occupied by 32 separate airlines flying to hundreds of different countries/destinations. Theoretically, the possible combinations of rules that could apply to a particular firearm are staggering. TSA officers need to be aware of all of the various possibilities. Difficult, but not impossible.
Again, I am sorry that you did not receive an acceptable level of service when you traveled through LAX. We’re working on it.
FYI – If you visit any airline website, Delta and Alaska Air are good examples; you can get an idea of the various rules and regulations for transporting firearms.
Janis
TSA Team LAX
May 12, 2008 1:11 PM
I travel out of LAX once a week, every week. And I have for the last two years.
I think new security line system system of Black Diamond, Blue Square, and Green Circle is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen TSA come up with. I pray that LAX removes it immediately.
The flaw in the system is this... TSA let's Joe Schmo SELECT his line. Joe is ALWAYS going to pick the short one. Even if he has a Costco sized shampoo in his bag and doesn't know he needs to take of his belt to go through the metal detector.
The ONLY way the "Black Diamond, Blue Square, Green Circle" system could work is if TSA or Airlines issued "Black Diamond" Cards to Travelers based on # of flight flown per year.
May 15, 2008 6:37 PM
The new select-a-line system is absolutely the worst idea ever. It is simply a license for people to cut in line. It usually takes 15 minutes to get through the line once you are inside the building at terminal 1. With the new line system it took me 3 times that. I had an A group boarding pass for southwest and I was the last person on the plane, thanks to 60 "expert" travellers who cut in front of me.
Mark my words, this new system will be nothing but a source of aggrevation and violence amongst passengers.
May 21, 2008 7:35 PM
LAX has to be one of the worst airports when it comes to the standards of an international airport. The security screeners are appalling. They are most often rude, ignorant and seemingly uneducated. I've both first-hand and also as an observer had numerous bad occassions. On my last travels, there were many random checks occurring and I was selected. A female TSA person pulled me aside and had me sit down. As they first briefly checked my items. Then I was asked to remove my shoes so that she could check them. What was upsetting is that after she inspected them (keep in mind she was standing up and a few feet away from me)she literally tossed them over on the ground like she was tossing babage into a bin. It was very rude the way it was done, not to mention these were $200 shoes that I treated with care. This is a mild example compared to the really bad experiences I've had but they would take too long to write. TSA and certain other airport workers ought to be sent to the better international airports in other countries to learn how to better treat people (humanely) and realize that you can be courteous and polite and still take your job seriously.
May 29, 2008 10:54 PM
My uncle recently flew out of LAX to IAH and he had checked a two-headed Dholak drum. To his surprise, he found one of the heads was cut open when he took it out for an event. This would have been a bigger problem then it was because someone else also brought a Dholak with him. But he still has to order a replacement head from India.
All I'm wondering is why they cut the drum open? They can see what's inside with a x-ray machine.
May 30, 2008 6:10 PM
I was observing the TSA agents here at LAX as I waited in line for security check. Most of them are rude, lack basic manner/courtesy, some were chewing gum, some simply didn't look presentable at all. They look to me like a bunch of high school kids doing a sloppy job just for the money. TSA should be ashamed, they desperately need to put some class into their "service".
June 7, 2008 1:46 AM
Anonymous said -- "I was observing the TSA agents here at LAX as I waited in line for security check. Most of them are rude, lack basic manner/courtesy, some were chewing gum, some simply didn't look presentable at all."
Dear Anonymous,
Do you realize that LAX TSA employs over 2,000 security officers in 8 terminals? When you say "most," are you referring to exactly that, 1,001, or are you referring to the two or three you saw? Seems unfair to categorize most, when in fact it was a couple. If you are going to complain or comment, please do so, but be accurate and fair, and give specifics... Terminal, time of day, air line, that way we can look into it and fix what may be broken. Thanks.
