Airport Screener Answering Questions

[bmartin1206]

I work for TSA in baggage and passenger screening and offer to answer you questions.

Tip "O" the day - Carry on unexposed film. Unexposed film put into checked luggage may be ruined in the CATSCAN/Xray.

 

[epcotfan]

What about video tapes?

 

[bmartin1206]

Video tapes are not an issue.

 

[frannn]

I heard packing food might be a no-no. Is this only specific types of food, or anything edible?

 

[epcotfan]

Thank You I appreciate you answering my question.
I had wondered about actual film with the new screening machines. I'm so glad I've switched to a digital camera. Saves me carrying on all that film.

 

[bmartin1206]

Food only slows down the screening because it oftens sets off alarms which cause us to physically search your bag. Nothing that would normally keep it from making the plane though.

 

[dpic]

Coming back from our last Disney trip (Oct), one couple's luggage was being searched at one of the x-ray machines in Charlotte, NC. I guess the husband had (stupidly) carried his pocketknife through security. When searching their luggage, the security officers made a very conspicuous display of the toilet paper the couple had stolen from their hotel room.

What kind of sick, desperate, cheapskate steals a hotel's lousy toilet paper? I think the wife standing by that display was more embarrassed by the display then her knuckleheaded husband. Sometimes, there is justice in this life. I still chuckle about that one.

bmartin1206, as a security officer do you have any funny stories you'd like to pass on? I would imagine the stress on your job can be overwhelming at times. I bet a good chuckle comes in handy at times.

Finally, thanks for help making our airlines safe!

 

[Amaris]

preloaded syringes...

I asked this on another board but since you are a screener , I thought I would ask you as well

I have medication and the label clearly states what the medication is, and who it is for, and the pharmacy name, number, etc...

Do I have to actually get my Dr to write a letter too? The medication has to be kept on ice so has to go carry on.

Thanks

 

[Roxter79]

I can't get logged out of my daughter's log in but here's the answer. Medication is no issue. No note is needed nor would we pay attention to the note. You're safe.

 

[Amaris]

Thanks, In another thread, someone stated they requested a Dr note and she had one. I have contacted the Dr now to get a note just to be on the safe side. It is good to know though, it will probably not be needed! Thank you so much!

 

[corky805]

Hi,

Thanks so much for answering ???'s.

I would like to ask screeners to hand check my film, is it really that big of an inconvenience to them? Do they mind?

Also, is there anything you would like to convey to people to make your jobs easier?

Thanks,

 

[Kallison]

Usually when I ask them to hand check my film, they refuse and say it won't be harmed by the x-rays. So we may pack food, it will just be searched. I would put the food through luggage to be checked.


Your DD has excellent taste - lol ! How old is she! I so loved Depp and Bloom in that movie.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Kallison
Usually when I ask them to hand check my film, they refuse and say it won't be harmed by the x-rays. So we may pack food, it will just be searched. I would put the food through luggage to be checked.


Your DD has excellent taste - lol ! How old is she! I so loved Depp and Bloom in that movie.

You can insist they hand check it. From what I have read it is your right to demand, if necessary, that they hand check it.

 

[Roxter79]

Sorry daughter's log in. From bmartin: It should not be necessary to demand. Most screeners simply try to educate the passenger but it may come across wrong. Anything below 800 speed can safely go through the carry on luggage xray but bare in mind it is a cumlative effect and should not be exposed more than 4 times. Just ask that you would rather have it hand checked if you wish.

bmartin1206

 

[bmartin1206]

The biggest thing I can tell you to help move along quickly is to insure you do not have prohibited items in carry on. Check www.TSA.gov for a list (although not all inclusive use common sense).
Whether they ask you or not, remove your shoes. They're not suppose to have you remove your shoes anymore unless you alarm walking through but they will probably select you for additional screening anyway if you don't. It does make the line go quicker & gets you through easier.

Funniest story for me was once while doing the hand wanding I went throught the hokey pokey speal ( arms right out, arms right in now do the hokey pokey and turn your self around etc.) The guys wife was laughing histerically while he was apparently too focused on the screening but following my directions. He cught on when I got to now bough to your partner.

 

[tink2dw]

bumping this up for more to see

 

[megan&joeysmommy]

What is your advice on how to get through security quickly with a baby and toddler? I read somewhere to schedule a private screening. Is this possible and how would I go about setting it up if necessary?

We will be gate-checking a stroller and carrying on our bag of various food items, plus as many bags as we can carry on so we don't have to wait as long when we land.

 

[bmartin1206]

Nothing special to do but take off shoes and any other metal. Unless the alarm goes off I wouldn't worry about a private screening. It doesn't speed along any quicker. Private screenings can't be scheduled in advance and are usually only done when requested for privacy not conveiniance.

 

[I am JEN]

Bmartin1206, I sure hope your there when we come through the line next week, LOL!!! I am so worried about my film and I want to have it hand checked...I even called the airline & general airport info to double check that it wont be a problem. The last time we flew (June of 2001) they were so angry at me for asking and the lady grabbed my ziplock baggie so hard from my hand, that she flung it about 5 feet away from us and I'm a really really nice person They told me it wasn't a problem, but I have nightmares of the same lady being there this time...it's making me crazy worrying about something so mundane!

 

[bmartin1206]

We are a new group of screeners and I hear more and more that our group here in Indianapolis are some of the nicest most efficient around. It shouldn't be an issue at all. I hope it goes well for you.

Brian