Security Line - 2 stories

[peg2001]

A couple weeks ago, as I went through security at BNA (Nashville) with DD6, we were pulled aside for additional screening. Apparently, they detected explosives on our backpack. TSA was very polite and never acted like they really thought we had explosives, but just that they needed to investigate further. They re-tested the bag, it was again positive. They tested my shoes, I didn't hear the results. They asked if we had been shooting off fireworks. I explained that we had but the bag wasn't in the area at the time. They then asked for my boarding pass and photo ID and they copied the information down and let us go. At no time did they actually open the bag and search its contents, which I thought was a bit strange.

A couple days ago, we went through security at SMO (Sacramento), after we got passed the TSA person who was checking boarding passes and photo ID, I put all our belongings, including my fanny pack and boarding passes into the backpack to consolidate it for the scanner. AFTER I put the backpack through the scanner, another TSA employee stopped me before I walked through and asked again for my boarding pass. I explained that it just went through the scanner and he promptly closed the security line and went to retrieve my backpack. The man behind me in line starting sighing and grumbling. He was NOT happy that I was causing a delay. So, TSA gives me my backpack and has me retrieve my boarding passes and put the backpack BACK through the scanner. Then he suggests I take off my leather and plastic sandles. Irritated, the man behind me finally attempts to step around me and through the detector. He, too, is stopped and asked for his boarding pass. His face looks incredulous as he explains that he sent it through with his luggage. This TSA person acted like we were complete idiots to not know that he would want to see our boarding pass again. Is this typical now? Is it typical for just select airports? Or were we dealing with a rogue TSA employee?

Peggy

 

[CarolA]

You got the rouge guy. Flew to Atlanta and back this week. Once I was in the line I put my boarding pass in my bag and sent it through no problems.

As for your shoes. I just take mine off now and put them in one of the plastic bins. I don't even try no matter what type of shoes I have on. It is a LOT easier. Who cares if I am wandering around barefoot!

 

[Lewisc]

No, you didn't get a rogue guy. Some (all?) of the airlines randomly put a code on some boarding passes. Those passengers have been selected for more thorough screening.

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by Lewisc
No, you didn't get a rogue guy. Some (all?) of the airlines randomly put a code on some boarding passes. Those passengers have been selected for more thorough screening.

Lewisc, this is different.
In some airports, the non-TSA employees look at your boarding pass before you enter the security line, and then the TSA employees look at it again (just in case the other guy made a mistake, or you managed to slip out of line and hand your boarding pass over to some waiting accomplice who somehow managed to slip past the first guy...). It is frustrating, but it happens. I had it happen at ROC, and I had done the same thing as the OP. Given that I run thru anywhere from 3-5 airports per week, I can assure you that these TSA folks apply the rules as they see fit, and it is not consistent from airport to airport.

FYI -- This is not the same as being selected for extra screening. When you are selected, you are pulled out of the main line and sent to another, special line, then xrayed, poked & prodded to w.in an inch of your life. Let's just say that when I was a teenager, we called what these people do "First Base". It's awful. This is not what happened to the OP.

 

[safetymom]

I would keep your boarding pass with you and not put through with your other items. Sometimes when you are selected for more through screening you are separated from your bags. If someone takes your bag by accident or on purpose you no longer have your ticket or boarding pass. I always walk through the scanner holding my ticket. That way there isn't a problem.

I know what shoes of mine will set off the detectors. I used to travel with this one pair of loafers. In the really small airports it would set off the scanner, the larger airports no problems. So I just pack those shoes now and wear my Reeboks that cause no problems at any of the airports.

 

[CarolA]

I know my shoes won't set off the scanner. However, the TSA does not know and some of them can be downright rude if you don't take your shoes off. SO... I take them off.

Also, some of the TSA agents get bent out of shape if you have ANYTHING in your hand (including your boarding pass!) Basically I suggest just rolling with the punches. You have a good shot at doing SOMETHING wrong, just don't let it bother you and NEVER talk back to these guys. While 99.9% of them are great, there is always the ONE who should not have been allowed to have a job with public contact. LOL!

 

[safetymom]

At those airports where they get upset I take them off. I have learned that if I am in a hurry they will demand so I just go ahead and take them off.

 

[DebbieB]

This happened to us in Orlando in May. They looked at our boarding passes right outside the security area where you are first in line, we moved 20 feet to the x-ray and they wanted to see it again!

 

[mcnuss]

CarolA & SafetyMom -

I feel your pain. Shoes off, shoes on, things in your hand, nothing in your hand.... ID at the gate, no ID at the gate, nail clippers, no nail clippers, jacket on, jacket off...sometimes my head spins. What happened to consistent rules, consistently applied? The stuff I read over on flyertalk (I am MHTFlyer over there, btw) is just plain disturbing.

I now have 2 pants suits with NO pockets that I wear for all my trips. I am getting sick of them but they are the easiest! I bought a teensy purse that fits into my laptop case when I pass security so I am no longer moving wallet and cell phone from purse to case anymore. I love beating the TSA at its own game. The TSA woman sees me do it every week and giggles.

