MilesBuzz! - Has their been a recent rash of old lady, 1k terrorists at BWI?

I have been on 12 flights since the "tragic incident" and most of my recent airport security experiences have been quite rapid and boringly unremarkable..........until yesterday at BWI.

I checked in quickly at the 1k line, walked over to security, placed my stuff on the belt and walked through the body scanner, setting off no alarms, like always. I then walked up to reclaim my computer (which they made me run through separately), my purse, my bag and my trusty antique projector off the belt. Wow was I surprised to find that the agent grabbed my bag and purse out of my hand and rushed them over to the hand inspection table.

He frantically rummaged through all pockets of my bag, grabbed all of my makeup, wrinkle creams, lingerie and electronic gear, tossed them around on the table, then stuffed everything back into the bag and reran it through the X-ray machine. Mr. Security then ran the bag back and forth through the X-ray machine a couple of times with a few of of his rapidly summoned security buddy types, all of whom decided that "it" was there, whatever "it" was.

They then brought the bag back to the table and proceeded to again pull out all of my belongings, rifle through all the pockets and become even more frantic. Mr. Security guy number one, started screaming, "It's right here, it's right here". Then he turned on me and said, "Where is it?" Not having a clue what he was looking for, I said, "I honestly don't know".

Now Mr. Security and friends are starting to get really mad at me??? Go figure. They gave me dirty looks, muttered, "You're not helping," and again stuffed all my gear back into my bag and ran it back and forth through the X-ray machine a few more times, brought it back again and started to toss my stuff around.

I innocently asked if it would be ok if I took my computer into the club, had a drink and checked my e-mail as it looked like they were going to take awhile. By this time the UAL rep at security was commiserating with me and the heavily armed young National Guardsman was smiling, but steadfast old Mr. Security was not amused--he obviously wanted desperately to be a necessary part of it all. ***sigh***

After the 5th time they ran my bag through the X-ray machine and had thoroughly tossed all my lovely scarves, lingerie and expensive anti-wrinkle creams many times, they finally summoned a young girl who researched all the pockets of my bag and uncovered my secret (from me) hidden contraband--a special Martel corkscrew that my beloved brother Rudi had gifted upon me a couple of years ago and which I had slipped into a center pocket of my bag and had forgotten.

Am I the only person in America who honestly believes that the terrorists are intelligent enough to move on to something else besides airplanes for their attacks, and that there just might be a better use of our time, energy and assets than aprehending old ladies with corkscrews at airports these days??

I can't help thinking that, while it has been a long time since I was a Marine, I could still infict every bit as much damage with a well place kick as I could with a Martel corkscrew.

Are these security folks doing more damage to our economy than did the terrorists?

Yep - couldn't agree more http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

(you know that saying about power corrupting and absolute power......)

Next thing you know they'll take your keys, belt and shoelaces.

But Punki, the $64,000 question is:

Did you get to keep the corkscrew???

Aloha!

I understand your point in it's entirely. However, if only those x-ray men would of been that thorough on September 11.

it was probably not the corksrew - the 'Martel' = swiss link is suspicious by itself.

Don't feel like the lone stranger, Punki - my watch set off the alarm today in Nashville and I was subjected to a body scan! I really fit the profile also!! For some reason, my husband's watch went through OK! What I could not figure out is why there are no Nat Guards in San Jose but there are in Nashville. Pardon me, but it seems to me that taking out Silicon Valley would be a more likely scenario than taking out the Grand Ole Opry!

Ah Punki

Is this the famous corkscrew that you have been carrying to give to the FC F/A's to open the wine with http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by nemesis7ms:
I understand your point in it's entirely. However, if only those x-ray men would of been that thorough on September 11. </font>

...then they would have let the corkscrew go through, as they weren't forbidden in carry-ons until after September 11th.

Hmmm, profiling must be running overtime:

50+ FTs Who are Ex-Military, Upper Management, Monogamous for 25+ Years, 1K, Swiss Corkscrew carrying

I wonder how the computer thought that could be a threat http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Sorry Punki!

