has anyone missed their flight home because of security lines?

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

MCO lacks security . . . they replaced it with TSA screening.

Great Post!
I don't think it's scarcastic. I think it's true. TSA screening is all "theater" to convince folks that 'we do something'

Let's think about this..

Would a terriorst fly under a "known" ID or would they steal my id and fly as me?
Are ALL airline and airport employees automatically "trustworthy" and therefore allowed to bring the "dreaded" liquids into the terminal.. (remember the liquid bomb plotters included an airport employee and airline employees have been known to pull some bonehead things)
Since when is "harrassment" equal to security? Is the ablity to SCREAM some type of proof that "I can provide security"?

Those of us who fly a lot watch this with the sure knowlege that it's NOT really doing much to protect us. Sure we are safer now then a few years ago, but that's due to REAL law enforcement efforts not "harrassment" by the TSA!

Good security would be "preventative" not "reactive" All the TSA does is "react" to things already done. Would a terrorist ever have a new idea?

 

[CPT Tripss]

Thank you . . .

Now back to the shoe wars and the war on water.

 

[sam_gordon]

Great Post!
I don't think it's scarcastic. I think it's true. TSA screening is all "theater" to convince folks that 'we do something'

Let's think about this..

Would a terriorst fly under a "known" ID or would they steal my id and fly as me?
Are ALL airline and airport employees automatically "trustworthy" and therefore allowed to bring the "dreaded" liquids into the terminal.. (remember the liquid bomb plotters included an airport employee and airline employees have been known to pull some bonehead things)
Since when is "harrassment" equal to security? Is the ablity to SCREAM some type of proof that "I can provide security"?

Those of us who fly a lot watch this with the sure knowlege that it's NOT really doing much to protect us. Sure we are safer now then a few years ago, but that's due to REAL law enforcement efforts not "harrassment" by the TSA!

Good security would be "preventative" not "reactive" All the TSA does is "react" to things already done. Would a terrorist ever have a new idea?

Are we really going to get into all this again?

Let's see... since NONE of what TSA does prevents any kind of attack (correct me if I'm wrong), let's just do away with all of it. That should be good, right?

How come you're not up in arms about Disney's bag check? Isn't that just "security theater" also? Let's be honest, if someone wants to attack Disney, it wouldn't take much for them to learn not to put their weapons in a backpack.

Who's with me? No more Disney bag checks! Come on, they don't do any good. And did you read the thread about some security officers DIGGING DEEP INTO BAGS and others TAKING A QUICK LOOK? There's no CONSISTENCY between locations. Does Disney publicize what they're looking for? Sure they say what's not allowed in the parks, but is that ALL they're are looking for?

For any new readers, my last three paragraphs are strictly sarcasm and should not be taken as a legitimate rant to get rid of the TSA or bag checks at Disney parks.

 

[sam_gordon]

BTW, I would like to point out, we just flew back from MCO on Monday. Flight was scheduled for 7:30P. ME pickup time was 4:25. ME bus showed up at resort at 4:30P. We made two other stops before heading to the airport.

Stopped at Disney's Earport for a last minute gift before going through security. Were still at the gate with an hour or so to spare.

 

[disfan07]

We flew out of LAX some years back and were a little irritated when an employee came down the line to pull out all the people whose flights were leaving within the hour. On one hand I'm sure it's lovely that they didn't miss their flights but on the other hand, there were people who had *just* gotten in line. It's like they knew they'd be allowed to skip the queue so why bother showing up on time? I'm glad it sounds like that has been put to rest.

If you do not live in LA and don't drive in the traffic everyday, you have no idea that no matter how much you plan, LA traffic is unpredictable at best. We live what should be about an hour drive to LAX. We usually leave the house about 4 1/2 hours before our flight. That gives us 2 1/2 hours to get there, park and get to the terminal and still get there 2 hours before the flight. On one of the trips we left the house about 4 1/2 hours before the flight. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get there and another 45 mins to park and get the shuttle to the terminal. That put us with only about an hour before our flight. We had no idea that there would be an accident on the 405. And a scetion of sepulveda blvd was closed for construction so we couldn't take the alternate route.

So sometimes people who are "just" getting into line an hour before their flight have a good reason. I just hate these general assumptions about people.

So at LAX, it still happens that they will pull people if they are within the hour. USUALLY, it only happens during busy times. We've also been pulled out in the security line because we are within 30 mins. of our flight because the check in line was long, security was long, etc. We got to the airport once 2 1/2 hours before our flight. We stood in the check in line for probably more than 90 minutes which only gave us an hour to get to our flight. And if the check in line was 90 mins you can only guess how bad the security lines were. I have found LAX to be one of the most accomodating airports that we have dealt with.