Re: talking back to the TSA. My co-worker's laptop was dropped by a TSA agent earlier this year - BAM, right on the floor. When she asked how to file a claim for the $5000 laptop he had just destroyed, he started yelling at her that he was going to call the cops on her and have her arrested for interfering with the TSA. What a loser.

 

[SueM in MN]

I flew from Minneapolis to San Antonio and back in May and from Minneapolis to Orlando and back a week ago. On each leg of each trip, the initial people looked at Dh and my boarding passes and ID and then said to keep it out until completely cleared thru security in case the other screeners wanted to look at it. So, I think that might be the new policy.

 

[mcnuss]

SueM - I wish there was a "policy". Just this month, I've been in BOS, MHT, PHL, PIT, ORD, LGA, BWI & DCA. None of them required me to keep my boarding pass out and it was never asked for beyond the initial person. The only place it has happened is in the small market airports, like Rochester (where the lines are the worst ANYWHERE I've been, and the TSA agents the surliest).

A consistent application of the rules - the real ones, not the ones the local TSA makes up - would make me very happy. You cannot imagine how aggravating it is to travel as much as I do and to see the way the new system has already been perverted.

 

[dkostel]

I was flying out of BNA (Nashville) and after standing in the security line for over 30 mins and just making it through, I heard my name on the loud speaker being paged back to the ticket counter (on the other side of security). They wanted my luggage key so they could search my bag. My first thought was that's inconvenient but I was glad that they didn't snip the lock as it was a good one, and not one of those dollar store-open with a paperclip locks. So they just opened the lock, returned the key, and told me I could go (back into the security line for 35 minutes this time). Not all that big a deal, I'm all for security but when I retreived my bag at my destination the lock was not there. I inquired with the airline and they said that was TSA and they doubted very much if I'd get it back.
The moral to my story - don't lock your checked baggage. I guess it is common sense but I still see locked bags & I was so used to locking mine I didn't even think about it.

Donna

 

[WDW4KIDS]

Luggage security is a issue today.The TSA will break the lock to check your bag if your on the list to be checked.We are using the wire ties that you secure wires, it's easier than replacing your luggage lock.

 

[eeyorefanatic]

They actually cut my zipper pulls off instead of just clipping the dollar store type lock. SO please don't risk having you suitcase broken int his way.

If you are concerned use those zip/cable ties for your luggage this way you would atleast know if your bag has been searched.

 

[mcnuss]

In my entire traveling life, I have never locked my luggage. I once saw a TV show that showed how easy it is for thieves to get past even the best locks (they just popped the zipper pulls right off or used a razor and slashed the suitcase). It just doesn't seem worth the hassle since if they want my stuff, they're going to get it no matter. But I NEVER put anything of any kind of value into a checked bag, if I buy something I am going to worry about, I ship it home FedEx. That way, all the thieves get is my dirty underwear. LOL!

 

[CarolA]

I never lock either. My luggage has never been bothered, of course there is nothing there anyone would want!

 

[NotUrsula]

I don't really lock against thieves. I know that a determined thief is still going to get in if he wants in. I primarily lock my softside to keep the zippers from sliding open in transit. This thing is, if you are going to file a claim, you have to do it immediately.

I use plastic zip ties, colored ones so that I know if it's the same one I put on, or a different one. If it comes back without that zip tie, and I don't find a TSA notice on top, I sit down right there at baggage claim and check through the contents of the bag; if something is missing I'm putting in a claim before I leave the airport.

Also, I always carry my boarding pass in my hand as I go through security.

 

[Talking Hands]

I am wondering what you do about taking your shoes off if you are diabetic. For medical reasons I am not allowed to walk around barefoot. How do they react to that.

 

[safetymom]

I am not sure what they do in that case. They are barking orders that you must remove your shoes at diff. airports. I would just try leaving your shoes on when you go through. Just wear a pair that wouldn't set of the detectors because they have metal in them.

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by Talking Hands
I am wondering what you do about taking your shoes off if you are diabetic. For medical reasons I am not allowed to walk around barefoot. How do they react to that.

Well, if I were you, I would go prepared with a letter from the doctor stating that you are not allowed to be barefoot even for the 30 seconds it takes to clear security. I am not trying to be glib or minimize your issue, but having gone thru countless security screens in the past two years, I will tell you that unless the letter is that specific, you'll get nowhere with the TSA. The problem here is 2-fold. Taking your shoes off when you walk thru the magnetometer is for 2 reasons - 1) bc most shoes, even my el cheapo Payless numbers, have a steel shank that cause it to beep and 2) they are screening shoes using the Xray machine for potential tampering (like the shoe bomber). Without the note, they may assume that you are trying to hide something in those shoes, so you need to be ultra-prepared. In addition, just in case the letter is not enough or you can't get the doctor to do it, I would do as the PP said, & wear shoes with thin soles that could not possibly have been tampered with and assure yourself that there is no metal (do you have a friend with one of those metal detector gizmos?). Also, to minimize your risk, I would wear very thick socks, even in summer, then remove them once you're past security if you are uncomfortable.