MCO to begin using the new scanners within next 2-3 weeks

[LyssaLovesStitch]

the last time my DH flew out of our local airport, he was selected for additional screening. When he asked the TSA agent why he was picked, he was told, verbatium, "you were number 10, so we picked you".

Seems to be random, unless there is something about you that concerns the TSA agent or unless they're just being an ***. I have no doubt that some of them are - I've not encountered any that have given me grief - maybe because I'm such a bad flyer in terms of nerves, they figure I'm probably not going to do anything (I'm generally a basketcase and crying, or sniffling from where I've stopped crying, with red eyes, and an exhausted face). Everyone I've encountered has been kind, or if not kind, at least businesslike and just gone on about their day.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

You may have bypassed security screening but you were violating federal law in doing so. Remember what mom says... just because 'everyone' is doing it doesn't mean you ought to.

As a result of the demise of PSA flight 1771 on December 7, 1987, the FAA required terminated airline and airport employees' credentials to be seized immediately and subjected air crews to the same security screening as passengers. This went into effect in January 1988. It also prompted the Aviation Security Act of 1990, wherein airport operators were required to implement strict access controls to include media, electronic monitoring, additional background screening for badges and further defined the roles and responsibilities of the FAA, the airport operators and the carriers.

While I'm sure you enjoy flying for free, those who pay to fly (and keep your husband employed by doing so) and aren't at the mercy of space available like you are, as well as other non-revs, appreciate some respect during the screening process. Let's not forget that nearly every airport in the US receives federal grants... so you and hubby are also paying for these machines... one way or another. Happy dancing.

No I worked for the airline from 91-93 I was 21. I quit to go to nursing school. I never went through security. We entered a door by baggage claim when out the ramp and up the stairs to the jetway. Everybody did it. When I took flights I put my own bag on the plane. Never put it through security. Things have only changed recently since 911. So your .44 magnum theory doesn't hold water. My Dh works for the airline so I have a pretty good idea how things have changed and how employees feel about it. For me personally not so much of a big deal. I fly for free. I'll do a little dance for them if it makes their day. You guys are the ones that have to pay to be seen naked and I would expect airline taxes and to keep increasing to pay for all these wonderful machines. Happy flying.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Not all employees are screened now; only employees who will be flying are required to undergo TSA screening when accessing the sterile area. I walk through access doors in airports about 50 times a week. If I am already in the sterile area and plan to be onboard, I walk out and get screened with my carry ons. Otherwise I am free access any area of the airport my credentials allow me to without going near the TSA checkpoint.

Not true all employees are screened now. More so then passengers. Whenever they do one of their silly color coded security increase you know yellow to orange or however it goes. My dh gets the old pat down by the not so straight guy(true story) at security. While other passengers are just randomly picked for pat down.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

And without mentioning names...

I bet you would be shocked to know there are people on the DIS - heck, on the Transportation board, even on this specific thread - who work for airlines or the TSA and have absolute knowledge (not just married to airline employees, not just with a pretty good idea) how things have changed and how employees feel about the changes.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

TSA screeners do not carry firearms as part of their duties. TSA screeners and supervisers have the same access to secure and sterile areas of airports that airport employees have in varying degrees. They are not allowed to carry through (or bypass) security with firearms. Those caught are subject to arrest and immediate confiscation of access media.

Only law enforcement personnel (FAMs, patrolling PD) are allowed to bypass security with firearms whether they are flying or not, though it is a violation of their own organizations' rules to carry when not working.

TSA employees have brought guns through, or around, the security checkpoints. Why don't they get screened?

 

[rie'smom]

There are no words that I can say to undo what you experienced. Travel with DH or a very good friend and have them present as a witness (and for emotional support if you get "selected." Look for the lines that feed into the WTMDs at the airport if at all possible.

Be well.