June 11, 2008 12:58 AM
I took my daughter to the airport yesterday (6/10/08 in Terminal 3)and I am not pleased with how the new Expert, Casual and Family/SPecial Assistance security line choices were implemented. My daughter was flying alone (and has done so for several years - she's an expert traveler) and all she had was a backpack as carry on and I had only my keys and ID since I was not flying, so I tried to go to the Expert Traveler line (which was short) and was told I had to go to the Casual line (which was long). WHen I asked why, the TSA person wouldn't tell me. Then I said, hey I have a kid we want to go to the Family line (also short), and the TSA person again said no, we had to get in the Casual line. WHAT??? I thought the whole point of this new division was to give travelers the choice of which line to go to. THe TSA person wouldn't give me the courtesy of answering me!! Not well done by this particular TSA person - aren't they trained as to the new procedures?? The signs were posted all over the place about this new procedure! Anyway, we had enough time and got thru security with plenty of time for the flight, but still this was an irritating experience.
June 11, 2008 3:07 PM
The grey bin that held my 17" Powerbook computer was pushed off of the counter at LAX by a TSA employee. The manager at the time handed me a blank complaint form. I asked if she was supposed to fill it out and sign it and was told no. Merely by handing me the form they were admitting the computer had been dropped. This seemed ridiculous so I asked for her name and the name of the employee who dropped the computer. She refused to give them to me. By my third request for their names the manager became angry. It was 5:30 in the morning and because of work I couldn't miss my flight and I had heard nightmare stories about the TSA so I backed off. I now tell everyone I know who flies this story. Do not back off. When I called the TSA 800 number I was told it was my responsibility to force the manager to fill out the form in front of me and get her name and the screener's name.
In hindsight I should have missed my flight but if the manager of the shift is refusing to cooperate it leaves regular citizens with limited choices. The police were standing near by but I doubt they would assist any one in that situation. Destruction of personal property must happen all the time at LAX because they seemed very cool about it. My harddrive and screen were trashed, the frame was bent and it was a thousand dollar bill to repair my computer. A ruined computer was both a personal and work nightmare. As anyone can imagine.
Of course my claim was denied because I didn't have their names. The airlines treat lost luggage with more respect.
June 16, 2008 4:47 PM
Never in my life have I felt more violated then when I went through airport security with TSA in LAX. Those people are rediculous, they treat you like criminals before you even do or say anything. There behavior is completely unacceptable and should not be allowed.
June 19, 2008 1:10 PM
Anonymous with a laptop.... if you too would provide some detailed information we could probably get to the bottom of this and help you recoup some of your loss. We have managers assigned to specific terminals so it would be easy to find out who helped you, as we also have shift schedules, and in some terminals video capability. Provide the date you flew, time, airline and as much amplifying information, and we'll do all we can.
Thanks.
Nico
EoS Blog Team
June 20, 2008 5:04 PM
A blind man can see that the TSA and everything with Homeland security is out of control .... or is it? The average Joe does perhaps not realize that the whole concept is no longer about security ... it is about power and control, funding and federal contracts and making money ... you and I are merely the catalysts to make this possible in the name of security and protection. I think we've been had ... and congratulation to the other side, they have played their cards well.
June 22, 2008 6:24 AM
My husband and I took a flight out of McCannan Airport, In Las veagas. On June 19,2008 with Delta Air Line. The Security Check was unbelievable. They were very much under staff. There only Two people,that were checking people. One for women and One for Men. The wait was about 2hrs long. And we ran to our flight just as they where boarding. I ask one of the staff people what was the problem? She said they have a hard time keeping people because of there salary. They pay minimun wages. I and I'm sure I speak for a lot of other people for a important job like this you should be paying your staff a desert salary. How can you expect people to do a good job or keep then if you are not paying them well!
June 25, 2008 6:34 PM
First of all, I'm happy that the TSA is doing this blog and that there is at least some interaction between the TSA and the public.
First issue is that there needs to be more of a consistency in ID checkers now that it's taken over by TSA. Right after TSA started checking IDs, I was in line at Terminal 1 and there were two ID checkers. The left one took forever. I was the 6th person in line and it took him 10 minutes to check the IDs of the proceeding 5 people in line before me. I kid you not as I timed it. I realize that needs to scrutinize the IDs to make sure it's real but i'm sure you don't need over 2 minutes on each one. Whereas the ID checker on the right was letting everyone through without much scrutiny.
