TSA...Question...

[AdventureGuru]

OK so I'm not trying to stir the pot...but I have a question...

Given the latest "bans" from TSA (all totally acceptable from my point of view-I'm not debating the bans on liquids and stuff-they need to do what ever is appropriate to keep us safe...) Do they check your bags as you get onto the plane?

The reason I ask is b/c there are a number of things that you can purchase once you get past the TSA gates. The first airport that comes to mind is Atlanta...there is a perfume shop, a clinique shop and many others that carry liquids, shampoos etc.

Something similar happened to BF. He had a lighter with him (he's a smoker ) but had his lighter taken away (I was pretty ticked b/c it was a gift I gave him...but ok I'll have to deal) only to walk past the gates...go to a snack shop and get another lighter...I was ticked!!!

So, do they check your bags PRIOR to getting on the plane? Are places like the Clinique shop closed or not allowing you to take your purchases and mailing them to where ever for you?

How is this being handled?

Just an outside point of view. What are your thoughts?

 

[BillSears]

I haven't flown since the new rules took effect but I believe they do not check you before boarding.

Darn they don't really check you when you go through security. As far as I know they're not doing pat down searches and not much else will prevent you from carrying liquid in your pocket.

TSA rules often do not make sense. But the general public feels better knowing "something" is being done even if that something really doesn't make sense if you examine it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/t...nBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9JnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1

 

[Pinnie]

I just got off a plane from MDW to DTW a few hours ago. I had my saline nose spray confiscated at the checkpoint. I mistakenly thought that because it was an OTC medicine, it would get approved. )I need it for dry plane air so I don't get nose bleeds when flying).

None of the pax on our flight were rechecked at the gate. The agents were requiring that NO liquids (bottled water, coffee, pop, etc.) could be brought aboard the plane. Lines were short at MDW and we cleared in just minutes. There was, however a LOT of checked luggage and not many people were bringing on a lot of carryons. It sure did speed up the boarding process on SWA.

I fly again on Thursday and I wonder how things will be out of DTW and MCO this week and next week.

pinnie

 

[AllyBri]

The reason I ask is b/c there are a number of things that you can purchase once you get past the TSA gates. The first airport that comes to mind is Atlanta...there is a perfume shop, a clinique shop and many others that carry liquids, shampoos etc.

I read yesterday that several Bath and Body shops have closed at different airports. I also read that a store called Lush (bath products) AT MCO, put a sign in their window saying free shipping and then they started doing some business.

So, do they check your bags PRIOR to getting on the plane? Are places like the Clinique shop closed or not allowing you to take your purchases and mailing them to where ever for you?

I also read that they were checking you and your carry-on before getting on the plane.

 

[KJMAX1]

FWIW, my DD gets horrible nose bleeds from the air as well. Her pediatrician suggested using vaseline on a qtip and rub it on the inside of her nose both sides...Since we started doing this, we have had no nose bleeds...But she does still get plugged up!

 

[DebbieB]

I flew on Friday, they were doing random checks at the gate, similiar to after 9/11.

 

[AdventureGuru]

thanks for the info...I just think its kind of funny that there are all these shops after the security point and you MIGHT get checked...I mean really...the lighter thing with BF Killed me! 1 b/c it was a gift that I gave him and 2 we were able to get another lighter right after we got past security...Do they realize this issue?

Oh well...
Thanks for the input

 

[Nebsky]

There is mandatory secondary gate screening required on flights that leave the US to the UK.

TSA is doing random "secondary" gate screening when they have enough people to do them. TSA is working on getting their employees as well as contractors to do the secondary screening at the gate areas.

 

[CarolA]

And this brings up a great queston. WHY is that stuff in the so called "Sterile" zone DANGEROUS??? I have written both my Senators with this question.

I am FORCED to assume a that

A)It was never screened and is therefore potentially dangerous and the TSA has NEVER considered the fact that blowing up the MCO terminal might be a good news story for the terrorist.

B) The great screening method we now undergo bears a strong resemblence to a seive and doesn't really work.

And since "selected" people can still bring on liquids what is the point. Yes AA for example has gotten premission for thier FAs and Pilots to bring on liquids. Of course the TSA KNOWS that none of them would do anything to harm you....

The Associated Press

Friday, May 12, 2006 9:05 p.m. ET

ROME, Ga. (AP) -- A former flight attendant accused of setting a fire in an aircraft lavatory was convicted Friday of arson and other charges.

Turhan Lamons, 26, was working as the sole attendant on a Comair flight from Atlanta to Huntsville, Ala., in 2003 when he set the fire, said U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias.

When Lamons reported smoke in the lavatory, the jet was forced to make an emergency landing about 20 minutes after takeoff, Nahmias said. Authorities concluded that the fire was set and determined Lamons was the only person who entered the lavatory.

In 2005, Lamons was convicted in a case where he was accused of calling AirTran Airways and saying that everyone on board a specific flight was "going to die." He awaits sentencing on both convictions

 

[bicker]

Nothing is ever 100%. That does not excuse any reticence to comply with any of the regulations or directions of TSA personnel.

 

[disneyldwjr]

thanks for the info...I just think its kind of funny that there are all these shops after the security point and you MIGHT get checked...I mean really...the lighter thing with BF Killed me! 1 b/c it was a gift that I gave him and 2 we were able to get another lighter right after we got past security...Do they realize this issue?

Oh well...
Thanks for the input

I am sure they realize this, hence the reason for the second check at the gate, even if it is only random.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew yesterday, they had 4 officers at the gate, random checking. So quite a few people got checked.

 

[bicker]

For folks who have flown recently: I'm wondering about bringing my laptop. Did you see anyone forced to check their laptop?

 

[PoohGal05]

Random checks?? That could possibly mean that the people who AREN'T checked could have the banned items on their person or in their carry on.

 

[bicker]

That's always what "random checks" means. As a matter of fact, even with 100% checks it is sill possible that banned items could get through. No system is perfect.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Random checks?? That could possibly mean that the people who AREN'T checked could have the banned items on their person or in their carry on.

Yep and it also means that people who were randomly checked had banned items that were missed.
As Bicker pointed out, NOTHING is 100% perfect.

 

[Mickey-4-Me]

Our local news asked the manager of our local airport the question about liquid purchases on the other side of the security checkpoint. He stated that the items for purchase have already gone through a screening process and would be allowed.

 

[Pinnie]

For folks who have flown recently: I'm wondering about bringing my laptop. Did you see anyone forced to check their laptop?

I flew Sunday from MDW to DTW and no one had to check thier laptops. DH also flew with his DVD player and that sailed through screening and he was able to carry that on along with his digital camera.

I fly again on Thursday and this time I am more prepared on how to pack. I was already ON a trip when the last "issue" arose and didn't really get a chance to watch the news and get the whole story on what was banned and what wasn't. Now I know.

pinnie

 

[bicker]

He should check with TSA. They'll help him understand that that is not the case.