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Thread: Humiliated by Jet Blue Security at JFK

  1. #1
    Senior Member Speedbird1's Avatar
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    Thumbs down Humiliated by Jet Blue Security at JFK

    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.

  2. #2
    Senior Member NIKV69's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Speedbird1 View Post
    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.
    'My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person doing something unfamous.' Andy Warhol

  3. #3
    Administrator PhilDernerJr's Avatar
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    Your experience has nothing to do with JetBlue. The security you encountered is airport security, hired by Port Authority.
    Email me anytime at [email protected].

  4. #4
    Senior Member Speedbird1's Avatar
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    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?

  5. #5
    Moderator mirrodie's Avatar
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    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.
    And I, I took the path less traveled by
    and that has made all the difference......yet...
    I have a feeling a handle of people are going to be very interested in what I post in the near future.

    http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=187

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    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
    "You above all"

  7. #7
    Senior Member Speedbird1's Avatar
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    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.

  8. #8
    Senior Member yankees368's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Speedbird1 View Post
    he worked for Summit Security.
    Airport security is managed by Allied Barton, no? Is Summit Security contract by JetBlue for services at T5?
    Follow me on Twitter and friend me on Facebook.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Speedbird1's Avatar
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    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.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Mateo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by yankees368 View Post
    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.

  11. #11
    Senior Member NIKV69's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mirrodie View Post
    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.
    'My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person doing something unfamous.' Andy Warhol

  12. #12
    Senior Member gonzalu's Avatar
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    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.
    Manny Gonzalez
    Thrust Images | General Photography | R.I.P. Matt Molnar 1979-2013
    BRING BACK THE KJFK/KLGA OBSERVATION DECKS

  13. #13
    Senior Member Speedbird1's Avatar
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    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.

  14. #14
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    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.
    It's hard to take chances but sometimes it's better if you do

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  15. #15
    Senior Member NIKV69's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Speedbird1 View Post
    Good luck to others who continue spotting; you have my admiration and respect . Adieu.
    Gracias! Via Con Dios!
    'My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person doing something unfamous.' Andy Warhol

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