Any other families searched?

[bavaria]

In 'Bavaria's Hints for the Airport' I mention wearing something that you can show under your jacket/cardigan. I often see women refusing to remove their jacket as they are wearing a tank or camisole underneath, and don't want to expose themselves.

Yet the TSA rules also refer to 'jacket' in another part of the screening information, and agents are usually calling out 'remove your jacket'. 'Jacket' may cover a wide range of items, and is not necessarily just outerwear.

While many may consider it to be just a blazer or outerwear, most TSA and CATSA agents consider a 'cardigan' to be a jacket. I know that a lot of people who have English as their second language also consider it such - my own family calls a 'cardigan' a 'jacket' in English.

To avoid embarassment or conflict, if the agent asks, be prepared to remove your cardigan.

 

[mrsltg]

Until TSA regularly screens commercial shipments carried on passenger planes, most of what people describe here will do little to make flying safer.

MTE!!! Further, until they institute screening that actually works I am not going to worry about telling them I am wearing a button down sweater with nothing but a bra underneath (and when I do this, they say, 'ok, no problem.')

 

[TJA]

DH has also been chosen every single trip since 9/11 and we finally inquired at the airport why he is always chosen and we were told our last name is on a "list" and so we will always be flagged. It's a common american name, so not sure what "list" we're on, but oh well. We expect it now, so it is not really an inconvenience. However, the first time it happened, our twins were babies and DH had to leave us for a separate screening area and I was literally in tears LOL! I had to fold the stroller for the screening and hold the twins at the same time, as well as take all our shoes off, etc. It was difficult, but we do understand and appreciate the precautions.

 

[NotUrsula]

As I've said here before, if your kids are not old enough/seasoned enough to handle being physically separated from you while you are searched, then it is best if two adults are present, to make it a habit NOT to go through the line together.

The best strategy is to send one adult ahead and then allow at least about 8 other passengers to go through before the second adult, with the kids, enters the scanner gate. That way the first adult will have finished with any secondary screening before the children must go through. When kids are involved everyone should wear slip-on shoes and ONE layer of shirt to make life easier. (If you love cardigan sets, put the camisole in your carryon and just wear the cardigan alone if you can; then go and put the camisole on in the ladies room after you clear TSA.)

If the stroller is a problem let the first parent deal with it, just take the kids out early (and your common sense should tell you to keep the stroller empty of anything other than children before you clear security -- no bags, toys, blankies, etc. still in it when you approach the line. It is a good idea to take the canopy off it at home if you can easily do it; pack it in your checked baggage.)

PS: About being chosen because of appearance: Yes, they do, but not physical appearance unless you look oddly lumpy 'round the middle, as if you were concealing things beneath your clothing. However, your demeanor counts for a LOT -- if you look nervous and do not make eye contact with the TSO's, they may ding you for that.

 

[Grumpy23]

My DH sets off the alarm everytime because he had total knee replacement and now has a titanium knee. They always pull him aside and just keep waving the wand all over. A good 20 people pass us by while this happens every time but we are so used to it by now.

 

[DaisyLynn]

But you ARE to take off your jacket, including cardigans. I wear one most of the time that I fly (weekly) and have only passed through TSA once wearing it.

If you don't comply with the instructions, the chances of being pulled for a secondary screening are much greater.

Well, I'm back. Didn't see this before I left. I never put up a fuss...I just do it and let it go. I am the most easygoing person you may ever meet (or not meet in this case)!

FYI - I was not selected for secondary screening, and I was not asked to take my cardigan off. Like I said, it's more like a long sleeve tee that zips...and is actually quite form fitting. Now, if I were wearing a blazer, parka, fleece, chunky cardigan sweater...then yes, I'd fully expect to remove it. I did see quite a few people with big, heavy hooded sweatshirts not being asked to take them off, which I found to be interesting. I would have certainly put those in the "jacket" category.

 

[jeankeri]

Our family was stopped and searched in December, 2005. Actually, our boys (then 6 & 8) waited for us on the other side of the black rope partition while we were frisked and all our carryons were gone through. Again, just our carry-ons, not the boys. We changed our flight at check-in due to a bad winter storm that closed down our connecting flight's airport. I actually would have preferred if the boys were searched, or even just their carry-ons. It seems to me if you're of the mind to be a matyr, you would sacrifice your children as well.
We have never been flagged again.

 

[keishashadow]

DH & DS have the same 1st & last name (interestingly enough, even though we are not of the faith, typically considered to be Jewish???hope it's not an odd form of racial profiling)...regardless, evidently it's "on the list". They've been yanked nearly every time we travel...leaving me to deal with dragging all the luggage of the screening belt going through security.

The trip DS had to have a transport chair...out of PIT he & DH got taken into an enclosed room for a rather long search. Out of MCO, they asked him to get up out of chair & they turned it upside down, etc.

We welcome any & all security measures; just wish they'd be able to determine that my family isn't a known threat & expend their efforts more wisely? Until then, we're sure to arrive at least 2 hours early to allow for the time-consuming process.

DH & DS have no problem with it, i on the other hand think it's somewhat absurd.