Yesterday departing IAD for the West Coast we had 3 TSA agents standing behind a table at the boarding gate. Passengers were randomly selected to have their bags searched ... toothpaste, deodorant, drinks purchesed in the terminal ... were all taken. Is this going to bethe new norm? Are too many people smuggling hair-gel through the regular security that they have resorted to this?

On seeing what was happening several people fm the boardling line left, presumably to throw out their toothpaste or whatever.

I doubt it was to throw out so much as hide it better ;) ... they had discussed doing this but must have staff shortages since it's taken so long for most airports (I think someone said national guard was being tapped at san for gate searches) ... watch them do the selection. If its anything like the last time, just look like trouble and they'll pass you over- they take the easy folks with the least amount of luggage. And folks, don't forget to always request they put on new gloves before touching your stuff. This insanity has got to end soon.

I've seen it done in ord as well- I think it is random as far as I can tell..... :confused:

It is not random. They clearly prefer people with small purses, handbags and backpacks vs. people with roller boards and two bags.

It is not random. They clearly prefer people with small purses, handbags and backpacks vs. people with roller boards and two bags.
LOL...sad, but true.
More security charade...

On Aug 21st everyone's bags got searched at the gate before I boarded LAX-IYK out of T8. They were searching other UX flights near mine too, all at one table set up to service the several gates at the far end of T8. The folks doing the searching were wearing camo uniforms - National Guard probably.

They had two TSAers at the MKE gates last week as well. Not singling people out or doing it randomly. You got your bag looked in before you handed your boarding pass to the gate agent.

or you didnt get to hand your boarding pass to the gate agent.

LOL...sad, but true.
More security charade...

Yeah, they has need more security reason at airports and they will let you need do gate search again before enter the aircraft. But, they didn't have with handwand for pat them down. :confused:

Since more about TSA practices at IAD than UA, moved to the WAS forum.

cblaisd & iluv2fly
Moderators, United

Same story at DCA today. 3 TSA personel ready to search select victims. However, noone in F or Zone 1 was selected.

Same story at DCA today. 3 TSA personel ready to search select victims. However, noone in F or Zone 1 was selected.

Here's a link about my experience at DCA on Tuesday -- same 3-person goon squad...

DCA Security Report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=601551)

Yesterday departing IAD for the West Coast we had 3 TSA agents standing behind a table at the boarding gate. Passengers were randomly selected to have their bags searched ... toothpaste, deodorant, drinks purchesed in the terminal ... were all taken. Is this going to bethe new norm?

Been going on since at least 8/11, the day after the Great Liquid Ban began, when I went BOS-LAX. At LAX 3 screeners search while 3 Nat'l Guard glare @ the passengers waiting to board-a total of 6 people looking for toothpaste!!

:td: