TSA Experiences

[Andrea]

Originally Posted by curlyredhead

Ok so I have an interesting thing happening. As most people know I just recently had my lower surgery. One of the reasons I chose to stay local in Plano, TX was so I didn't have to deal with the TSA. I have heard horror stories about guys traveling after surgery and having all sorts of issues.

Now in the past I have done a pat down because I didn't want to reveal my gender and I don't know how much of it is actually visible through those scanners. I also don't know if it is safe for my $6,000 hearing aids to go through either.

In the future I am scheduled to fly to San Antonio in a couple of weeks. I really don't know if I want a pat down or if I want a scanner. Obviously I am still healing. Any suggestions would be great.

I have had issues in the past I am about to disclose that information here.

1) San Antonio
2) Metal Detector
3) Opt Out
4) At first I was nervous but it wasn't a bad thing.
5) I would have to say with my ex she didn't like the entire pat down I went through thought it was way too invasive and it takes FOREVER!
6) I understand why TSA is there and I am glad, but really get with the program and use the technology that is better suited for the airport, so we don't have to take off our shoes anymore.
7) One time, I was really caught off guard by this too and didn't know how to respond. TSA agent asked to see my wallet. I felt like this was a bit of invasion of privacy. I see him going through and he sees the money in my wallet. He's like you big spender. He shouldn't have commented it was inappropriate. But if I had told him no he can't go through it, it could have red flagged me right?


Still trying to figure out my next trip.... I might ask my surgeon what he thinks as well.

One of the problems with TSA is the lack of consistency. What occurs on your flight out will probably be different than your return flight. Each airport, TSA gate, and/or TSA clerk implement different rules, including made up rules.

Things to consider when choosing between the pat down and the scanner:

1) You can still be selected for a pat down even if you don’t trigger the scanner.

2) Men with large penises and large testicles have been flagged by the scanner for ‘abnormalities’ and subjected to the pat down.

3) Women with menstrual pads on have been flagged by the scanner for ‘abnormalities’ and subjected to the pat down.

4) Check with your hearing aid manufacturer about going through the scanner with them. TSA does NOT have the expertise to advise you and may tell you it is okay just to avoid giving you the pat down.

You state you understand why TSA is at our airports. Please expound on that. What do you believe is being accomplished by removing our shoes, taking no liquids into the secure area, and having TSA check our private parts?

You also mentioned your wallet was searched by a TSA clerk and your concern you may have been flagged if you said anything about it being inappropriate. In what way did you feel you might be flagged? Did you think you would receive a retaliatory search if you mentioned the TSA clerk had no need to open your wallet or did you think mentioning the wallet search would indicate you were a terrorist?

Not all TSA experiences are issues, other than ineffectual, time consuming, and fear mongering. I hope your experience is dull and ordinary.

One final note: you said one reason you stay in Plano, TX is to avoid TSA. See the posting directly above yours (and further back). TSA has expanded to searching trains, buses, and private cars.