Does anyone else feel like a criminal when going through TSA?

Does anyone else feel like a criminal when going through TSA?


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Orion Nebula

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jun 2, 2020
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1,227
Every time I go through TSA I feel like I need to be extra self aware of everything I do. Like I am hiding something... once I got pulled aside and had a superior come to do an extra inspection of my shoes... which caused my heart rate to sky rocket. Another I had an extended inspection of some skittles... It's such a anxiety inducing event for me overall. Does anyone else get bothered by the process?
 
It depends on the agents. When they're friendly and seem to be in a good mood I'm not nervous at all. Same with customs. Some agents seem to enjoy making everyone feel like a criminal.
 
Not really, though I do have pre-check, which helps. For some reason they always need to wand my right leg - not sure why. usually the agents are very pleasant about things, but ocassionally they are not. It can depend on the airport too. Our airport isn't typically that busy, so it's relatively calm at security most of the time.
 
Not that exactly how you describe but I am quite terrified of being physically groped etc. which is allowed by the process. I never like being touched by strangers in any way so deliberately putting myself into a situation where I could be manhandled like a prisoner simply because I am in the scope of a TSA agent having a bad day, feeling some kind of way or who doesn't like the way I am looking on any given day just puts me over the edge. We have the Global Entry and all and I would literally rather them give me an x-ray or pay for a MRI than be touched like I see in the news and on TV etc.

I don't get why my rights are suspended just by being in the building at this point.
 

I've never felt like a criminal, or thought I was doing something "wrong". I've had nice, friendly, joking agents, and I've had rude agents. I've had my shoes swabbed, I've been wanded, and I've been "frisked". I've had my bags opened and searched.

I've never really understood the hate/fear some have of TSA. I remember metal detectors and security WELL before TSA was in existence. There are some "good" TSA officers and some "poor". Funny, I run into "good" and "poor" people in every place I do business.
 
Not that exactly how you describe but I am quite terrified of being physically groped etc. which is allowed by the process. I never like being touched by strangers in any way so deliberately putting myself into a situation where I could be manhandled like a prisoner simply because I am in the scope of a TSA agent having a bad day, feeling some kind of way or who doesn't like the way I am looking on any given day just puts me over the edge. We have the Global Entry and all and I would literally rather them give me an x-ray or pay for a MRI than be touched like I see in the news and on TV etc.

I don't get why my rights are suspended just by being in the building at this point.
Plus standing there, getting patted down every which way, while dozens of people go by.
 
I've never really understood the hate/fear some have of TSA. I remember metal detectors and security WELL before TSA was in existence. There are some "good" TSA officers and some "poor". Funny, I run into "good" and "poor" people in every place I do business.
Because they aren't trained with the same degree of care as other people in such positions of authority. Airports are like a police state but there are no police, just a bunch of people with lots of power and little oversight and seemingly no accountability.

I wish this would go to court, I bet the whole process would be banned.

I would rather the National Guard do it if it the practice is going to continue, then just call it what it is, martial law in the airports.
 
If possible try not to come across as nervous or anxious, because that in itself is often a red flag for the TSA that will result in extra scrutiny. And if you are not already in TSA Pre, join it, as that takes a lot of stress out of the process.
 
Because they aren't trained with the same degree of care as other people in such positions of authority. Airports are like a police state but there are no police, just a bunch of people with lots of power and little oversight and seemingly no accountability.

I wish this would go to court, I bet the whole process would be banned
What process? Security? Like I said, as long as I can remember, there's been security at airports. And, if you're willing to bet that, find a lawyer and go to court.

I don't get why my rights are suspended just by being in the building at this point.
EXACTLY what rights are being suspended?
 
What process? Security? Like I said, as long as I can remember, there's been security at airports. And, if you're willing to bet that, find a lawyer and go to court.


EXACTLY what rights are being suspended?
Seriously? You think this can happen at Walmart? You really see no suspension of rights we would otherwise have literally anyplace else in the US?
 
Seriously? You think this can happen at Walmart? You really see no suspension of rights we would otherwise have literally anyplace else in the US?

I believe crux of the matter is that you do have the right to refuse to be physically screened, but then they have the right to deny you entry to the airport security perimeter.
 
Seriously? You think this can happen at Walmart? You really see no suspension of rights we would otherwise have literally anyplace else in the US?
Actually, yes, it can. If Walmart (any business) wants to put in security checks to that level, they can. Then it's the customer's decision on whether to patronize that business.

So again, exactly what rights do you think are being violated?
 
Funny, I run into "good" and "poor" people in every place I do business.
True, but those "poor" humans we run into in every day life aren't usually putting their hands on my body.

I respect people that are freaked out by having minimally trained people pat them down. It doesn't bother me, but I can see how it could be stressful for so many.
 
Flying without ID (lost the day before the trip) - felt totally at ease even with all the extra screening and pat downs.

Flying on accident with a bottle of conditioner - OMG, was made to feel like I was the most horrible, sneaky person in the world.

So, it just depends for me.
 
I guess I've been lucky. I can't remember the last time I got a physical "pat down". Been wanded and sent back through the detector, but it's been years since I was actually touched by TSA (in fact, the last time might have been prior to the creation of the TSA).
 
I got patted down, frisked, whatever you call it at the Detroit airport last year when flying to South Carolina, I had a used Kleenex way down in my capri pants pocket when going thru. I had emptied all my pockets but that had somehow manage to escape. She even put some stuff on my hands to see if I was carrying explosives! I wasn't. :)

In all the times I have flown, that was a first.
 
If Walmart chose to add a security line and patdowns in their entrances, there is nothing stopping them from doing so.
Pretty sure this isn't true, but then again, after 20 years first, I'd say the imminent threat is gone and second, the practice really should be paraded in front of the courts for review.

We have 3 branches for a reason, they are supposed to keep each other in check, time for a checkup.
Today is no longer 2001.
 
I should've known this would've devolved into a more interesting debatable subject.... LOL

I wanted to add that I feel the same when when I am being followed closely by a cop. I start to become hyper-aware of everything I am doing and get a bit anxious. But I am a pretty anxious person in general so that doesn't help I am sure. :)

But ya, the touching thing is weird. I can imagine there are a lot of people not pleased with the process and feel pretty horrible about it. I have never gotten groped, although I imagine men don't as much.
 
I believe crux of the matter is that you do have the right to refuse to be physically screened, but then they have the right to deny you entry to the airport security perimeter.
Actually, yes, it can. If Walmart (any business) wants to put in security checks to that level, they can. Then it's the customer's decision on whether to patronize that business.

So again, exactly what rights do you think are being violated?
So you both are going to double down on the idea that if you were to walk into a Walmart for Eggs or to pick up a Moneygram there, or to make a MoneyGram type payment at your local bank or pick up eggs from a local farmer - then it would be legitimate if someone who is an employee decides to just strip search you and detain you without explanation and without needing to answer to any authorities for a sexual battery charge?

OK, I accept that this is how you see it and have no desire to change your minds but I respectfully disagree and feel this is precisely why the courts need to review now, 20+ years after implementation. To me there are awful stories out there and I think the whole thing should be settled.

T W E N T Y Y E A R S and never made its way through the courts.
 












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