Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - My worst TSA experience to date, filling out a complaint form today! .

My wife and I fly a lot and always elect for an Opt Out if not able to do a SDOO. So last week at IAH terminal C we both opted out and had to wait a moment or 2 for a female and male assist. My TSO was a LTSO and I noted his name was Johnson. He was very official with me at first by asking me to point out my items as they sat on the conveyor belt and told me sternly not to touch anything. As he shouldered my heavy camera bag (I shoot pictures for a living) I joked that he could see what I had to carry around all day and I noticed he did not smile or say anything.

We got to the pat down area and he started in with the pre-pat down explanation and asked if I had ever had a pat down before. I replied that I did this about 2 times per week. He then said he was going to explain what was about to happen to which I replied that was fine but if he wanted to skip it and move on to the pat down I was OK with that and that some TSO's did this as I was a frequent traveler. He replied, "Well sir, if they are doing that they are endangering you and all of your fellow passengers!" So I pondered that thought for a second and it hit me as really rather funny as it really only protects the TSO as they have explained the procedure so the passenger can't complain that they didn't know what was about to happen.

I then smiled at his stupid statement and probably rolled my eyes a bit giving an expression that might be interpreted as "Oh sure... Yea, right... NOT!"

And he replied, "Sir I can see from your attitude that I may have to call a supervisor!"

My attitude? I admit it caught me off guard and I really pictured a delay and having to explain to a supervisor and I quickly said, "I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you mean" and he said "you obviously have a bad attitude and if it doesn't change immediately I will call my supervisor!" So I apologized and told him he was free to go on and please proceed with his security screening. He stared at me like a parent would to a child who has disobeyed and then in a moment began his canned speech again and proceeded to search me in the most official text book manner. And as he did my front legs and back legs he went on about he kept going on about what he was doing and as he was behind me I could barely understand him and wondered what a person with hearing loss would do and I felt like asking him if he ever had to deal with people who were hearing impaired but decided not to engage him. He gave me a pretty hard karate chop to my groin as he finished and checked his gloves and then told me I was free to go and walked off without a smile or a thank you or a "have a nice day" or even a look eye to eye.

I felt humiliated and violated, not because of the search which I have become accustomed to but because he was so rude, condescending and his attempt to intimidate me. I was also annoyed with myself for not calling his bluff and insisting on a supervisor and telling him he was the one with the bad attitude. I have never been treated so rudely by a TSO in all my years of flying. Unfortunately he succeeded in using the element of surprise and had caught me off guard and I can't undue that or my response at the time.

So after I put on my shoes and belt and picked up my things I approached the raised desk are and asked the 3 stripper TSO for a complaint form and told him to please inform Officer Johnson that he did not succeed in intimidating me and that I would be filing an official complaint.

Today I will fill out the form and submit it in detail. Maybe not much but it will give me some satisfaction. It just frustrates me that he is a LTSO, how the heck did someone with zero personality or communication skills get to that position if not for a system that rewards his kind of attitude. Very sad. :td:

It just frustrates me that he is a LTSO, how the heck did someone with zero personality or communication skills get to that position if not for a system that rewards his kind of attitude.

I think you just answered your own question. Two-stripers tend to be the worst in my experience. They have just enough authori-tah to think and act like they're God's gift to national security and you should be groveling in their presence, but they haven't got the rational thinking capacity that most three-stripers do (note, I said "most," not "all").

Same sort of busybody personality who volunteer to be school bus "monitors", homeowner association CCR-violation-detectors-and-tattlers, and overly-aggressive civilian neighborhood watch patrol staff. Too young to be elder-team-police-volunteers.

I felt humiliated and violated, not because of the search which I have become accustomed to but because he was so rude, condescending and his attempt to intimidate me. I was also annoyed with myself for not calling his bluff and insisting on a supervisor and telling him he was the one with the bad attitude. I have never been treated so rudely by a TSO in all my years of flying. Unfortunately he succeeded in using the element of surprise and had caught me off guard and I can't undue that or my response at the time. :td:

Just keep this in mind: OJ is obviously a miserable person. Once you leave the checkpoint, you are done with him, but he has to live with himself forever. I pity people like that.

Mike

I really dont get why anybody do karate chops to another person!?

It really hurts plus it can cause injuries.

Anybody known for "falling to the floor" and/or "holding" them selves in pain!

This is so sick with all these perverted TSO'S who like to hurt people.

perverted TSO'S

Redundant.

I really dont get why anybody do karate chops to another person!?

It really hurts plus it can cause injuries.

Anybody known for "falling to the floor" and/or "holding" them selves in pain!

This is so sick with all these perverted TSO'S who like to hurt people.

Because they can. Because they're essentially bullies. Because they have no other way to take out their frustration. Because there are no puppies to kick. The reasons are endless. But the explanation of this mentality is here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment).