I have no Martel corkscrew - so I'm safe! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Yet I have admittedly taken to leaving my engraved black Swiss Army knife, that was long ago given to me as a gift and which includes a corkscrew, at home! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

We could all go with the two pronged "slide down the side and then pull up" kind, I suppose! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Incidentally I too had a bit of a security hassle two weeks ago and could not seem to pass through no matter what. Yet at the same airport, tewnty four hours later, I was subsequently permitted to pass security without showing any "papers" such as a boarding pass or whatever! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

Go figure! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Ahh Punki! Thanks for the laugh! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

As you mention yourself, you are a former marine and I am sure we can all agree that all ex-marines, gender and age aside, can be of fatal influence regarding air safety.

I'll remember to stash my hand grenade to my shorts next time I'm visiting the US.

It seems that womens' pocketbook and makeup cases must be seen as a particularly dangerous threat at BWI.
On 2Oct at C gate security, Francine's suitcase was opened and her makeup kit removed, rummaged through, and sent for another trip thru the xray scanner. There was much huddling over the image, pointing, and whispered conversation. Then the case was shaken down again, this time by two of the security people, and nothing was found. Back to the xray machine, back to the conferencing over the image, and back to the table where a final shakedown produced nothing. The bag was then returned to Francine with the explanation that there must have been some shadowing that looked like something dangerous altho they were now certain that there was nothing there (not even a corkscrew that she had taken particular care to leave in the hotel in VA).
So it appears that the old lady shakedown extends to 50+, monogamous women in upper management who are CO Platinums as well as 1K but who don't even carry corkscrews.

I'm not familiar with a Martel Corkscrew. Does it in xray profile look exactly line a 4-5" folded pocket knife? The corkscrew I use at home could easily be converted to a 5 1/2" knife.

BWI has had some really bad security in the past. There was an article last week in the Baltimore Sun about how many times the FAA snuck things through security.

For me, BWI security has been a joke. A friends shoes always set off the metal detector and if we walked close together, they would never stop both of us.

I think that they are really putting BWI under the microsope at the moment.

Well, I could always walk though Dulles with metal on me and not raise a flag, then go through another day clean and be given the "wand" treatment - so I don't know how consistent anything is regarding security.

I can EVERYTIME get through with metal items, much to my chagrin, at every airport I have ever been through. I won't say what, but if an airport finally does do the right thing and pick up on it, I will be very pleased - and give details.

Maybe the profiling includes Rudi Martel gifts. Hmmm....good thing I didn't try to go through security with the wonderful Swiss chocolates I received a while ago. Afterall, I could have nibbled them into pointy shapes!

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I am really concerned about the inconsistency. Although I do believe that this particular group of terrorists are more likely to choose another method, we still have the old fashioned copy cat possibilities out there, so I think security should be better. However, out of Puerto Vallarta yesterday, CO checked all bags by hand, checked or otherwise. I was flying AA, and they didn't check anything, nor ask the standard questions. Was it because I am 50+, standing in the first class line (being platinum), have been a FF since 94, or just being lax??? On all my flights people changed to empty seats and did not look "suspicious" as did my nephew with the "arab" name.

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DtG

FLL (11 a.m), Oct 3, 2001. over 50 male Vietnam-era former Psychological Operations Officer in line. Line for screening at terminal for NW flight to DTW. Line appears to be in a state of confusion. Fairly short wait, approach rent-a-policia who asks, "What do you have in pockets?"

"Boarding passes, passport, wallet"

He says, "give me your wallet"

"What!, you're not getting my wallet"

Response, "Put everything in basket at x-ray and put it through machine.

OK, did it, but hid wallet under ticket folder so his co-workers could not get to it.
Scanned carry on, scanned boarding passes, passport and wallet. Did not open anything, but did the fertilizer remnant test on the carry on. Passed.

Guess some screeners have a profile for bearded, portly persons of above description who may also be gullible enough to hand over wallet. Assume that if he had gotten it, my Diners Club card would have rung up enough points to get a couple of RTW awards.

They did not however get my finger nail clippers without pointy thing on it. BTW NW flight attendants use cork screws to open the Syrah but not the Cab. Reason, they don't stock the Cab.

My experience at BWI was exactly the opposite last weekend.