I finally got to go through the vaunted Black Diamond lanes at Terminal 1- what a joke. As an expert traveler, I carry no liquids nor wear metal whatsoever when I travel. I don't wear jewelry except for a wedding ring when I travel and I wear sneakers so I can easily take them off and on.
There was no one pre-screening the travelers for the Black lane. And that was the longest line of all. There was a family with 3 children ahead of me as well as elderly infirmed travelers. Furthermore, the casual lane eventually merged with the expert lane. What's the point of having lanes if they are going to merge??? That's how you create bottlenecks on the roadways. How do you expect it to be any different here?
What's the point of having Diamond Lanes if no one is going to enforce them!!
June 25, 2008 9:18 PM
I was in terminal 2 this past weekend (21 June) and was appalled at the lack of consideration for both the TSA employees and the passengers in the lines. The heat at the checkpoint was nearly unbearable and I could see people all over the checkpoints using torn cardboard pieces for fans. People in line didn't mind throwing their water bottles away because they drank them during the lines that snaked through. But I felt sorry for the TSA employees who had to sweat through their jobs with no water to drink and sweat running down. I am not a fan of TSA but I think that in weather conditions like that, the mgmt should provide fans and water so their employees and passengers can at least be comfortable in line.
June 26, 2008 2:28 PM
As a Member of an Online Discussion Forum,I recently read a post that the TSA collected over $90,000 in Lost or left behind change over a 3 year period.If this report is true,I think it would be an appropriate gesture to Make a Donation from such funds to those 9/11 Workers Denied Medical Insurance as they were volunteers on that day,and had their claims denied.(Some of whom featured in Michael Moore's "Sicko".)
June 27, 2008 7:36 PM
Anonymous said -- "There was no one pre-screening the travelers for the Black lane."
Anonymous, The Black Diamond lanes or express lanes as some have called it, are also known as "self-select" lanes. The TSA won't be policing the lines, rather we expect passengers to police themselves. Sorry you are unhappy with your experience, hopefully it will become easier as passengers and the TSA continue to adjust and become more familiar with this new tool.
Anonymous also said -- "more of a consistency in ID checkers now that it's taken over by TSA."
Thank you for the feedback. We continue to see this issue creep up from time to time with some members of the staff. I experienced the same issue in Terminal 5 a few weeks ago. We'll once again go back and work with our managers to address the issue.
Anonymous said -- "I think it would be an appropriate gesture to Make a Donation from such funds"
The TSA is limited by law as to how these funds can be used. Nice idea, though.
Nico
EoS Blog team
June 30, 2008 10:11 AM
Los Angeles international airport is the worst airport I ever been too.Where are the signs??????.When you exit an airplane there,theres 2 ways,one that goes down and the other goes stragiht,which one do I take?you tell me to read the signs?guess what there are no signs!!!!!!! and when there is a sign like there was this sign that said baggage claim 1-2 under and guess wat!1 was 2 and 2 was 1,whats up with that I could of lost my luaggage just because of a los angeles international airport sign.And when you arive there from international,Whats up with the imagration lines?which line do you even go too??it doesn't even say i'm just really mad cuz i got lost there like a lot of times because of there unsupported stuff and the tsa agents there better watch their actions because its called patiance or waiting,its not called taking off someone jacket in 1 second are you crazy you do that and whats up with you tsa agents talking behind are backs.thats kind of rude even a child could do a better job then you at least they know what a real airport would look like.And be CAREFULL with our LUGGAGE please!!! why you gotta break are things in my suitcases and not be responable for it.That must be wonderful if you can break other peoples things and you don't get in trouble for it wow thats good life for you tsa officars.You made me waste 8,000,000vnd(eight million vietnam dollors) just because of your cool hands or whatever you call them and i thought you were suppose to be the best in the whole tsa but i guess i was wrong.Big airport,bad workers and agents.The best airport i ever been too in the U.S. is Las Vegas,At least they know what money is.If there was a choice of lax and any airport in asia i bet more people would pick asia would be better then lax because at least they have good service and help people and don't rush people and help.Your workers are mean,they have some kind of problem,everyone says that if you look carefully if you can even can look carefully.I"m just really mad at lax because i never thought this would happen.What ever you say has to be true.please stop lying.Its not about the pretty airport its about the useable airport.