Mike

Because they can. Because they're essentially bullies. Because they have no other way to take out their frustration. Because there are no puppies to kick. The reasons are endless. But the explanation of this mentality is here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment).

Mike

I do understand everything you write and I do agree.

But what if a passenger gets hurt and demands a MD. Cause they are so much in Pian?

I do belive that TSO's dont think anybody would like that kind of attention in front of other people.

Why not/
if they would hurt me I would have no problem demanding help.

I do understand everything you write and I do agree.

But what if a passenger gets hurt and demands a MD. Cause they are so much in Pian?

I do belive that TSO's dont think anybody would like that kind of attention in front of other people.

Why not/
if they would hurt me I would have no problem demanding help.

The TSOs figure that nobody would report them or that nobody would believe the victim. In this case, they would have the burden of proof on their side. The chop is hard enough to cause pain but not enough to do visible damage.

Mike

The TSOs figure that nobody would report them or that nobody would believe the victim. In this case, they would have the burden of proof on their side. The chop is hard enough to cause pain but not enough to do visible damage.

Mike

I get bruises very easy.
And sure they dont expect anybody to talk about pain to their genitals.

And what proof would they have?

Not taking sides here but why small-talk with the agent? My goal is to stand there with a straight-face, let them give their speech, and finish my screening as quickly as possible. I have nothing to say to them one way or another unless the agent himself tries to break the ice, then I'll communicate back. I'm in no way blaming you but I don't understand the need for any jokes or the long explanation of your frequent travel habits and that he can 'skip' his speech. Do your part, let them do theirs, and move on. Helps me keep my sanity intact.

Redundant.

I have never heard that word before. What does that mean?

English is not my first language.

I get bruises very easy.
And sure they dont expect anybody to talk about pain to their genitals.

And what proof would they have?

None. They think they can get away with it. Believe me, there is nothing I would like more than to see someone who is karate-chopped get one of these guys nailed.

I have never heard that word before. What does that mean?

English is not my first language.

Unnecessarily repetitive. In other words, you don't have to say "perverted TSOs," since the implication is that, just by saying "TSO," the "perverted" part is understood.

Mike

None. They think they can get away with it. Believe me, there is nothing I would like more than to see someone who is karate-chopped get one of these guys nailed.



Unnecessarily repetitive. In other words, you don't have to say "perverted TSOs," since the implication is that, just by saying "TSO," the "perverted" part is understood.

Mike

So Redundant. means repitive?
Correct!

So Redundant. means repitive?
Correct!

Essentially, yes. There are some nuances in how the word is used, with the focus of redundant being more on the "unnecessary" part of the repetition but, for this example, that works.

Mike

I've found recently that I'm able to avoid the play-by-play instructions of the pat down, when I tell them:
I have no sensitive areas.
I have no medical implants.
I do not request a private screening.

If they continue on with their spiel I tell them:
I have no sensitive areas.
I have no medical implants.
I do not request a private screening.

If they continue to continue on with their spiel, I've suggested..."Look pal, this is my XXth time this year through a checkpoint...your SOPs haven't changed in that time, so either hurry it along, or get a supervisor that can."

It's worked every time.

I just let them go through their standard routine. It doesn't cost me anything if they go through their "spiel."

The way Chris was treated was wrong. Of course. He needs to report it, especially the "karate chop" because that's just sick. That said, some people do better on a job and can focus better if they talk themselves through it and go through a very set routine. So I don't try to interrupt. I don't think you should be the first one with a joke. If the officer takes themselves very seriously, respect it and take them very seriously. If they are more welcoming and like to talk or share a laugh, then go ahead and share the laugh. Don't try to force your mood on them. Of course, sometimes we are really excited to depart on our trip and we feel a little giddy, but the officer is stuck on the ground screening people all day and sometimes he may be in no mood. People with no personality need to eat too.

However, while I would have written off the jerky attitude, you cannot turn your head and fail to report the physical abuse. This guy could really injure someone some day if he is not stopped.

Chris, if this is your "worst TSA experience to date" then you are actually doing quite well!

The whole point of the pat down is to get people to stop opting out. That is why they go out of their way to make it as unpleasant as possible. They are hoping that if they make it as difficult and miserable as they can, you will just go through the scanner.

Many people have had far worse experiences. Just hold your ground and keep opting out. Don't be intimidated by their tactics. I commend you for keeping your cool through this encounter.

Chris, you need to make it uncomfortable for them too. When they used to say they would go until they meet resistance, I asked for a medical definition of resistant. Many many times the TSO would just stammer and say oh you know what I mean. Several times I have asked for a supervisor to explain exactly what they were going to touch and what resistant is. My wife is a state trooper in Ohio and she just tells them right up front that she is a cop and she will arrest for gross sexual imposition on the spot if they touch her genitals in any manner. The look on the grouper is just priceless when she gives them her speech.

Next time tell him to go ahead and call a supervisor.