I first passed through ID inspection with a rather elderly innocuous looking man seated in a chair with a desktop from a schoolroom. As I got to the security scanners behind him, I realized I still had disposable razors with me. (Since 9/11 I just buy them when I get to my destination and throw out what's left before leaving for the airport.) There were no garbage containers around, so I took them out, handed them to the agent and said "Here you can have them." She opened the little bag, asked what it was and returned it to me. Off I went through the scanners with them without further ado.

AND the governor of Maryland was holding a press conference about 100 feet away as he was preparing to leave for NY from the gate next to mine.

One might have thought security would be exceptionally tight ...

It is all silly and dealing with perception to make us (or at least some of America) feel better.

Other than full strip searchs, dumping of EVERY BAG can you even get close to security. Random is the best they can do. If the traveling public knew how much did get through and the other "weapons" that exist on the concourse and on the plane, they probably would not fly. So, for now, they go through these silly shakedowns.

Corkscrews and nailclippers are so stupid. I know many that have traveled with them, and worse.

Dumb, dumb. Years from now our children will shake their head as they review the great depression caused by the FAA back in the fall of 2001.

Reminds me of the "Duck and Cover" excercises we did when I was in Grade 1 or 2, several decades ago.

While I agree that most of the added (visible) security measures are probably useless and mostly to reassure the (non)-traveling public, I for one am actually comforted by Punki's experience. While it seems that her treatment may have been a bit excessive, just as Punki is probably right that for now terrorist attacks will not focus on aircraft, it is also the case that not all terrorists are dark-complexioned bearded Middle-Eastern males. Truly smart terrorists would have recruited operatives who could pass for any one of the other ethnic/age/gender groups that also populates the US (I admit that the probability of a Hasidic Jew being recruited by the current suspect group is unlikely, but an effective disguise can take many forms).

My guess: it's because of the following training scenario. Clever terrorist hangs around 1K counter waiting for innocuous looking old lady susceptible to a bit of flattery. After she checks in, he (or maybe she, won't discriminate) approaches said old lady. "Here, ma'm, let me help you with that heavy bag." "What flight are you taking?" "Oh, what a coincidence, I'm on that flight, too. I'm so happy to have such a charming traveling companion." While old lady 1K simpers and blushes in response terrorists slips corkscrew into lining of her carry-on. "Oh, I forgot, I wanted to get (names item) at (names store). They don't have one in the gate areas. I'll see you at the gate." Gullible old lady passes through security because security won't harass her. Terrorist passes through security without problem, meets gullible 1K at gate and retrieves corkscrew while heaping on more insincere flattery.

C'mon Punki, how could security know you weren't a gullible simperer?

While all this effort was put forth on a 'corkscrew", the security folks were unable to spend quality time on others, eith in observation mode or searching their bags. This was overkill. Personally, I do not think there is no valid reason to not allow corkscrews on the plane. Think about it, with what we know now, could someone hold 50 or 100 people hostage with a corkscrew? I think not.

And before someone says they should have enough people there to check everyone closely and monitor everything that is going on, get real. Do you realize how many people go through the airport everyday?

And please, already, Stop using the phrase "If that is the price we have to pay...". People say it like they really think that whatever action is being discussed will ensure our safety. Get real.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by boa:
My guess: it's because of the following training scenario. Clever terrorist hangs around 1K counter waiting for innocuous looking old lady susceptible to a bit of flattery. </font>

I don't think there's an experienced flyer out there who would 1) allow their bags out of their control or 2) carry something aboard for a stranger.

It's simple common sense.

The country is totally panicked. The news media and politicians have done a great job of scaring the daylights out of everybody. The kind of common sense screening that would have spotted inconsistencies in September, such as numerous guys with Arabic names buying one way Business Class tix (some with cash, and standing in the wrong line)on the same flights didn't seem to be there. Now, it appears, no two airports are handling screening the same. Unless they streamline this thing (without losing effectiveness), passengers will begin to stay home in greater numbers. This current practice of making travelers leave valuables exposed in that confusion is going to lead to some theft, unfortunately. My favorite was the other day, when , after having been made to put everything I own on the belt, the screener decided to reverse it for another look at something on the xray screen. The predictable result was to dump everything on the ground, which in the case of the loose change, was quite a challenge.

