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

[CPT Tripss]

I know when I've had back-of-the-hand patdowns, the Agent has always told me where she was going next. I'm surprised they're not still following the same procedure - unless they're embarassed. Think about it. These are the same TSA personnel as before the choice between backscatter-or-patdown. Not sure why anybody thinks they're comfortable doing this. They probably feel more awkward than the passenger. Keep in mind, they're just people*. Any time one is displeased with one's treatment, there are ways to report that treatment. Note names, times, locations, etc. Request a manager. If that doesn't work, go online.

*No, I'm not one of these people. But I know if my job involved the occasional wanding or back-of-hand patdown, then changed to requiring a more invasive patdown procedure - while the training might show me how to do it, it sure as heck wouldn't show me how to be more comfortable doing it.

That's the way it used to be. Now, you have a good chance of getting the front of the hand and a squeeze. (I'm 2 for 4 on that). The first squeeze can as a surprise. The second was not a surprise, I got no notice from the screener. He seemed surprised that I asked him why he squeezed my ****. On the most recent opt out, I started the process by asking the screener to describe what he planned to do - then, after his quick and incomplete explanation, I specifically asked him "are you going to squeeze my **** or ****s?" No answer, but no squeeze.

The silly part is that TSA officials and press people won't describe publicly what these "pat downs" entail because, "it's secret." How can it be secret once they do it to me? What I don't know is whether the squeezes are according to TSA SOP. That's distressing and leads to my disrespect for the screeners in general.

 

[Dax]

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

Hell, I would love to know "why" myself..

 

[princesspeach]

What I wrote, I wrote in response to what you did. You wrote "I am so looking forward to the next******* bomber " - that implies that you're either being sarcastic, or you're wanting another terrorist attack. I just called you on it. That's all.

I'm not insulting you - just reading what you say and then responding to it.

As for the latter part, about how would people dieing prove your point - well, it would prove that even with all the security measures, terrorists and bombers still got through, and now we're going to be subjected to even more screening, even though, according to you, it's not necessary or doing anything to stop those who wish to do harm.

If the screenings stop just one bomber, one terrorist, or one person who wishes to do harm to Americans via their airline transit system, then the screenings have been effective.

Again - don't like them? don't fly. don't like the way the government is choosing to run things (without checking with you first) - leave. it's that easy.

By the way, you aren't the first person I've run across with this type of attitude, and you are simply hearing what I tell anyone else with the same attitude. However, I will agree that you have the right to your opinion and your attitude, just as I have a right to mine. Our country has many rights and freedoms that other countries don't. One of those is the freedom of speech.

Of course it was sarcastic in response to a comment by another poster on body cavity searches. I am trying to temper my sarcastic self that I did not know exsisted until I started posting on this thread. I can't believe I have managed to keep this thread going by irritating so many. Usually my comments are so boring I kill the thread. I oppose many things going on in this country doesn't mean I won't accept them. Will you leave if theres a regime change and your unhappy or will you stay and fight for what you believe in. Thats a very defeatest attitude you have. I was oppossed to speed cameras like a lot of people I never paid the tickets now the speed cameras are gone.. What would this country be if people just took that attitude of you don't like it just leave. It would probably be a dictatorship. What makes this country great is that you can oppose your government. If the day comes when we can't oppose our governments descisions. This will truly be a scary place. No I will not quit flying. Thats just silly I can oppose something and still comply with the rules that are in place at the time. I am sure I am not the only person with this type of attitude. Well maybe on these boards I am. You ought to hang out in some other places. It might be an eye opener for you. Ther are actually many people oppossed to a lot of things our government is doing. I guess we should all leave. This was not meant to be political and please moderate don't take it as such. I was just trying to respond to the posters statements the best I could.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Hell, I would love to know "why" myself..

Ahh, Mom's favorite words probably are the reason. "Because, just because."

 

[princesspeach]

That's the way it used to be. Now, you have a good chance of getting the front of the hand and a squeeze. (I'm 2 for 4 on that). The first squeeze can as a surprise. The second was not a surprise, I got no notice from the screener. He seemed surprised that I asked him why he squeezed my ****. On the most recent opt out, I started the process by asking the screener to describe what he planned to do - then, after his quick and incomplete explanation, I specifically asked him "are you going to squeeze my **** or ****s?" No answer, but no squeeze.

The silly part is that TSA officials and press people won't describe publicly what these "pat downs" entail because, "it's secret." How can it be secret once they do it to me? What I don't know is whether the squeezes are according to TSA SOP. That's distressing and leads to my disrespect for the screeners in general.

My dh has complained about the same thing when getting patted down. I think a small amout of tsa agents like to abuse their power. I'm sure somebody will quote me now and tell me he should quit if he doesn't like it. That seems to be a lot of people solutions to problems. I haven't met too many people that have a lot of love for the tsa. Personally I think the tsa needs more training on how to treat the passengers with respect.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

My dh has complained about the same thing when getting patted down. I think a small amout of tsa agents like to abuse their power. I'm sure somebody will quote me now and tell me he should quit if he doesn't like it. That seems to be a lot of people solutions to problems. I haven't met too many people that have a lot of love for the tsa. Personally I think the tsa needs more training on how to treat the passengers with respect.

What airport does your husband work at? Knowing which part of the country you are in might explain a lot.

My husband does not go through security daily

 

[CPT Tripss]

My dh has complained about the same thing when getting patted down. I think a small amout of tsa agents like to abuse their power. I'm sure somebody will quote me now and tell me he should quit if he doesn't like it. That seems to be a lot of people solutions to problems. I haven't met too many people that have a lot of love for the tsa. Personally I think the tsa needs more training on how to treat the passengers with respect.

