Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - "What's your problem?!?"

Yesterday, I was making the return leg of my regular PHX-SNA-PHX run to see my spouse when I entered the security line at SNA. I got through the TDC with the silly "state your name" business and proceeded to get my laptop out, my bins ready, and my shoes and belts off.

As I approached the screening module, I told the male TSO that I wanted to opt out.

He stared at me and then said, "What's your problem?!?" in a rather harsh and loud voice. I responded, "I don't have a problem. I am opting out just like that sign about 10 feet behind you says I have a right to do."

He let out a very long, drawn out sigh and then got on his radio and said, "Another male assist. Ridiculous." He then proceeded to lecture me on the scanners, etc. I simply turned my back to him and kept an eye on my things as they went through the scanner.

The TSO who was doing the pat down arrived in about two minutes, took my items and we did our little dog and pony show before I was released. I headed over to the TSA service desk where I lodged my complaint and took the form and will be emailing my complaint to the TSA.

Honestly, I have no idea why that particular TSO decided to take a job that entails working with the public. He clearly doesn't like it when people exercise the right to opt out, and I am sure he hates it even more when people won't engage him by cowering at the sight of his fake badge and his unkempt beard.

What's my problem?

TSOs who can't be bothered to show a little respect to the public who simply exercise an option that is stated on the signs mere feet from where these TSOs work.

Now that is ridiculous.

You're to nice. I would've told him what he could do.

I headed over to the TSA service desk where I lodged my complaint and took the form and will be emailing my complaint to the TSA.

What's the point? The TSA will "lose" your complaint.

Next time, get him saying it on camera. Instant Youtube material - and it'll have more effect.

He stared at me and then said, "What's your problem?!?""It looks like you are".

I've never had this response simply in response to opting out, but I've had plenty of TSO's get cranky (e.g. "hold your horses, buddy", "chill out", "take it easy") when I opt out and start asserting myself over seeing my stuff and getting clean gloves and the like.

I also had a barker get in my face once and call me a "troublemaker" because I had the audacity to politely and quietly ask him not to shout at me.

They say this stuff because they're accustomed to receiving total acquiescence from 95% of passengers... it just blows my mind how most people just keep their heads down and allow themselves to be yelled at and then degraded in the nudiescope.

I also always opt out.... I dont put my things through until TSA agent is there as THEY STEAL EVERYTHING.... usually that holds up the line which makes them real happy... but saves my wallet:D and yes you were way to nice... I would have told that agent off...

SNA is always bad. I saw them separate a mother from her 6-7 year old child one time. Another where they trotted out 3 screeners (including a 3-striper) for a simple grope. All about intimidation. Almost as bad as RDU, but not quite.

Did have a funny experience at SNA once. I wore my "The TSA Wants to See Me Naked" t-shirt and went thru with my friend. I got thru without a peep out of TSA and my friend got singled out for secondary. She's like "it's not fair - HE'S the one with the shirt!" :D

Did have a funny experience at SNA once. I wore my "The TSA Wants to See Me Naked" t-shirt and went thru with my friend. I got thru without a peep out of TSA and my friend got singled out for secondary. She's like "it's not fair - HE'S the one with the shirt!" :D

Threatening those you care about is a common tactic of intimidation in repressive societies. TSA seems to have the techniques of a repressive society down pat.

What's a "TSA service desk"?

What's a "TSA service desk"?

It's where the passengers who want to file a complaint get "serviced." Kind of like the animal husbandry clinic at the local large animal vet.

Kind of like the animal husbandry clinic at the local large animal vet.

With most TSA experiences, I think the visit to the vet's office would probably turn out to be a lot more pleasant. :)

With most TSA experiences, I think the visit to the vet's office would probably turn out to be a lot more pleasant. :)

I dunno. Both are likely to involve a shoulder-length glove, but the vet's more likely to have J-Lube.

They have tried the in-your-face stuff with my on opt-outs. Everytime I yawn, and I yawn a few times during the grope. Tends to move it along at that point, other than one TSA guy who recognizes me at IAH Term E and gives me a quick one :rolleyes: and I am on my way.

What's the point? The TSA will "lose" your complaint.

Next time, get him saying it on camera. Instant Youtube material - and it'll have more effect.

I would like to hear his story. I will listen the video. He can tell us what exactly happened at airport today.

I opted out at SFO yesterday-- the screener came very quickly and they did not object when I stood somewhere where I could see my things. The groper seemed very empathetic and apologized to me a couple times saying, "sorry man, it's my job."