Mileage Addict,
What self control you must have. I don't think it's possible to nibble swiss chocolate! :-) Very Funny Post.

At 5:40 a.m. on Friday, 10/5, the lines at the United counter at BWI extended out the door and way down the road. This was just to check in! The security line was not quite as long. It's just ridiculous -- and not effective at all. If I'm supposed to feel safer because some young kid is standing around the checkpoint with an assault rifle, well, I don't. Sorry.

And stop checking IDs a million times. That doesn't contribute anything to security.

Bruce

I for one am glad to hear that security is focusing on the old ladies. I have been saying for YEARS that they are the real threat! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

they need to concentrate on "little" old ladies!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MatthewClement:
I don't think there's an experienced flyer out there who would 1) allow their bags out of their control or 2) carry something aboard for a stranger.

It's simple common sense.

</font>

I guess I should abandon my plans to write satire. Apparently I write too convincingly for people to get the joke. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

At MIA's T7 (UA) last week I was selected (probably randomly, but who knows) for "secondary inspection" at security. Went through a second, different metal detector, asked to remove shoes & belt and send them through the x-ray machine. Rent-an-Inspector then frisked me twice, wanded me twice including soles of feet. Asked to look down front of pants. I was somewhat amused at that one and told her that I would be flattered if she considered "my package" as dangerous.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif El Cochinito.
On a more serious note: Older folks per se are no thread. But, terrorists & other criminals have tried to use them to carry dangerous items past security and into airplanes.
While I appreciate efficient check-in procedures I have no beef about security staff doing a thorough check of my belongings and myself. If they deem it necessary I can live with it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MatthewClement:
I don't think there's an experienced flyer out there who would 1) allow their bags out of their control or 2) carry something aboard for a stranger.

It's simple common sense.

</font>

Yes, I got the humor.

BUT, a to be practical (a word unknown to the FAA), there are a large number of people that lie daily about bags out of their control. What about those times when you leave them with the hotel checkroom? or in the back of a meeting room, or the back of the shuttle bus, or under a regular bus, or in the trunk of your car while in meetings all day, or in the hotel room while out doing other things, etc. etc.

Now, having someone carry something onboard with you, that is another story.

Psst - lady, lady... I have my hands full, could you carry my nailclippers for me? Or, sir - I am a school teacher and someone might see me with this corkscrew, could you carry it for me?

Oh, I forgot to mention that I usually travel disguised as a reasonably attractive, albeit somewhat agressive, business woman. One could probably guess from my airport walk that I am an Ex-Marine

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by boa:
I guess I should abandon my plans to write satire. Apparently I write too convincingly for people to get the joke.</font>

I've just settled down with a nice single malt whisky.

Oh, now I get it!

Hahahahaha. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

(Some of us are a little slower on the uptake than others)

I know when I went through Laguardia the other day that they stopped an American Airlines Flight Attendant in front of me and unpacked all of her carry on bags and took her corkscrew.

They also wanded her. I went through just fine. It does make me feel better that they are being careful.

I also like the fact that they run the passenger manifest through the computer before they close the door and allow us to take off.

Alfred--

Good thing you weren't carrying an eyelash curler. Yesterday at OAK security rummaged through one young woman's bags and ultimately pulled out her eyelash curler. He didn't have a clue what it was, but thought it to look pretty torturous, I guess, as he confiscated it. I can see it now ... give me control of this plane or I'll pull out all of your eyelashes ...

Well, this not-quite-50, not-so-little lady went through "Security" in LEX last week, did NOT set off the metal detector, and still got wanded repeatedly, plus a full pat-down. But they've always been pretty anal there.

Today at BDL, they confiscated the corkscrew and a pair of nail scissors I'd forgotten about when I repacked things at the last minute (gassing up the rental car before returning it) and ended up with my usual travel kit in carry-on (I've been living really dangerously and have checked it on all our other flights since 9/11). Like Punki, I just forgot. Unlike Punki's, the corkscrew was a freebie from Marriott, and no great loss. I'm a little annoyed about the nail scissors, mostly because of the waste. If they donated the stuff they confiscate to battered women's and/or homeless shelters, it would at least have some use. But as far as I can tell, it'll all just end up bulking up landfills.