June 30, 2008 12:14 PM
I hate it when tsa rushes people this one time i saw one passanger at the screening and the tsa agent said Jacket off! jacket off! jacket off!
oh my god I can't belivive this.I really wanted to ask him DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH? because its called PLEASE TAKE OFF YOUR JACKET AND PUT IT IN THE BIN AND INSERT IT INTO THE X-RAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
now thats how you speak english.by the way,i didn't know you can take off your jacket in 1 second,oh wait its not possible laugh out loud what the heck is that tsa guy talking about he needs to watch what he says these tsa agents need to think before doing their actions.even if its not me i still care about other people unlike tsa they mean to everything,i mean EVERYTHING,like people and bags and baggages and hand on carrry bags.And why am i paying 2,000 united states dollors just to wait outside for a tsa screening line.i could of just done that for free.
June 30, 2008 12:22 PM
I’m a screener, not at LAX, but at Burbank (Bob Hope Airport). All the people complaining about items missing out of their checked bags, its not just TSA officers that handle your checked bags. You have rampers that work for the airlines who go through a less intense background check. Every time a bag is inspected in the checked baggage area, we are under state of the art video surveillance. Now the rampers and the other airline employees that bring the bags after we have inspected them are under no surveillance. I think it would be pretty stupid to take something when there are eyes in the sky watching over you. All we are trying to do is make your travel experience as safe as we possibly can. The American public wants the impossible. They want 100% security and no wait lines! You cant have both!! We are humans. We know the stakes are high but have you every made a mistake at your job?? We try our absolute best to get you through as safe as possible. To have people curse at me and call me an idiot when all I’m doing is following my SOP. Please don't rip on the screeners. Complain to the head of TSA. I take offense to people that call me an idiot and curse at me. I joined the US Army after 9/11 and spent two tours in Mosul, Iraq. I went over there fought and got wounded, so Americans can have their freedom. I’m the nicest, most courteous screener you will ever come across. If you come across a screener who is also like that instead of just walking by them why cant you just say a thank you or your doing a good job. We have so many people yell at us all day it would make a screeners day to thank them.
July 6, 2008 1:49 PM
I have a question. I am having total knee replacement on both knees. Will I have to inform the TSA agents before entering the check points at the airport? Or will the metal detector pick it up?
July 13, 2008 2:48 AM
bilbrr said...
I have a question. I am having total knee replacement on both knees. Will I have to inform the TSA agents before entering the check points at the airport? Or will the metal detector pick it up?
You are not required to notify the TSO at the checkpoint, but if your new knee sets off the metal detector, you will receive secondary screening.
Nico
EoS Team
July 13, 2008 7:32 PM
Hi,
Thanks for helping protect the country.
I do however have one complaint, I had just flew back from Tahiti through LAX to PHX on the 5th of July at about 9:30AM. I cleared customs and rechecked my luggage at LAX right outside customs, my locks are TSA approved combo locks with TSA key #002 and were in perfect condition, I verified them prior to rechecking them in. Seems like both were opened and instead of using the TSA key, the baggage searcher cut the zipper loops that the lock was attached to and rendered the luggage unlockable. Why did he/she not cut the $7 locks instead of the few hundred dollar luggage zipper lock tabs? He/She was kind enough to place the locks inside each bag but what good are they, my bags can no longer be locked and I am forced to by two new bags as I won't travel to some of the parts of the world with unlocked luggage especially a return flight to the US where I want to be sure nothing illegal is added into my bag. Please tell me what options I have to get my luggage fixed?
