Federal Airport Screener can answer questions

[bmartin1206]

I am once again posting to offer my help in answering questions that pertain to airport security for passenger screening and baggage screening. The biggest thing I still see is film packed in checked luggage. The machines will generally ruin this film. Don't take a chance and carry it on or put it in a protective bag.

Brian

 

[Jillpie]

Hi Brian and thanks for your help. I've always packed a small suitcase for water and various snack foods and cereals. Is this really a no-no now or will it be ok?

 

[Swamp_Fox]

Not a question, but a big thank you. Thanks for watching our backs. I know profiling is wrong in some peoples eyes but it's fine with me so profile away.

Larry

 

[bmartin1206]

Although they discourage packing food it is still OK to do so. The problem is the machines often detect it as a possible threat based on the CT and Xray readings. Still it's not of any concern. Tey're not going to drag you off of the plane for it. They're just suggesting ways to keep us from potentially having to open luggage unnecessarily.

Brian

 

[sorcerormickey]

This whole issue of not locking your checked luggage really upsets me!!!!! What about the stories you read/hear about things missing out of peoples bage when they get home? I am too scared to pack anything (even clothes) and have it checked. But, we take loooong vacations, so it is a must. How do we protect ourselves from that? And why is it OK for screeners to open up peoples bags and go thru them without the owner present??? That is what angers me the most.

Thanks for your input - nice to have someone to answer these questions.

 

[Rexfan]

When I flew in Oct. my underwire bra didn't set off any alarms. I'm going to be flying cross country in a couple of weeks and keep hearing that that's become more of an issue. I'm wondering if I am going to have an embarrassment or should I change?

 

[LindaR]

I have a question. I have titanium screws in my lower spine. My doctor has provided a letter for me describing what's going on. He said that the security may still ask to see my scars as proof! Holy cow! Like I want to pull my pants down so someone can see the 7 inch scar from the crack (pardon me) up and then show the scar on my hip? Is this true? I have not flown since 9/11 and since my spinal surgery.

 

[peg2001]

Why must lightweight jackets with plastic zippers and/or buttons be removed to go through security? I was surprised when I was asked to remove the lightweight jackets from myself and my children before we could go through the metal detector.

Peggy

 

[Gary M]

Brian, I will be going through IND on March 16. Will be flying SWA to MSY. I have flown probably 6 times, since new screeners were hired. I have found the new screeners to be so much more professional and many notches above the previous rent-a-cops.

Keep-up the good work.

 

[Mark P.]

Hi Brian, Thanks for your input here...I've got a couple of questions for ya

1) Is it frowned upon to pack clothing in large zip-lock bags or the Space Bags? It sounds like a good idea at first, but if a piece of luggage is to be searched, doesn't that require opening the zip-locks to ensure a thorough search?

2) I know that the using of locks are discouraged on suitcases, but which method (if any) is the preferred way to keep the zippers together, and at the same time, making it easy for a screener to open if necessary?
I guess what I'm asking is what are most travelers doing in that regard, and what do you prefer they use?

I'm going with simple twist-ties, as I'm not comfortable in leaving our luggage totally unsecured, and feel that something small like twist-ties are better than nothing at all.

Thanks again!

-Mark

 

[smileybrat]

keep up the good work brain. i would rather be slightly delayed by something going off that's not dangerous and feel safe flying. that's why they tell you to get to the airport early. i'm still not a big fan of keeping your luggage unlocked though.

 

[missymouse3367]

Sorry I am under my wifes log in. I am bmartin1206 with TSA. I can't get logged in.

Linda R - Titabium screws will likely set the alarm off but it is very unlikely we will need to see any scars nor is it necessary to show proof of any such surgeries since we no longer accept that as "proof". We will physically feel the area of alarm if necessary to resolve the issue. You may mention you have screws in that area to alert the screener. They will pat down that area with the back of their hand as needed (in your case this will be a female screener). You may ask for a private screening if you wish but I don't see it as an issue to be nervous about.