Walk Through Metal Detectors

I feel bad for you. I'm sure their are many flyers that have experienced what you did, and feel the same way. If your airport doesn't have the xrays. There is a small chance you might be randomly picked for a pat down. Hopefully a mom travelling with her children will be left alone. I have never been chosen traveling with my kids only when I've been alone. You would hope the tsa agents have some common sense.Good luck. Try not to worry.

Thanks for the support. 99% of the time I'm fine. If I don't have a panic attack, all will be well. If I feel one coming on, I can usually catch myself. Maybe if it does happen I'll have an understanding TSA person.
I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

 

[princesspeach]

You may have bypassed security screening but you were violating federal law in doing so. Remember what mom says... just because 'everyone' is doing it doesn't mean you ought to.

As a result of the demise of PSA flight 1771 on December 7, 1987, the FAA required terminated airline and airport employees' credentials to be seized immediately and subjected air crews to the same security screening as passengers. This went into effect in January 1988. It also prompted the Aviation Security Act of 1990, wherein airport operators were required to implement strict access controls to include media, electronic monitoring, additional background screening for badges and further defined the roles and responsibilities of the FAA, the airport operators and the carriers.

While I'm sure you enjoy flying for free, those who pay to fly (and keep your husband employed by doing so) and aren't at the mercy of space available like you are, as well as other non-revs, appreciate some respect during the screening process. Let's not forget that nearly every airport in the US receives federal grants... so you and hubby are also paying for these machines... one way or another. Happy dancing.

. I think I apologized in a previous thread for my sarasm. If I didn't I will do it now. All I can go by is my experience when I worked for the airline. Call me a liar if you wan't, but that was my experience.If me and my coworkers broke laws. I was not aware of it and at this point I really don't care it was 18 years ago. I agree everyone deserves respect. I will also agree we pay to many taxes most of them I don't like. I am glad you are willing to fly and endure the difficulties involved with it. Yes it does keep my husband employed and I thank you for that. My dh gets screened everytime he goes to work, but he works for the airline and boards the plane. That was what I was referring to, I would assume anybody that has contact with the plan would get screened.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The why? Because, essentially, TSA employees are airport-based employees and undergo the same criminal background check prior to receiving their access media that airline and actual employees of the government agencies that operate the airports do. Airline employees who do not fly but board the aircraft for purposes of boarding pax, stowing luggage, and making sure the flight crew has what they need also do not go through screening. The TSA's directives for airport operators allows this.

Thanks Dax . . . but I was hoping to hear from one of the resident experts on TSA the answer to "why?"

 

[princesspeach]

I have a question: Do the TSAs get to pick who they scan, or is it just luck of the draw? As in, you are number 48 thru the check-point, and today that person gets scanned?

I have no idea? I was just offering support to the poster and trying to make her feel better. Whats your point?

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I fly for a couple of reasons; one, it's part of my job. Two, I have places to go and people to see. I don't pay to fly, so I'm not the one keeping your husband employed. I have great respect for the majority of the paying, flying public. Without them I wouldn't have a job, either. The TSA requires only employees who are flying to be screened, but it sounds like your husband's employing airline has stricter rules. That's their prerogative.

I am not calling you a liar, I am merely pointing out the fact that your employer allowed you to break the law... probably for the purpose of facilitating your movement through the airport and on to the aircraft. Laws are now in place that eliminate those past practices.

. I think I apologized in a previous thread for my sarasm. If I didn't I will do it now. All I can go by is my experience when I worked for the airline. Call me a liar if you wan't, but that was my experience.If me and my coworkers broke laws. I was not aware of it and at this point I really don't care it was 18 years ago. I agree everyone deserves respect. I will also agree we pay to many taxes most of them I don't like. I am glad you are willing to fly and endure the difficulties involved with it. Yes it does keep my husband employed and I thank you for that. My dh gets screened everytime he goes to work, but he works for the airline and boards the plane. That was what I was referring to, I would assume anybody that has contact with the plan would get screened.