I always use the "just the typical ones" when they ask me if I have sensitive areas. This groper said, "yeah, ok, I understand."

Next time thinking maybe I will let out a little groan or yelp when the hand goes to "where your leg meets your torso"?

I opted out at SFO yesterday-- the screener came very quickly and they did not object when I stood somewhere where I could see my things.

I believe SFO is Covenant, not TSA.

What's a "TSA service desk"?

Sorry. That was probably a poor choice of words. There is usually a manned desk at the TSA checkpoints where you can get a comment card or address a supervisor or similar after you have completed screening.

At PHX T4 and SNA, it is immediately after the screening stations.

There is usually a manned desk at the TSA checkpoints where you can get a comment card or address a supervisor or similar after you have completed screening.

At PHX T4 and SNA, it is immediately after the screening stations.

The desk might be at PHX T4, but getting a comment card or addressing a supervisor at PHX is an exercise in futility.

I opted out at SFO yesterday-- the screener came very quickly and they did not object when I stood somewhere where I could see my things. The groper seemed very empathetic and apologized to me a couple times saying, "sorry man, it's my job."

I always use the "just the typical ones" when they ask me if I have sensitive areas. This groper said, "yeah, ok, I understand."

Next time thinking maybe I will let out a little groan or yelp when the hand goes to "where your leg meets your torso"?

I was flying AA and got the mean ones I guess. I opted out and got lectured that it was safe and a waste of their time. When my items got out of my sight, I was lectured that I did something wrong by not bringing my belongs to the other line (like I was to know). Asked for a supervisor, short asian woman, that would not let me tell her what happened so they could surely follow the proper procedures OR communicate to me what they wanted. I had to tell her to, yes my words - 'SHUT UP AND STOP TALKING OVER ME so we know the process you want keeps me secure'. She walked away and sent a male supervisor over. He gave me the groping and listened to me. Then explained where it went wrong and that he would address it with the exact person (identifying where the breakdown occurred so i knew where it would be corrected).

At TPA when I left on Friday, got the nasty looks and lecture that I was a problem, wasting time and getting in the way. I just told him that the day he graduated high school he can gladly start to give me medical advise about the equipment safety.

I opted out and got lectured that it was safe and a waste of their time.

Well, you're wasting my time, so I guess that makes us even.

Well, you're wasting my time, so I guess that makes us even.

Who are you and how did I waste your time? Please explain so I know how to properly apologize

Sorry, that was the proper reply to the Screening Zombie when he said to you "You're wasting our time". ;)

Sorry, that was the proper reply to the Screening Zombie when he said to you "You're wasting our time". ;)

Thank you!! I would never admit that they were wasting my time. it would make them happy!! And I dont make The Terminally Stupid Authority happy.

SNA is always bad. I saw them separate a mother from her 6-7 year old child one time. Another where they trotted out 3 screeners (including a 3-striper) for a simple grope. All about intimidation. Almost as bad as RDU, but not quite.
+1 - The only place I've encountered the "say your name" game. Usually takes the opt-out groper several minutes to show up.

I believe SFO is Covenant, not TSA.
You are correct.

Sorry. That was probably a poor choice of words. There is usually a manned desk at the TSA checkpoints where you can get a comment card or address a supervisor or similar after you have completed screening.

At PHX T4 and SNA, it is immediately after the screening stations.

I see, but I've never seen anything even remotely close at any airport where I've been, other than the the UDCP (Useless Document Checker Podium).

One of my facebook friends had a run in with a TSO over a groping at 7 AM.

Her resistance meant, according to the TSO, that "I don't love my country".

My friend made a comment "she (the TSO) wasn't quite so mouthy after being told that it was exactly that sort of half assed logic & lack of reason had her stuck in a dead end minimum wage job." ^

One of my facebook friends had a run in with a TSO over a groping at 7 AM... Her resistance meant, according to the TSO, that "I don't love my country".

Holy moly. What an astonishing thing to hear. Them's fighting words.

Her resistance meant, according to the TSO, that "I don't love my country".

"If working for the TSA means 'loving one's country,' then why does the TSA take their marching orders from terrorist organizations?"

One of my facebook friends had a run in with a TSO over a groping at 7 AM.

Her resistance meant, according to the TSO, that "I don't love my country"."Love of my country is why I will continue to resist the efforts of people like you to turn it into a police state".