TSA Failure (TWICE)

[sam_gordon]

I've generally backed the TSA and the new body scans. However, I don't see any excuse for what happened recently...
http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/01/man-boards-flight-with-someone-elses-expired-boarding-pass-and-a-student-id/
Quick synopsis... a man got through security (and one one plane) with an invalid boarding pass and an ID that didn't match the BP. This happened in NY & LA.

Now, I'm sure the TSA-haters will be around shortly to point out this is an example of the why the TSA should be disbanded. I don't believe that. The two agents who let this guy even enter the screening area should be disciplined (assuming they can narrow it down).

 

[mom2brooke76]

I'm just curious how he made it onto the original flight. I mostly fly SW so am most familiar with their boarding procedures as I'm flying often, but they scan a bar code on the boarding pass when you board and I've had people in front of me that were attempting to get on the wrong flight (just accidentally at the wrong gate) and the bar code wouldn't scan, alerting the agent to the problem. Do all airlines not do something similar?

 

[crashbb]

Multiple failures there.

1. Boarding pass didn't match the ID - should have been caught by the TSA agents.

2. Boarding pass didn't have the right data - should have been caught by the TSA and the boarding agents.

As the PP said, I've always had my boarding pass scanned as I board the plane (and often, in Canada, I need to provide ID while boarding the plane as well).

 

[15isto2]

They were too busy strip searchng young children and old ladies to do the basics I guess

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This was caught by Delta gate agents, not caught by Virgin America gate agents. I don't know how he got by the VA gate agents. When the boarding pass was scanned, it should come up as invalid.

Not sure also how he got by TSA - it's been my experience that they check the name on the id and boarding pass carefully.

 

[dudspizza]

Now, I'm sure the TSA-haters will be around shortly to point out this is an example of the why the TSA should be disbanded.

and here you go..........

They were too busy strip searchng young children and old ladies to do the basics I guess

 

[CPT Tripss]

They were too busy strip searchng young children and old ladies to do the basics I guess

 

[CPT Tripss]

This was caught by Delta gate agents, not caught by Virgin America gate agents. I don't know how he got by the VA gate agents. When the boarding pass was scanned, it should come up as invalid.

Not sure also how he got by TSA - it's been my experience that they check the name on the id and boarding pass carefully.

At least it appears that way to the audience. As far as IDing the airport security screeners, TSA has said that the guy used a college ID saying he lost his other ID. ETA: If they know this, they must know who screwed up.

To support the "ID doesn't improve security" matter -

Following the incident, the TSA said, "Every passenger that passes through security checkpoints is subject to many layers of security including thorough physical screening at the checkpoint. TSA’s review of this matter indicates that the passenger went through screening. It is important to note that this passenger was subject to the same physical screening at the checkpoint as other passengers."

http://www.klpw.com/content/man-gets-past-airport-security-boards-flight-fake-id-and-pass-0

 

[Junebugwv]

When we flew to Orlando from Charlotte in January, there had been so much hype about the scanners and pat downs that we prepared ourselves ( DD, 3 small grandkids and I) for the possibility of an unpleasant security experience. TSA agents in our area seemed disengaged with the whole process. The agent in charge of my line kept motioning me to continue but he kept trying to get another agent's attention and never looked at me. I even stopped once in front of him and asked a question, but he didn't pay any attention to me or my words, just kept waving his hand for me to pass. While gathering my possessions I took time to look at the other agents and they didn't seem too engaged in their work.

 

[CPT Tripss]

When we flew to Orlando from Charlotte in January, there had been so much hype about the scanners and pat downs that we prepared ourselves ( DD, 3 small grandkids and I) for the possibility of an unpleasant security experience. TSA agents in our area seemed disengaged with the whole process. The agent in charge of my line kept motioning me to continue but he kept trying to get another agent's attention and never looked at me. I even stopped once in front of him and asked a question, but he didn't pay any attention to me or my words, just kept waving his hand for me to pass. While gathering my possessions I took time to look at the other agents and they didn't seem too engaged in their work.

Maybe they just don't care?

 

[RachelEllen]

I have to say the ID check failure doesn't suprise. (Just as a matter of human nature) Until recently, when you changed your name on your passport, they just added a notation to the back. I flew with my changed name passport for seven years. I can count on one hand the number of times someone at security flipped to the back to check that my name actually matched my ticket. (At immigration, they were generally more thorough)