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View Full Version : Humiliated by Jet Blue Security at JFK



Speedbird1
2014-03-12, 09:06 AM
I made one of my infrequent visits to JFK on March 11. I used to have a pleasant experience at T5 but not yesterday. I guess employees are resentful that the company won't give them a measly raise. Anyway, I was spotting as usual, outside the departure area which faces T4 and has a smoking area. I was taking photos using my small point-and-shoot camera in full-view of all. I posed no threat whatsoever, when suddenly a traffic agent started harrassing me. Telling me it's not allowed to take photos from Jet Blue property and if I continue to do so, his job could be in jeopardy. He mentioned the Malaysian disaster as well. We talked for almost a half hour. I told him that the new policy states that spotters can do photography and there is no rule or regulation against it. He got nasty and threatened to call the police. Strange, if I was such a threat why did he refuse to take my name or see my ID? Likewise, he refused to give me his name but revealed that he came from Guyana. All he would say was that he worked for Summit Security. The discussion went nowhere and he told me not to return. Unbelievably, the agent followed me around T5. My day was ruined and I feel like no longer spotting. Any advice? Should I contact Jet Blue Customer Relations, Port Authority,etc. As I am a senior, I thought I would not be treated this way. I have no car, so the spotting areas shown outside JFK are too difficult to reach by public transportation and too dangerous alone. Any suggestions, I am sick over this humiliation.

NIKV69
2014-03-12, 09:46 AM
I made one of my infrequent visits to JFK on March 11. I used to have a pleasant experience at T5 but not yesterday. I guess employees are resentful that the company won't give them a measly raise.

Ryan would love this statement.

PhilDernerJr
2014-03-12, 10:48 AM
Your experience has nothing to do with JetBlue. The security you encountered is airport security, hired by Port Authority.

Speedbird1
2014-03-12, 11:09 AM
Interesting. Thanks for the info. I thought that the Port now allows photography as long as the person is not in a restricted area, by a fence or photographing security. Any suggestions on my next step or should I find a new hobby?

mirrodie
2014-03-12, 12:29 PM
You mean, you didn't tell them that your handle was speedbird1???


Listen, next time you go, tell tem you know mirrodie from nycaviation. He'll back off.

bluejuice
2014-03-12, 12:42 PM
I was upset when I saw the title of the thread and when I read it and saw it was one of the rent-a cops I felt better. They are no better then the Security that patrols the parking lots. Thanks Phil for explaining this

Speedbird1
2014-03-12, 01:03 PM
Sorry. I mentioned NYC Aviation & the guys had no idea what that was. Frankly, I think they didn't know what planet they are on.

yankees368
2014-03-12, 01:13 PM
he worked for Summit Security.

Airport security is managed by Allied Barton, no? Is Summit Security contract by JetBlue for services at T5?

Speedbird1
2014-03-12, 01:49 PM
I think so. His badge & his supervisor's badge both said Summit Security. What is the company used by EWR which gives spotters such a hard time? Is it Summit? I remember Argenbright back 20 years ago who had similar "charming" guards. They also hid their name tags. One even escorted me out the door to make sure I left. We spotters put-up with such antagonism; some posters here think it's a joke but it's very sad nowadays. The best photos come when aircraft are on the ground taxying.

Mateo
2014-03-12, 01:51 PM
Airport security is managed by Allied Barton, no? Is Summit Security contract by JetBlue for services at T5?JetBlue hired Summit to direct traffic on the curb frontages at T5. They have no actual authority, but can call over PAPD to ticket and/or tow.

NIKV69
2014-03-12, 02:14 PM
You mean, you didn't tell them that your handle was speedbird1???


Listen, next time you go, tell tem you know mirrodie from nycaviation. He'll back off.




Sorry. I mentioned NYC Aviation & the guys had no idea what that was. Frankly, I think they didn't know what planet they are on.

This thread gets better by the minute.

gonzalu
2014-03-12, 04:28 PM
It's close to becoming epic...

Say, Speedy, next time drop the NYCA and just use PLO or Al Quaeda. You're sure to get a bit more attention.

Speedbird1
2014-03-12, 05:14 PM
Phil was right all along when he warned us not to do any photography within airport structures. I thought that they have let-up on harrassing us with cameras, but nothing has changed; especially since 9-11. Current events such as the Ukrainian Crisis, Sochi threat, missing B777, etc. just added fuel to the fire. Good luck to others who continue spotting; you have my admiration and respect . Adieu.

eric8669
2014-03-12, 05:29 PM
I believe jetblue does not allow photography in front of their terminal. a couple of us learned that a few years ago during open house weekend.

NIKV69
2014-03-12, 05:42 PM
Good luck to others who continue spotting; you have my admiration and respect . Adieu.

Gracias! Via Con Dios!

megatop412
2014-03-12, 07:26 PM
He never did have any luck in those terminals did he

PhilDernerJr
2014-03-12, 07:32 PM
Wow. I gotta end this. Sorry guys.

Speedbird1, Get their info and make a complaint afterward next time with their company or Port. You shouldn't be hassled like that.