 

[seashoreCM]

As far back as 2002 there was mention of getting Disney (the corporation) involved in developing solutions to the security waiting lines.

I would question why no solutions have been developed and it is nearly ten years later.

And whatever happened to the idea of security line appointments printed with your boarding passes and put under your door with the Magical Express confirmation, day before checkout?

If a meal is your last or second to last activity at Disney, delay/skip it until after you clear security. There is a food court in the gate rotunda at the far end of the airport tram ride. This way you can leave earlier.

You can always request and get a Magical Express bus earlier than the usual 3 hours in advance of your flight; ask at least 2 days in advance. The usual corrections of mistakes on your confirmation are still available, open, and permissible the morning before checkout when you get said confirmation.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Sam - Disney "security" at park entry and at resort entry IS "Security Theater" in the sense it does not prevent anything dangerous from entering. At best it avoids parking problems. They spent more time looking at the can of "dust buster" in my camera bag than they did looking at the tote and diaper bags our friends had. That's why I now just put stuff in my pockets.

On a theoretical note (imagineering?) Take one of those "SUV" strollers, employ the old VC trick of packing explosives into the frame tubes, park in a spot along the parade route, detonate. No way the gate check would catch that.

 

[Mama Who]

If you do not live in LA and don't drive in the traffic everyday, you have no idea that no matter how much you plan, LA traffic is unpredictable at best. We live what should be about an hour drive to LAX. We usually leave the house about 4 1/2 hours before our flight. That gives us 2 1/2 hours to get there, park and get to the terminal and still get there 2 hours before the flight. On one of the trips we left the house about 4 1/2 hours before the flight. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get there and another 45 mins to park and get the shuttle to the terminal. That put us with only about an hour before our flight. We had no idea that there would be an accident on the 405. And a scetion of sepulveda blvd was closed for construction so we couldn't take the alternate route.

So sometimes people who are "just" getting into line an hour before their flight have a good reason. I just hate these general assumptions about people.

Sorry, no. As people who don't live there and don't know the traffic we STILL managed to get there at the appointed time and wait in line as we'd been told to do. If we could do it, so could others.

 

[sam_gordon]

Sam - Disney "security" at park entry and at resort entry IS "Security Theater" in the sense it does not prevent anything dangerous from entering. At best it avoids parking problems. They spent more time looking at the can of "dust buster" in my camera bag than they did looking at the tote and diaper bags our friends had. That's why I now just put stuff in my pockets.

But isn't one of your (and others) pushes against the TSA is because IT is "security theater"? Haven't you (and others, sorry, I get people confused) made claims that the TSA couldn't stop/prevent a terrorist attack? But that's exactly what Disney is doing. So why aren't people up in arms against Disney's bag checks?

 

[bumbershoot]

Sorry, no. As people who don't live there and don't know the traffic we STILL managed to get there at the appointed time and wait in line as we'd been told to do. If we could do it, so could others.

So then you were lucky the one time you did it. Others who live there aren't lucky the 100 times they do it.

Sure, sometimes they are going to get people who just didn't care to leave early...but isn't that OK if they can keep others, who truly tried their hardest, from missing their flights? I think it is.

 

[maxiesmom]

So then you were lucky the one time you did it. Others who live there aren't lucky the 100 times they do it.

Sure, sometimes they are going to get people who just didn't care to leave early...but isn't that OK if they can keep others, who truly tried their hardest, from missing their flights? I think it is.

And Orlando has been know to cull the lines too. I've been waiting in line before when they have gone thru asking for specific flight numbers. I think it is rather nice that they do that, and probably makes perfect sense to them. They would rather have people on the flights they have reservations for, than to spend time trying to place them on another flight.

Sometimes stuff happens that makes even people who are always early for their flights late. If the airline wants to pull them from line so they make their flights, more power to them.

 

[Dax]

I was in Philly airport coming home to FL once...I arrived 2.5 hrs early for my flight, as instructed...The return on my rental car hit a major snag that gobbled up almost 2hrs of my alloted time to get to my gate...

When I arrived at the terminal, the line for TSA was SUPER long, and my plane was going to be boarding within the next 10min. I spoke to the TSA agent in charge, and they let me pass...Not without a look...but I showed them proof as I had timestamps from the rental car agency..and they let me through so I did not miss my flight...