Rexfan - Underwire bras usually alarm with the hand held alarms. You wouldn't see those unless you set off the walk through alarm. The common reasons women set off the walk through and then blame it on their bras is for any type of dress shoes or excessive jewlery or metal belts. Trust me when I say take all shoes except tennis shoes. Metal support in the soles will trigger most alarms causing further screening. Just because they didn't at some other time in some other airport doesn't mean they won't at all. If you do alarm it is same sex sceening and they may gently feel the alarming area with the back of their hand to resolve the alarm. You may also ask for a private screening. It is not usually an issue with any women I've seen.


Sorcerormickey - You may secure your bag with plastic ties or tape. If it does not set off an alarm we will not be opening it and it remains secure as you left it. Should it set off an alarm, we will re-secure the bag after inspection.
The best answer I can give you as to why it's ok for us to do what we do without you present is because it is in the best interest and safety of the flying public. If you're a suicide bomber you're not going to care too much were it goes off. Ideally on the plane but if not in the plane how about in the lobby where the risk is just a big. We are in a secure area with your luggage. Everyone of us has had an extensive background check from local authorties to the FBI and while theft is still a possibility as it is in every sector of our communities, it is not likely. The caliber of people are better. I suspect we get blamed for many things missing that were simply misplaced or not packed.

 

[amid chaos]

DD and I will be flying to Indianapolis in 3 weeks.. I'll wave to ya!

We will just have carry-ons since it will be a very short 2 day trip.

 

[smileybrat]

opps. i called you brain instead of brian. sorry.

 

[missymouse3367]

Sorry I am under my wifes log in. I am bmartin1206 with TSA. I can't get logged in.


Thanks smileybrat...I'll wave back amid chaos...Thanks for your support SwampFox...thanks Gary M.

Mark P. - We like zip locks but it is true that if it may be necessary to take items out of zip locks to resolve any issue we may have. Often it is not necessary though.
If you would like to have your bag secure we prefer you use plastic wire ties. You can get them from any automotive shop or discount store...not bread ties. They are easily cut if it becomes necessary and the screener should replace it with a plastic tie or other tamper evident method. IN all honesty the plastic ties are just as secure if not more so than most of the locks on suit cases.

Peg2001 - There is still some inconsistancis as to whether it's heavy jackes suit jackets light jackets etc but the main reason for all is because things can easily be hidden and undetected in a jacket.

 

[Mark P.]

Thanks Brian! And Thanks for helping to keep everyone safe in the skies, too

 

[sorcerormickey]

Thanks so much for your time Brian!!!!

I feel a lot better about packing - I will just have to pack only clothes, etc.. in my check-ins and pack any valuables in my carry-on.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cthia]

Thanks Brian for : 1. Helping to keep us safe. 2. For the Information.

I had no idea they are not letting us lock our luggage anymore. That must have changed since Dec. I guess we will have to learn to be trusting and send our bags thru unlocked. At least we know that everyone is having background checks so that makes us feel safe.

Keep up the good work.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I just flew from ORD to SLC and back again in the last week with no problems.

In ORD they actually opened our checked luggage in front of us (and everyone else) and searched it. And after they were done they put the plastic ties on the zippers for us to keep them from opening up. Which I thought was nice.
We had to remove our coats (DH, DD, and I) when we went through the screeners. People who had one hard soled shoes had to remove them also. We wore our tennis shoes.
At SLC our checked luggage was "wiped" off with a little towel thing and then put into a machine. I think it was to detect suspicious chemicals or something. They did not search our bags in front of us.

We got through check-in and security quite fast. I was really impressed with all of the procedures used and the people we delt with.

 

[Muffin]

Originally posted by missymouse3367
Sorry I am under my wifes log in. I am bmartin1206 with TSA. I can't get logged in.

If you would like to have your bag secure we prefer you use plastic wire ties. You can get them from any automotive shop or discount store...not bread ties. They are easily cut if it becomes necessary and the screener should replace it with a plastic tie or other tamper evident method. IN all honesty the plastic ties are just as secure if not more so than most of the locks on suit cases.

This is what confuses me.

How do we cut these plastic wire ties off ourself when we get to our destination? We're not allowed to carry scissors on to the plane and if we pack them in our checked luggage, how do we get them out?

Also, should bottles of liquor be checked or carried-on?

Thanks for your help.