Thanks
July 14, 2008 7:00 PM
Poor experience was disgusted in treatment next time will travel to Europe (unfortunately because holiday and American public was great)
Flew Sydney - LAX - SLC on 18th June. At LAX moving through security into Delta terminal, 5 I think, I set the xray off (watch - fair enough) then proceeded to take all metallic off including wedding ring (which TSA told me I would not set machine off anyway) and go through again, at this point I had no steel on me. The xray went off again(this is the bit that disgusts me, they moved me into a glass enclosure and seperated me from my wife and two chilren (aged 3 and 5) You can imagine my anger when I helplessly watched TSA tell my wife not to touch our luggage then proceed to frisk her, my 5 yr old and 3 yr old and tell my wife not to touch the children while TSA did this as the kids cried in fear. After that they moved me out did the same to me then went through and swabbed everything in our luggage and our shoes.
Well the kids shoes tested positive twice, 4 what I dont know because they would not give us any information on what was happening. With 2 positive tests they sent the shoes somewhere else to be tested again. The shoes finally came back they handed them to us and said we could go.
Conclusion
So as I had no steel on me and they were getting positive readings on swabs fom our equipment (kids shoes) that eventually came up negative, I can only make the assumption that my family was put through all that trauma because the TSA has faulty equipment at that terminal in LAX. Which then lead us to additional screening in all other internal US flights.
I'm glad I decided to drive San Fran to LA.....because TSA at LAX is a poor organisation.
July 15, 2008 2:53 AM
aussietraveler it sounds to me from your post that the TSO's at LAX followed procedures. We have procedures we follow when we get an alarm, whether it be on a bag, or a passenger and we can't give all the details about the alarm or the procedures in place. We do have to screen children as well as adult passengers and we really do not want to scare them but you must understand that the badguys would never hesitate to use a child to perpetrate terror upon us and that although you know you, your spouse and your children aren't terrorists we must follow procedures to ensure that the plane you get on is safe.
July 20, 2008 4:31 PM
I really hope these get read by TSA. My family had purchased gifts for people at home (some would be mailed for Christmas). Without thinking, I placed all gifts in the same carry-on, hoping to avoid damage. Unfortunately, 3 items were confiscated. Here's the question, why is it not an option to allow the items to be mailed home?? If they were in my checked baggage, they would have made it home. All it would take is a mailing lable and a padded bag or a USPS Flat Rate box. I would have gladly paid any mark-up for shipping that the TSA charged just to not have my daughter crying at the checkpoint....and the TSA could have made extra money to cover expenses. Not a big deal for those items that the traveler doesn't care about. Though, I'm sure the guy with the thumb drive would have paid shipping as well. By the way, I will be trying other avenues to get the policy implemented.
July 21, 2008 3:05 PM
The airport is not a post office and the TSA is a separate agency as well. You could have mailed your gifts prior to arriving at the airport. At our airport the gift shop does sell small padded envelops to mail items like a pocket knife but since the rules on what is allowed through the checkpoint are clearly posted and you have access to the computer I do not understand why you weren't prepared either by packing the items in a checked bag (unwrapped) or mailing them before arriving at the airport.
July 21, 2008 6:22 PM
I really do understand that the TSA and the post office are separate and I admit fault with my packing. I do not fault the TSA with doing their job. I would like an additional option for harried travelers then to lose their items. The option to allow the non-allowed items to be returned to checked baggage is not feasable. Allowing passangers to mail a forgotten, but not allowed item, is.
July 22, 2008 10:24 AM
determined mom
I didn't mean to be rude to you in my post about the post office but frankly they are who you should be making this suggestion to. Because we really have nothing to do with this. I'd really prefer to never have items that have to be thrown away, especially expensive items and I even try to talk passengers into going back to the airlines in an attempt to put the items in their checked bags. But if they are harried and short on time that option will not work and I just wish that folks would have prepared better.
We TSO's aren't heartless but can only give the options that are available at our own particular airport.
July 22, 2008 5:53 PM
As a frequent traveler (50+ flights per year), I am dumbfounded by the lack of consistency with the screening process, especially that of whether or not toiletries & liquids, in their quart(ish) sized ziplog bag, are required to be removed from luggage. I've looked around while standing in line, and there also doesn't seem to be any consistency in posted instructions regarding same. LAX seems to require this, while ORD, LGA, EWR, and BNA don't, at least depending on the zealousness of the screener.
No wonder INfrequent travelers are delayed through the process, if those of us who visit airports numerous times each year aren't sure of the rules.