 

[Dax]

I fly for a couple of reasons; one, it's part of my job. Two, I have places to go and people to see. I don't pay to fly, so I'm not the one keeping your husband employed. I have great respect for the majority of the paying, flying public. Without them I wouldn't have a job, either. The TSA requires only employees who are flying to be screened, but it sounds like your husband's employing airline has stricter rules. That's their prerogative.

I am not calling you a liar, I am merely pointing out the fact that your employer allowed you to break the law... probably for the purpose of facilitating your movement through the airport and on to the aircraft. Laws are now in place that eliminate those past practices.

MCO requires ALL employees to be screened...I do not work on a plane, nor around planes, but I work with a company who maintains everything around the planes and the baggage system. I have to go through screening DAILY.

 

[Dax]

Here is the article in the Orlando Sentinal...its a done deal folks

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-body-scanners-oia-20101026,0,3757434.story

 

[princesspeach]

I fly for a couple of reasons; one, it's part of my job. Two, I have places to go and people to see. I don't pay to fly, so I'm not the one keeping your husband employed. I have great respect for the majority of the paying, flying public. Without them I wouldn't have a job, either. The TSA requires only employees who are flying to be screened, but it sounds like your husband's employing airline has stricter rules. That's their prerogative.

I am not calling you a liar, I am merely pointing out the fact that your employer allowed you to break the law... probably for the purpose of facilitating your movement through the airport and on to the aircraft. Laws are now in place that eliminate those past practices.

Its the airport I don't think it has anything to with his airline. Hes a mechanic. He has contact with the plane. Everybody entering a secure area at that airport gets screened. Maybe there is no other way down to the ramp thats why. In the early 90's when I worked as a gate agent things were much more relaxed. Nobody really cared if the fa and pilots went through the ramp entrance. I did it when I took trips security never said a word. I don't know how old you are, but things were much more relaxed back then I guess. If you forgot you badge you got a warning. No way could my husband be allowed to work without a badge. Maybe I just worked at a really relaxed airport. I have no explanation, but thats how it was.

 

[princesspeach]

MCO requires ALL employees to be screened...I do not work on a plane, nor around planes, but I work with a company who maintains everything around the planes and the baggage system. I have to go through screening DAILY.

Well it sounds like everyone was wrong. It must vary depending on where your work.

 

[Flight]

Not all employees are screened now; only employees who will be flying are required to undergo TSA screening when accessing the sterile area. I walk through access doors in airports about 50 times a week. If I am already in the sterile area and plan to be onboard, I walk out and get screened with my carry ons. Otherwise I am free access any area of the airport my credentials allow me to without going near the TSA checkpoint.

Again, this varies not only by airport but by terminals within the airport. Since some employees can bypass screening if they are not going on a flight, what is to prevent them from carrying harmful items to be passed on to another that is flying.

Too many of us "feel" safe because we and our families (small kids, grandma, etc) are subjected to multiple screening processes, but the hard reality is that the process does not make us safer from someone intent on harm.

I will not let myself of any member of my family to be subjected to the full body scanners. The government assures me it is safe? The agency in charge says the images will never be available for outsiders to see? That has not been the case.

 

[princesspeach]

Again, this varies not only by airport but by terminals within the airport. Since some employees can bypass screening if they are not going on a flight, what is to prevent them from carrying harmful items to be passed on to another that is flying.

Too many of us "feel" safe because we and our families (small kids, grandma, etc) are subjected to multiple screening processes, but the hard reality is that the process does not make us safer from someone intent on harm.

I will not let myself of any member of my family to be subjected to the full body scanners. The government assures me it is safe? The agency in charge says the images will never be available for outsiders to see? That has not been the case.