My wife is a state trooper in Ohio and she just tells them right up front that she is a cop and she will arrest for gross sexual imposition on the spot if they touch her genitals in any manner.

I'll bet they call for a supervisor right away.

The look on the grouper is just priceless when she gives them her speech.

Grouper? Sounds fishy to me. ;)

Next time tell him to go ahead and call a supervisor.

Agreed; the correct response to a threat to call a supervisor (or cop) is, "please do, now." Most TSA employees (including the supervisors) are indistinguishable from middle-school bullies personality wise. Calling their bluff is extremely effective. The worst the supervisor will due is be the same as the offending TSO.

And there was no reason for the OP to apologize about anything. Doing so gives power to the bully.

Grouper? Sounds fishy to me. ;)

I'm pretty sure that's not what he meant. Sounds like he was just floundering around for a word and you took the bait. :)

Mike

I'm pretty sure that's not what he meant. Sounds like he was just floundering around for a word and you took the bait. :)

Puns are for bottom-feeders, Mike.

Puns are for bottom-feeders, Mike.

Now you're just being crabby.

Mike

I'm pretty sure that's not what he meant. Sounds like he was just floundering around for a word and you took the bait. :)

Mike

Puns are for bottom-feeders, Mike.

Now you're just being crabby.

Mike

Don't carp at each other.

You said your wife was getting a similar pat-down, were you close enough that one could watch the other ? If so, you had a witness and should have requested the supervisor to bring a cop over to file an assault charge. That would definitely go in the guys record.
If it just happened, they might still have "video" of it.

The only time one TSA mentioned bringing a super over for me, I said sure.
Didn't take long, and the TSA guy settled down too.

Meh... I go through TSA the same way I go through customs...

- look them in the eye
- no volunteering of information
- no attempt to be friendly or chatty
- answer questions to the point, briefly & honestly

Never any trouble at either point... yet. Displaying even a hint
of attitude might be enough to set someone off who is already
having a bad enough day.

1st, thanks to all for the fish puns, I got a few real belly laughs at them. Made my day. :)

2nd, as soon as a screener starts up with you about 'showing attitude'
I would reccoment calling for both a TSA supivisor as well as a LEO (for an impartial whitness). It's pretty much assured that "it's going down hill from here".

Displaying even a hint
of attitude might be enough to set someone off who is already
having a bad enough day.

If they don't like the job, they can choose to follow a different career path.

Funny, I've had exact opposite experiences...

Meh... I go through TSA the same way I go through customs...

- look them in the eye
- no volunteering of information
- no attempt to be friendly or chatty
- answer questions to the point, briefly & honestly


I was told once by the TSA at DFW that not answering his questions or friendly or chatty was "suspicious". TDC called a supervisor over because I didn't reply when he wished me a happy Friday! (Anyone who thinks being at DFW on a Friday evening is anything to be happy about is insane)

Customs officers, on the other hand, have been downright hilarious, helpful, and friendly lately. Who knew?


2nd, as soon as a screener starts up with you about 'showing attitude'
I would reccoment calling for both a TSA supivisor as well as a LEO (for an impartial whitness). It's pretty much assured that "it's going down hill from here".

My very recent experience has been that a passenger calling for a supervisor and LEO leads to bad stuff happening. At the very least, it leads to multiple accusations of you "showing attitude". YMMV.

2nd, as soon as a screener starts up with you about 'showing attitude'
I would reccoment calling for both a TSA supivisor as well as a LEO (for an impartial whitness). It's pretty much assured that "it's going down hill from here".
I wouldn't go that far at the first mention. Calling for a TSA supervisor and an LEO will inevitably add quite a bit of time to your checkpoint visit. For one, many one-stripers bring a two-striper over. Two-stripers are basically one-stripers, except that they have a little bit of managerial power and a lot of managerial ego. I've found that if you want to make a two-striper blow their top, just say, "I asked for a supervisor, and all they sent was you. Don't you have any three-stripers around?", when they're being as difficult with you as two-stripers generally are (had a run-in with one this morning, in fact).

Two, even if you avoid the two-striper hassle and do manage to get a three-striper right away, they will almost always stand their ground and say no when told to summon a LEO. You'll have to ask several times or, in certain airports, risk being denied entry by walking over to the airport police desk yourself (and therefore "interfering with the screening process"). This can waste several minutes.

Finally, once the LEO is there, the only guarantee is that no one's going anywhere for a while. Involving the people with dark blue shirts and real badges tends to slow down the process immensely, and there's no guarantee you'll get one who's sympathetic to you.

In short, I wouldn't waste a ton of time asking for three-stripers and LEOs because a screener says you're displaying a bad attitude. Now, if the screener persists, makes comments that could be interpreted as thinly-veiled threats or engages in punitive screening, then you're well within your rights to ask for a three-striper or plainclothes management, and to escalate to an LEO from there if needed.