I have seen passengers at MCO do the same thing...Its up to the TSA agent if they let you through

 

[goofy4tink]

Please do not accuse me of violating board rules.

Yep, you're good, so far. Believe me, if there were to be a violation, you would know about it...

Great Post!
I don't think it's scarcastic. I think it's true. TSA screening is all "theater" to convince folks that 'we do something'

Let's think about this..

Would a terriorst fly under a "known" ID or would they steal my id and fly as me?
Are ALL airline and airport employees automatically "trustworthy" and therefore allowed to bring the "dreaded" liquids into the terminal.. (remember the liquid bomb plotters included an airport employee and airline employees have been known to pull some bonehead things)
Since when is "harrassment" equal to security? Is the ablity to SCREAM some type of proof that "I can provide security"?

Those of us who fly a lot watch this with the sure knowlege that it's NOT really doing much to protect us. Sure we are safer now then a few years ago, but that's due to REAL law enforcement efforts not "harrassment" by the TSA!

Good security would be "preventative" not "reactive" All the TSA does is "react" to things already done. Would a terrorist ever have a new idea?

Understood, completely. But what is the alternative??? No security at all? Just allow everything and anything through, with no checks?? I think there is a lot of 'preventative' security going on, we just don't see it. And no, I'm certainly not being naive or pixiedust filled. Obviously, someone that is willing to die in order to bring down an American plane will be able to do it. And there isn't much you can do to prevent that. TSA screenings pretty much keep the honest honest...for the most part. And it's the same thing for the parks....if someone really wants to get something in, to do harm with, they will. Bag checks keep the honest honest.
Do any of these security measures make us safer??? I can't say with any authority. But, here's the thing...I'm not so sure I want to go without and see what happens then.
Let me ask you (as I open a huge can of worms here), for the sake of discussion (and please let's keep it polite)...what would you suggest to be 'good' security measures vs security theater?? I am not being sarcastic..I'm truly curious. I would be very interested to hear what others think security at the airports should be.

As far back as 2002 there was mention of getting Disney (the corporation) involved in developing solutions to the security waiting lines.

I would question why no solutions have been developed and it is nearly ten years later.

And whatever happened to the idea of security line appointments printed with your boarding passes and put under your door with the Magical Express confirmation, day before checkout?

If a meal is your last or second to last activity at Disney, delay/skip it until after you clear security. There is a food court in the gate rotunda at the far end of the airport tram ride. This way you can leave earlier.

You can always request and get a Magical Express bus earlier than the usual 3 hours in advance of your flight; ask at least 2 days in advance. The usual corrections of mistakes on your confirmation are still available, open, and permissible the morning before checkout when you get said confirmation.

Seriously??? Disney is going to get involved in security lines at MCO??? NOt surprised nothing came of that bogus idea. And I have never heard of 'security line appointments' being listed on anything Disney gives you. In all the times I've used DME (and that is a ton) I have yet to have boarding passes left for me. I have always had to go to RAC and do them myself. Anything else is pretty much in violation of some rule...you know, the one where you are asked for ID??? Sure, some people have gotten a type of boarding pass, but I'm not at all sure that it's the final one they use at security.

Disney needs to stay out of airport business. Unless they are going to have a dedicated security line..and it would have to be multiple lines, nothing will change. Add to that.....while some of us here are experienced fliers, many that are at MCO are not. So even those 'dedicated' Disney guest security lines would be bogged down as well. It usually isn't the TSA that is causing the bogging down. It's those travelers that are truly clueless. They have no idea what they are doing, and when they get stopped and questioned, they either get all belligerant, or they get confused and frazzled.

 

[Dax]

Seriously??? Disney is going to get involved in security lines at MCO??? NOt surprised nothing came of that bogus idea. And I have never heard of 'security line appointments' being listed on anything Disney gives you. In all the times I've used DME (and that is a ton) I have yet to have boarding passes left for me. I have always had to go to RAC and do them myself. Anything else is pretty much in violation of some rule...you know, the one where you are asked for ID??? Sure, some people have gotten a type of boarding pass, but I'm not at all sure that it's the final one they use at security.

Disney needs to stay out of airport business. Unless they are going to have a dedicated security line..and it would have to be multiple lines, nothing will change. Add to that.....while some of us here are experienced fliers, many that are at MCO are not. So even those 'dedicated' Disney guest security lines would be bogged down as well. It usually isn't the TSA that is causing the bogging down. It's those travelers that are truly clueless. They have no idea what they are doing, and when they get stopped and questioned, they either get all belligerant, or they get confused and frazzled.

