More recent TSA experiences.

[mirrodie]

My office manager just returned with her own TSA issues this weekend.

While they argued with her that she could not bring her contact lens solutions, (she had in hand their webpage with the most current info), they rummaged her bag and yet, somehow ignored her other bag, which had liquid lip gloss and a bottle of H20. :?

And I heard another story, though I didnt get the entire details about TSA theft. Perhaps someone else can fill this bit in?

Of course, lots of this comes down to smoke, mirrors and a lack of money.

Maybe the TSA could save the $$ by getting the big red/green button that some Central American countries use for security.

I am thinking of writing to them with my T-shirt sales and water bottles sales, after the security checkpoint. I think it would generate some well needed $$.

[Matt Molnar]

From Friday's Star-Ledger

Screeners at Newark fail to find 'weapons'
Agents got 20 of 22 'devices' past staff

Screeners at Newark Liberty International Airport failed 20 of 22 security tests conducted by undercover U.S. agents last week, missing an array of concealed bombs and guns at checkpoints throughout the hub's three terminals, federal security officials familiar with the results said.

The tests, conducted Oct. 19 by U.S. Transportation Security Administration "Red Team" agents, also revealed significant failures by screeners to follow standard operating procedures while checking passengers and their baggage for prohibited items, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because it is against TSA policy to release covert-test results.

and

From today's Star-Ledger

TSA seeks source of leaks on airport security tests
Corzine and Pascrell rip probe of Newark Liberty disclosures

Federal authorities have launched an investigation to determine who leaked test results showing security screeners missed 90 percent of the explosives and guns agents attempted to sneak past checkpoints this month at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The probe was launched by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration after The Star-Ledger, citing information from federal security officials, reported Thursday that screeners failed 20 of 22 covert tests and also violated standard operating procedures at the busy hub.

[T-Bird76]

Oh just wait to you read my article for Sunday! I provide my own brand of input on our friends at the TSA. The second article is rather interesting there Matt, can I assume the TSA didn't want those pathetic test results to get out to the public? Can't blame them, why would they want to openly admit they couldn't stop someone taking a Polaris missile through the checkpoint. I swear the TSA is Al Qaeda's best ally.

[emshighway]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

[T-Bird76]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

No it isn't, this is a website where people can debate intelligently about issues that bother them. Flyertalk isn't the only website where people have issues about the TSA. EMS face the facts, your organization is filled with problems from the top down. If this was a publically traded company it would either be out of business or the entire board of Directors would be fired by the investors.

There is no excuse what so ever for what went on at EWR. This isn't the first time it happened either at EWR. Instead of making immature comments why not as a representative of the TSA share with us what needs to be done to prevent such a massive failure again. I have to wonder if the same attitude you take here is the same attitude you have while performing your job? Because if it is, god help us all.

[Matt Molnar]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

Just curious why you take criticisms of the TSA so personally? I know you work for them, but still, we're talking about the organization as a whole, not you.

[i_mizrahi]

This discussion about TSA reminds me my last encounter with them, about 4 weeks ago. Me and my father entered the U.S. in ORD (from MAD). The TSA check was like something taken from a comedy movie. The agent was a HUGE guy, bald as an egg, and when he put the latex glove on his hand I couldn't help but imagine I'm in some kind of a bad sit-com.
Nevertheless, I have much sympathy for those fellows. They work very hard, and no doubt that if something bad happens, they'll take the heat.

[mirrodie]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

Just curious why you take criticisms of the TSA so personally? I know you work for them, but still, we're talking about the organization as a whole, not you.

I've often wondered that as well.

[RDU-JFK]

A few weekends ago I was at LGA's Central Terminal (concourse C). As I was passing through security I noticed a business traveller reach slightly into the x-ray machine to grab his exiting bag or tray or whatever. I admit, there was a sign that said please do not reach under to retrieve your bags.

The TSA officer told this guy in a loud voice so everyone heard it, "I'm sorry that there's a sign here that says not to reach your hands under here. I'm so sorry the sign clearly states that".

Now, a simple "please do not reach under the sign to retrieve your bags" would have sufficed. I was (as were other travelers) shocked at this comment. No sarcasm necessary.

[emshighway]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

Just curious why you take criticisms of the TSA so personally? I know you work for them, but still, we're talking about the organization as a whole, not you.

Where in my comment quoted above did I say I was taking this posting personally? Oh, I'm sorry I didn't put a smiley face to indicate the joking manner of my comment.

[emshighway]

A few weekends ago I was at LGA's Central Terminal (concourse C). As I was passing through security I noticed a business traveller reach slightly into the x-ray machine to grab his exiting bag or tray or whatever. I admit, there was a sign that said please do not reach under to retrieve your bags.

The TSA officer told this guy in a loud voice so everyone heard it, "I'm sorry that there's a sign here that says not to reach your hands under here. I'm so sorry the sign clearly states that".

Now, a simple "please do not reach under the sign to retrieve your bags" would have sufficed. I was (as were other travelers) shocked at this comment. No sarcasm necessary.