What damage my little nail scissors could have done that the sharp metal 6" salad fork and the even longer dinner fork we were supplied with for our meal on the plane, I can't imagine.

Like most of the posters here, I'm a lot more annoyed about the junk pretense of security the FAA has perpetrated on us, with a corresponding lack of doing anything that might actually help prevent future problems.

We went through BWI last week - had no problems like Punki, but the hassle factor was pretty high. I'll sure not go through there again until they have curbside check-in again.

[edited to correct typo]

[This message has been edited by GG (edited 10-09-2001).]

From the FAA announcement today.
Permitted items:

Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed)
Nail clippers
Safety razors (including disposable razors)
Syringes (with documented proof of medical need)
Tweezers
Eyelash curlers

Full release here: http://www.faa.gov/

Note that among the prohibited items is the file portion of the nail clippers:
Items prohibited from aircraft cabins:

The following items must be placed in, or transported as, checked baggage or risk confiscation.
Knives of any length, composition or description
Cutting instruments of any kind and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files
Corkscrews

[This message has been edited by NoStressHere (edited 10-09-2001).]

I went thru LGA on USAir last week. They put my purse through the x-ray twice then pulled me aside and started rumaging through everything in my purse asking me where my nail clipper was. Now, I don't even own a nail-clipper and told them so. The security lady just repeated "where is it?" They completely emptied my purse and sent it thru the x-ray a third time. The security lady them opned my wallet and COUNTED MY MONEY! That nearly made me flip out. The national guardsman commisterated with me and agreed it was silly. Finally, after not finding anything and getting quite upset with me for it, the security person let me pass through. Silly.

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I Love New York

BWI seems particularly hampered by these security changes. I faced a long bottleneck getting to the C gates last week---they had one feeble man checking ID and tickets, prior to the detectors. Of course, no backup at those machines, as people were held up by the feeble man. Three machines, one feeble set of eyes---at least at IAD there seems to be an ID checker per machine, or per 2 machines.

At 8:30 on Wednesday morning, the line was about 20 deep.

Upon my return Saturday afternoon, I noticed that same line snaking back to the ticket counters.
I've given up on BWI for now. Dulles seems able to handle things better. I'm going out of DCA Monday...I hear security is quite tough, though people seem to move through it in fair time.

You know, I have got to wonder if some of the pesty security people are a result of everyone, and I mean everyone in America saying over and over that these people are underpaid, undertrained, and with saying it directly, dummies.

Can you imagine going to work after hearing that over and over?

NoStress: here in LEX, Burger King is paying a couple of dollars more than security companies. The folks at the airport are the ones who don't want to or can't be hired by Burger King.

Duh.

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"Service" should be a noun, not a verb.
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(OMNI)

Old lady...............?????!!!!!

Punki, I insist you change the relevant part of the title of this thread to:

" ... attractive, classy, charming & just turned 39 1K lady at BWI "

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Gaucho100K

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
(OMNI)

Old lady...............?????!!!!!

Punki, I insist you change the relevant part of the title of this thread to:

" ... attractive, classy, charming & just turned 39 1K lady at BWI "
</font>

Punki, reading this thread's title, I can only think of Monty Python's "Hell's Grannies" skit, about REALLY old ladies bullying the citizens of a town. LOL.

No wonder they're scared of you! You're just a kid!

Did BWI last night. I walked right up to the x-ray machine, no problem. The have figured out how to insure there is no line at the conveyer belt. They put one person checking IDs and tell him to work real slow. This is located about 15 feet before the machines. The feeble person referred to above must have been off, but the guy working was in super-slo motion and studied the names real good.

Of course, like 95% of those checking IDs, he never looked AT ME!

As to the comment about Burger King pays more. True. But as a security guy at the airport you get to maul through dirty underwear, nasty socks, sweaty running shirts, etc. Ah, the benefits.

And while these professional security officers with <font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">

convictions ranging from drug possession and prostitution, to burglary and resisting arrest.
</font>

are harassing us and ruining the airline industry, no one is doing ANYTHING about making airline travel more secure.

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/page1/ledger/14afc23.html