From my understanding...MCO is looking to dump TSA and hire a private company...they are already using them in certain places in the airport...Next time you are down at baggage claim, notice the security checkpoints leading into the bag room are NOT manned by TSA, but by a MUCH friendlier private company. Word is they will be replacing all of TSA at some point...

 

[CPT Tripss]

But isn't one of your (and others) pushes against the TSA is because IT is "security theater"? Haven't you (and others, sorry, I get people confused) made claims that the TSA couldn't stop/prevent a terrorist attack? But that's exactly what Disney is doing. So why aren't people up in arms against Disney's bag checks?

I know that I am not the only one who views WDW searches unfavorably. Frankly, if someone decides to commit violence (small or large scale) on Disney property, the existing security will not stop it.

That said, government operatives (Airport Security Screeners) violating 4th amendment protections is, to me, much more serious.

 

[CPT Tripss]

From my understanding...MCO is looking to dump TSA and hire a private company...they are already using them in certain places in the airport...Next time you are down at baggage claim, notice the security checkpoints leading into the bag room are NOT manned by TSA, but by a MUCH friendlier private company. Word is they will be replacing all of TSA at some point...

Didn't Pistole say "NO."

 

[Dax]

Didn't Pistole say "NO."

No clue....but the private company has been in place for a few months, and they are so pleasent...always with a Hello, Good Morning, and have a good day when leaving for the afternoon!

 

[LadyBeBop]

If a meal is your last or second to last activity at Disney, delay/skip it until after you clear security. There is a food court in the gate rotunda at the far end of the airport tram ride. This way you can leave earlier.

Perhaps, but if you're on the meal plan, you've already paid for that meal that you're not going to eat onsite. And I'm pretty sure that those food court restaurants won't take the meal plan.

Of course this isn't an excuse, but I'm sure most folks would rather eat their last meal at a character breakfast rather than an overpriced McDonald's at the airport. Or, in other words...there's no pixie dust at the airport going home.

 

[maxiesmom]

Perhaps, but if you're on the meal plan, you've already paid for that meal that you're not going to eat onsite. And I'm pretty sure that those food court restaurants won't take the meal plan.

Of course this isn't an excuse, but I'm sure most folks would rather eat their last meal at a character breakfast rather than an overpriced McDonald's at the airport. Or, in other words...there's no pixie dust at the airport going home.

Oh I don't know about that. Our last meal in Orlando always seems to be at the Burger King in the airport. We watch the planes take off and land and have our cheapest meal in days!

 

[SaraJayne]

Yep, you're good, so far. Believe me, if there were to be a violation, you would know about it...


Understood, completely. But what is the alternative??? No security at all? Just allow everything and anything through, with no checks?? I think there is a lot of 'preventative' security going on, we just don't see it. And no, I'm certainly not being naive or pixiedust filled. Obviously, someone that is willing to die in order to bring down an American plane will be able to do it. And there isn't much you can do to prevent that. TSA screenings pretty much keep the honest honest...for the most part. And it's the same thing for the parks....if someone really wants to get something in, to do harm with, they will. Bag checks keep the honest honest.
Do any of these security measures make us safer??? I can't say with any authority. But, here's the thing...I'm not so sure I want to go without and see what happens then.
Let me ask you (as I open a huge can of worms here), for the sake of discussion (and please let's keep it polite)...what would you suggest to be 'good' security measures vs security theater?? I am not being sarcastic..I'm truly curious. I would be very interested to hear what others think security at the airports should be.



Seriously??? Disney is going to get involved in security lines at MCO??? NOt surprised nothing came of that bogus idea. And I have never heard of 'security line appointments' being listed on anything Disney gives you. In all the times I've used DME (and that is a ton) I have yet to have boarding passes left for me. I have always had to go to RAC and do them myself. Anything else is pretty much in violation of some rule...you know, the one where you are asked for ID??? Sure, some people have gotten a type of boarding pass, but I'm not at all sure that it's the final one they use at security.

Disney needs to stay out of airport business. Unless they are going to have a dedicated security line..and it would have to be multiple lines, nothing will change. Add to that.....while some of us here are experienced fliers, many that are at MCO are not. So even those 'dedicated' Disney guest security lines would be bogged down as well. It usually isn't the TSA that is causing the bogging down. It's those travelers that are truly clueless. They have no idea what they are doing, and when they get stopped and questioned, they either get all belligerant, or they get confused and frazzled.

On our most recent trip (a few weeks ago) our SWA boarding passes were left for us in with our DME info.

We used those boarding passes all the way through security and onto the plane.