Suggestions to improve TSA. I don't agree with the entire article but an improvement is an improvement....

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-03-06/tsa-airport-security-screening/53388320/1

when working security metal detectors recently I had to chuckle at people coming up to leave metal objects in the tray on the belt and walk through the detector when they looked confused at what they should be doing. .

After checking bags and purses they would try to proceed with the bag through the screener when it should be left on the belt. Others would leave jewelry on and some cell phones in pocket. I realized not all jewelry and belts would set the detector off and some were safe walking through with it on. Some would leave me everything in their pockets after I notified them just metal. I got gum, candy, papers.. hehe.

Camera air puffers too dangerous to bring on a plane.

http://gizmodo.com/5892099/add-the-giottos-rocket-to-your-list-of-silly-things-banned-by-the-tsa

I had never had any problems in any of the flights I have been on since 9/11, and had never been patted down until my flight last week from Little Rock. I had gone through the hands-on-my-head body scan (another first for me), and was directed over for a pat down. I was asked if I wanted a private pat down but I just figured there was nothing to worry about so I just had it out in the open. The woman was very polite, told me everything she was going to do. I did ask her why I was flagged for a pat down, she said I had tripped several alarms. (???) Anyway, everything went smoothly, and since I was there so early anyway (I am flying standby on this trip), it really wasn't an inconvenience to me at all. It was kinda interesting, actually!

As for my feelings about the TSA, I agree that they are simply trying to do their job, in keeping us safe. I appreciate them in that aspect completely. I have to fly a couple of times a year, and while not freaked about flying (the only thing I HATE about it is the turbulence!), things that put my mind at ease for safety are certainly appreciated!

Thank you for responding. I am, however, curious how TSA helps you feel safer. They have not caught a single terrorist nor anyone with ill intent to the airplane, and their failure rate during tests is alarming. Not to mention the chances of another airplane terrorist attack are less than you dying in a car accident.

What is it about TSA that helps you feel safer?

Fun TSA statistics
 

This is a link to TSA's blog immaturely refuting the viral video on how to get anything through the see you nude machines (previously posted):

http://blog.tsa.gov/2012/03/viral-video-about-body-scanners.html

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is great that it wasn't unpleasant.

On Sunday, I had to release a small, unopened cup of nonfat yogurt and I am still pretty irritated--The TSA agent was gleeful when she grabbed it away from me.

This is why people take shits on drink carts, I'm sure of it.

That is an excellent question. Have you asked anyone that might have the answer?

A nice TSA guy said he liked my Margaret Cho t-shirt.

But the gal that took away apretty's yogurt was kinda gleeful about it.

:sushi:

Did you believe the yogurt to be an acceptable, non-terrorist item or did you just forget to take it out of the bag before entering security?

Was your scary yogurt placed inside a container that would protect others if it went off or was it placed in an open garbage can, thereby endangering everyone?

This is absolutely true, and I know there are some pretty bad TSA agents out there....but I've never had a bad experience....and your post made me think of one of the better ones.

It was the first time my son had flown unaccompanied, and I was nervous as can be. He was just barely 13.

I got a gate pass to meet him at the gate, at Orlando....which can have annoying and ridiculous security lines at times and then be empty at others. I planned for plenty of time (I'm always early at the airport), but hit bad traffic and rain on the way, then a long line at the counter to get my gate pass, and then a gigantic line at security.

Then, I see the arrivals board....my son's flight got a tail wind evidently, and is arriving half an hour early.

I have visions of him wandering off the plane, me not there to meet him, and him on his own at the age of 13 in a very large airport.

Naturally, I was anxious and stressed.

I'm sure I exhibited all the signs of a potential problem....impatient, antsy, muttering to myself, visibly agitated. In fact, a female TSA agent approached me and asked me what was wrong. Clearly, this wasn't casual conversation....at this point I was a potential security risk.

I explained my dilemma.

She nodded, and said if I would agree to the backscatter she would get me through quickly so I could meet him at the gate.

I agreed.

She was good to her word - pulling me from the line and sending me through an employee line with a detour to the backscatter machine.

I ran from the other side....arriving just in time to meet him.

I think we need to remember that TSA agents are human...good and bad. If we approach them the way we'd like to be approached, with respect, it generally turns out better.

My only tip is avoid wearing underwire bras or clothing with metal on it. I've flown quite a bit in the couple years for work (TUL, OKC, SFO, BWI, NWA, ATL, LIT, MSP, etc etc etc...)

I've never had a bad experience as long as I've remembered to pull my liquids out, pull out my computer, wear a sports bra and slip on shoes. If you're bringing any kind of food, just pull it out and put it in its own bin because they're probably going to check it. (If it's in its own bin, it saves them from having to search your whole bag.) Prepare yourself for an extra 5 minutes or so.

Remember, TSA agents (here at least) start around $10 an hour. They're not getting paid enough to deal with all this bullshit, so be nice.

what happened to john shaft!?

i'm always the last to know.

Possibly triggering
 

South Park's take on the TSA.