How do we know that tsa agent looking at your daughter on the scanner is not a pedophile. Who really knows anything about anybody. I think if there is another terrorist attack it won't be stopped by the tsa. Thats all for show. I'm sure our intelligence agencies know who the potential terrorists are. All our phone calls are recorded. The government spies on our computers. They probably track what we say on this board. There are cameras everywhere. I think if your child or your 85 year old grandma was a terrorist they would know about it. I won't go into detail about what there capable of but this is an orwellian society we live in. When I see a people getting patted down at airports I find it amusing. When is the last time a tsa agent caught a terrorist? I think of any airline emplyee or passenger was planning on blowing up a plane they would have a swat team at thier door long before they got to the airport. Just my opinion. Please don't abuse me to bad.

 

[goofy4tink]

How do we know that tsa agent looking at your daughter on the scanner is not a pedophile. Who really knows anything about anybody. I think if there is another terrorist attack it won't be stopped by the tsa. Thats all for show. I'm sure our intelligence agencies know who the potential terrorists are. All our phone calls are recorded. The government spies on our computers. They probably track what we say on this board. There are cameras everywhere. I think if your child or your 85 year old grandma was a terrorist they would know about it. I won't go into detail about what there capable of but this is an orwellian society we live in. When I see a people getting patted down at airports I find it amusing. When is the last time a tsa agent caught a terrorist? I think of any airline emplyee or passenger was planning on blowing up a plane they would have a swat team at thier door long before they got to the airport. Just my opinion. Please don't abuse me to bad.

Okay...I truly don't want to start something here, but really??? All our phone calls are recorded?? Our computers are spied on by the govt?? It's comments like these that take away credibility from posters. Does anyone, really, think our phones are all monitored??? I grew up in the 60's, a true child of the 'never trust the govt' movement. But even I don't think that there are people sitting in cubicles tracking what I am saying here, or listening in on my phone calls, or monitoring my text messages or whatever. Of course, this could be the reason nothing of any importance gets done in Washington!!

There are plenty of 'sleeper cells' here in this country..with people that are flying way under the radar. The govt has no idea who, or where, they are. If the govt were as all knowing as you seem to think, we would have found the major terrorists by now. Believe me..they aren't 'that' good.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I feel sorry for anyone who has to listen to my phone calls...

Okay...I truly don't want to start something here, but really??? All our phone calls are recorded?? Our computers are spied on by the govt?? It's comments like these that take away credibility from posters. Does anyone, really, think our phones are all monitored??? I grew up in the 60's, a true child of the 'never trust the govt' movement. But even I don't think that there are people sitting in cubicles tracking what I am saying here, or listening in on my phone calls, or monitoring my text messages or whatever. Of course, this could be the reason nothing of any importance gets done in Washington!!

There are plenty of 'sleeper cells' here in this country..with people that are flying way under the radar. The govt has no idea who, or where, they are. If the govt were as all knowing as you seem to think, we would have found the major terrorists by now. Believe me..they aren't 'that' good.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Think about this... look who works for the TSA. Do you think the government would be any more selective when it came to hiring people to listen to our phone calls and view our online activity??

How do we know that tsa agent looking at your daughter on the scanner is not a pedophile. Who really knows anything about anybody. I think if there is another terrorist attack it won't be stopped by the tsa. Thats all for show. I'm sure our intelligence agencies know who the potential terrorists are. All our phone calls are recorded. The government spies on our computers. They probably track what we say on this board. There are cameras everywhere. I think if your child or your 85 year old grandma was a terrorist they would know about it. I won't go into detail about what there capable of but this is an orwellian society we live in. When I see a people getting patted down at airports I find it amusing. When is the last time a tsa agent caught a terrorist? I think of any airline emplyee or passenger was planning on blowing up a plane they would have a swat team at thier door long before they got to the airport. Just my opinion. Please don't abuse me to bad.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Airlines and airport operators are fully able to implement stricter controls than those which are required by the TSA. My comment addressed only the TSA regulations.

MCO requires ALL employees to be screened...I do not work on a plane, nor around planes, but I work with a company who maintains everything around the planes and the baggage system. I have to go through screening DAILY.