Buy him one of these.

I'm old enough to remember the line, "America, love it or leave it." That pretty much meant that the speaker/writer had no valid point to make.

 

[CPT Tripss]

What airport does your husband work at? Knowing which part of the country you are in might explain a lot.My husband does not go through security daily

Do you think so? Why? The negative reports over on Flyer Talk are pretty widespread.

 

[goofy4tink]

My dh has complained about the same thing when getting patted down. I think a small amout of tsa agents like to abuse their power. I'm sure somebody will quote me now and tell me he should quit if he doesn't like it. That seems to be a lot of people solutions to problems. I haven't met too many people that have a lot of love for the tsa. Personally I think the tsa needs more training on how to treat the passengers with respect.

And you will find many of us who will agree with that. There needs to be consistancy...otherwise how is the general public ever going to know what to expect?? Or, for that matter, what exactly is 'SOP'?? that would be nice to know.
If I know what to expect, then I can complain about anything outside that realm. And believe me, I would. I have had pretty decent experiences with the TSA. Not perfect, but nothing to complain about. BUT...I have heard of some pretty nasty experiences. And I'm sure there are those TSA employees that do just love their little bit of authority...and those are the ones that need retraining, or at least an attitude change.

Flying is stressful enough for most people...you just don't need to add in attitudinal TSA agents who are grabbing body parts as part of 'SOP'.

 

[pr surfer]

frequent flyers really hate it

This one does.

When presented with the situation, the first words out of my mouth to the TSO are "opt out"

I'll take the metal detector, a pat down, and a complaint card to fill out and drop off.

As I said before, just choose to not fly if you don't want to put up with the security measures

It's not an option for all of us. I live on an island 1000 miles away from the US mainland, and there is no scheduled boat service to the mainland US.

Relocation isn't an option due to the tax breaks my company gets for their operations here and because I like to wear shorts and surf in December and January.

The only option is to say the two magic words at the checkpoint: "opt-out"

 

[pr surfer]

I have been trying to understand you folks againist the secriuty scans and/or pat downs?.......The TSA is there for our protection.......if you have seen the actual pictures these scan units put out I am sure most of you would laugh it off..........its like a X ray,little or no detail.........

The police are also there for our protection, yet how many cases are there of police trying to shake down innocent members of the public, going beyond their authority, or general corruption? Many.

Having said that, I am in favor of security: common sense based security, proactive and not reactive.

Personally, I know that if I'm on a flight that's being hijacked, I'll be the first person kicking the hijackers face in.

That's the best part of the post 9/11 world: passengers won't put up with it. That's what keeps us safe, not the TSA. If someone tries something, they'll be lucky to be able to speak for themself at their trial after the public is done "restraining" him/her.

You will get more radiation exposure 35,000 feet in the air in your airplane than you will in the scanner. The only people who it might affect negatively are the ones who need to be in front of it helping people in and out all day. They're the ones who will get the biggest doses of radiation and even that is a small amount compared to what OSHA says is acceptable.

I work for TSA

Are you a medical professional licensed by a competent body in a recognized jurisdiction? Given the TSA's record of deflection and lies in their favor, that's the only way I'll trust those words. Especially coming from a TSA employee.

 

[pr surfer]

Unfortunately not all employees that have access to the aircraft are screened. This creates the weakest link in the security chain.

Don't forget cargo!

Sadly, this varies by the airport. There are major airports where security inspection is bypassed simply by displaying or swiping an appropriate I.D.

I've been a witness to this as recently as this week

"Anything for security" is foolish.

Words worth repeating

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

"do as I say, not as I do"

 

[princesspeach]

Buy him one of these.

I'm old enough to remember the line, "America, love it or leave it." That pretty much meant that the speaker/writer had no valid point to make.

He would love that. Hes got a great since of humor. We have joked about stuff he could do ,but I can't say it here. This is a family board.

 

[princesspeach]

What airport does your husband work at? Knowing which part of the country you are in might explain a lot.

My husband does not go through security daily

In the southwest. Pat downs only occur during heightened security alerts. I don't think he has had one in a while, but the screens are coming so it will be screen or pat down. He does have to go through security anybody that boards a aircraft at his airport has to. He says some tsa are friendly and sensible to passengers. Some are like the gestapo and will harass people just because they have the power to.

 

[rie'smom]

Ok, I'm seriously worried about this. Ever since I was molested as a child, I've had problems with even people that I know coming in to my personal space. The only people who can kiss me are my husband, immediate family, and kids. This patting goes beyond that.
I guess I can get my doctor to write a prescription for Xanax because I do not want to have a meltdown. We could drive but it's 13 hours.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Ok, I'm seriously worried about this. Ever since I was molested as a child, I've had problems with even people that I know coming in to my personal space. The only people who can kiss me are my husband, immediate family, and kids. This patting goes beyond that.
I guess I can get my doctor to write a prescription for Xanax because I do not want to have a meltdown. We could drive but it's 13 hours.

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.

 

[maxiesmom]

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.

What are WTMDs?

 

[pr surfer]

What are WTMDs?

Walk Through Metal Detectors

 

[princesspeach]

Ok, I'm seriously worried about this. Ever since I was molested as a child, I've had problems with even people that I know coming in to my personal space. The only people who can kiss me are my husband, immediate family, and kids. This patting goes beyond that.
I guess I can get my doctor to write a prescription for Xanax because I do not want to have a meltdown. We could drive but it's 13 hours.

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.

 

[maxiesmom]

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.

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?