If this is going to be effective, and the TSA hopes to avoid long lines and delays, it seems to me disseminating - or at least clearly displaying - this information would be a worthy cause. Perhaps the TSA could convince the airlines to print screening instructions on the boarding passes, even!
I appreciate the magnitude of the job the TSA has before it. Nevertheless, it seems to me they would review and try to improve the service they provide to the traveling public by clearly providing and consistently enforcing expectations.
July 26, 2008 3:01 PM
The one thing I cannot stand is the inconsistency between TSA amongst the various airports across the country.
There was one instance where in SFO for instance there was a very militant TSA agent SCREAMING orders at passengers. Burbank airport is the easiest to get through, although everyone is starting to realize that now as well. LAX... well you'd better get there early... in fact if you are there for at least 24 hours before your flight you might arrive to your gate in time to take off. I guess it all depends on the day, and what kind of mood your TSA agent is in, and wether they fancy your hair colour or clothing.
I work in the adult industry and it's one of my favorite things when the girls I'm with travel with their various toys. The TSA agent usually will either chuckle, get embarassed or be exceptionally rude to my client and try to embarass them.
Good Times!
Be sure to bring extra patience and understanding with you to the airport... You'll need it!
July 29, 2008 1:46 AM
Yesterday, I flew out of Terminal 7. My medicated foot spray for athlete's foot was confiscated, contrary to TSA stated policy, which I later found on my laptop. When I complained to the supervisor, she tried to ignore me and resisted giving me her identifying information. When I called the LAX Customer Support Hotline, I got a recording and did not receive a return phone call.
I do not believe TSA is serious about responding to complaints.
David Lombardero
July 30, 2008 9:56 AM
Did you declare that your foot spray was for a medical condition and therefore needed on the flight? Because frankly we aren't supposed to assume a medical purpose for any over sized liquids lotions and gels and are instead supposed to wait for that declaration. We aren't supposed to prod someone to get them to claim a medical exemption to the 3.4 oz container size either. In other words unless you say it's for a medical purpose it's not coming through.
August 3, 2008 5:13 PM
I found the screeners at LAX Terminal 1 to be friendly, efficient, and doing the best they could given the space and the job they have been given. The only thing is that the "skier" ratings is very confusing, and there is no disincentive for people to choose the wrong or shorter line, nor anyone helping people select a line. Great idea, because it allows people who are less accustomed to traveling more time because the "black diamonds" aren't sneering or making comments behind their back because they forgot to take off their belt, and it allows more experienced travelers a consistent experience short of a paid service such as CLEAR.
August 5, 2008 12:38 PM
Did you declare that your foot spray was for a medical condition and therefore needed on the flight? Because frankly we aren't supposed to assume a medical purpose for any over sized liquids lotions and gels and are instead supposed to wait for that declaration. We aren't supposed to prod someone to get them to claim a medical exemption to the 3.4 oz container size either. In other words unless you say it's for a medical purpose it's not coming through.
Did you read what the passenger sai? What do you suppose that passenger was using that stuff for in the first place? A novel way of smuggling liquids perhaps? That passenger did complain about the involuntary surrender of the over the counter medication and was IGNORED by TSA and a SUPERVISOR. The supervisor also refused to give that passenger name & number as required by TSA's own policies, unless the policies requiring the release of identification is a local option.
So three things went wrong:
1) OTC medication confiscated.
2) Refusal to recognize it as OTC medication.
3) Refusal to release name and number for complaint purposes.
What's going to be done? Sadly, nothing. The passenger is out the cost of the medication, is angry, and TSA has just made another person despise them.
August 6, 2008 10:28 PM
The allowance for oversized liquid items for medical purposes, or for infants and young children is supposed to be what would be needed on the flight. Foot spray would not be assumed to be needed on the flight so unless it's declared as a medical necessity it's not assumed to be one. I read the post and no where in the specific post did the passenger say he declared his medical need for that foot spray.
I know that with the airlines charging for checked luggage now we are going to get a lot more items declared medical that aren't needed on the plane, and as long as the passenger states there is a medical need we'll let it go.
August 7, 2008 3:23 AM
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