Yes, the first time someone does it a simple "please adhere to the sign" is appropriate. When it is several hundred and it is obvious the person is ignoring the sign it becomes pretty annoying to have to say it constantly.

[emshighway]

Had to check, is this flyertalk Jr?

No it isn't, this is a website where people can debate intelligently about issues that bother them. Flyertalk isn't the only website where people have issues about the TSA. EMS face the facts, your organization is filled with problems from the top down. If this was a publically traded company it would either be out of business or the entire board of Directors would be fired by the investors.

There is no excuse what so ever for what went on at EWR. This isn't the first time it happened either at EWR. Instead of making immature comments why not as a representative of the TSA share with us what needs to be done to prevent such a massive failure again. I have to wonder if the same attitude you take here is the same attitude you have while performing your job? Because if it is, god help us all.

Not a representative of TSA when I post here. I just a poster who happens to work for TSA.

Yes, there is a difference.

There is also a difference between discussing and bashing. When you all learn how to discuss then I will.

As someone who doesn't know me reserve a comment until you do. And yes god help you.

[T-Bird76]

A few weekends ago I was at LGA's Central Terminal (concourse C). As I was passing through security I noticed a business traveller reach slightly into the x-ray machine to grab his exiting bag or tray or whatever. I admit, there was a sign that said please do not reach under to retrieve your bags.

The TSA officer told this guy in a loud voice so everyone heard it, "I'm sorry that there's a sign here that says not to reach your hands under here. I'm so sorry the sign clearly states that".

Now, a simple "please do not reach under the sign to retrieve your bags" would have sufficed. I was (as were other travelers) shocked at this comment. No sarcasm necessary.

Yes, the first time someone does it a simple "please adhere to the sign" is appropriate. When it is several hundred and it is obvious the person is ignoring the sign it becomes pretty annoying to have to say it constantly.

Did you ever think EMS that the person who reached under the sign 15 mins after the last person has anything to do with the original? No absolutely not. This is just another person in time that made a mistake, yelling at him is unprofessional and serves no purpose but to further the negative image of the TSA. Your right though it does become annoying, but guess what, each of these people have nothing to do with each other, so the need to yell is useless.

When I was in college I worked retail and customer after customer would ask the same "stupid" questions but I knew that each of them was someone totally different asking a genuine question, just as these people are making a genuine mistake. Show your people a video called "Fish." It might just change their attitudes.

[mirrodie]

When you all learn how to discuss then I will.


No one here is bashing the TSA. Note how you say when "you all learn".

So what, you think we are all bashing the TSA? Interesting how everyone seems to have nothing but the same negative sentiment. That is not bashing, that is "we all" sharing our same similar experiences. If I follow your logic, unless its positive feedback, what, its supposedly bashing???

Bashing is a matter of perception. But since the organization in question has yielded many negative sentiments over a large diverse span of people, maybe then your perception of bashing is really nothing more than us discussing the flaws inherent in the system.

Furthermore, yes, bashing was weeks ago when I called the TSA a bunch of tools. There was an apology and all the discussions since have been discussions.


If I recall correctly, you did say "We are trying the best we can" only to state later, "the rest is just smoke and mirrors" Sorry but as an individual that loves science, I can see through the illusion.

If we are all spending $10 a roundtrip for better security, then we the consumer have a right to question the actions bestowed upon us. Unfortunately, your perception that we are all bashing the TSA is flawed.

[emshighway]

When you all learn how to discuss then I will.


No one here is bashing the TSA. Note how you say when "you all learn".

So what, you think we are all bashing the TSA? Interesting how everyone seems to have nothing but the same negative sentiment. That is not bashing, that is "we all" sharing our same similar experiences. If I follow your logic, unless its positive feedback, what, its supposedly bashing???

Bashing is a matter of perception. But since the organization in question has yielded many negative sentiments over a large diverse span of people, maybe then your perception of bashing is really nothing more than us discussing the flaws inherent in the system.

Furthermore, yes, bashing was weeks ago when I called the TSA a bunch of tools. There was an apology and all the discussions since have been discussions.


If I recall correctly, you did say "We are trying the best we can" only to state later, "the rest is just smoke and mirrors" Sorry but as an individual that loves science, I can see through the illusion.

If we are all spending $10 a roundtrip for better security, then we the consumer have a right to question the actions bestowed upon us. Unfortunately, your perception that we are all bashing the TSA is flawed.

As you stated your perception not mine. Don't like the "you" being used? Neither do I.

Paraphrasing the smoke and mirrors to the max I see.

"The TSA officer told this guy in a loud voice so everyone heard it" I believe this can be called projecting. :roll:

"Oh just wait to you read my article for Sunday! I provide my own brand of input on our friends at the TSA"

"I swear the TSA is Al Qaeda's best ally"

"Maybe the TSA could save the $$ by getting the big red/green button that some Central American countries use for security."

Yea, not bashing, right.

See you are jumping on policy issues which the people at the local airports have very little control over.