confiscating non-"weapons"
Aug 2, 2012, 1:59 pm
#151
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Luxembourg
Programs: KLM/AF Platinum for life, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 1,026
Someone already pointed out why I was wary of showing my certificate to the TSO - beyond the fact it was none of his business. Yes, the TSA does have quite a bit of nasty power over us, and that's not something I ever want to happen. T-the-B is dead on with saying they can took all the want, but not touch - but I wasn't even willing to let them do that that night.
Since this is uncharted territory, anything can happen and he/she will make up whatever they want along the way with liberal application of "do you want to fly today". Insist that I produce a logbook? Claim my license is invalid because there is no expiration (and no picture and no address)? Ask me inane aviation related questions that I might or might not know the answer to? Copy my social security number off of my license? Whatever they invent, it will only be a waste of time and puts me at risk of missing my flight, being fondled in retaliation or who knows what else.
Aug 2, 2012, 2:54 pm
#152
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: DL, WN, US, Avis, AA
Posts: 662
Aug 3, 2012, 10:18 pm
#153
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,623
Airport security agents in Australia once confiscated my spork. I asked why. They said "no forks allowed." I said, " it's actually a spork."
I lost the argument.
I lost the argument.
Last edited by jphripjah; Aug 4, 2012 at 7:57 am
Aug 4, 2012, 7:53 am
#154
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Southwest Florida
Programs: AA lifetime Gold , DL Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 572
I have to agree 100% and this is the difference between the "hell no's" and the "anything for security" groups. So I show my pilot's license and because TSA Inspector just read that TSA vetting of student pilot's is useless and decides that I need to be vetted.
Since this is uncharted territory, anything can happen and he/she will make up whatever they want along the way with liberal application of "do you want to fly today". Insist that I produce a logbook? Claim my license is invalid because there is no expiration (and no picture and no address)? Ask me inane aviation related questions that I might or might not know the answer to? Copy my social security number off of my license? Whatever they invent, it will only be a waste of time and puts me at risk of missing my flight, being fondled in retaliation or who knows what else.
Since this is uncharted territory, anything can happen and he/she will make up whatever they want along the way with liberal application of "do you want to fly today". Insist that I produce a logbook? Claim my license is invalid because there is no expiration (and no picture and no address)? Ask me inane aviation related questions that I might or might not know the answer to? Copy my social security number off of my license? Whatever they invent, it will only be a waste of time and puts me at risk of missing my flight, being fondled in retaliation or who knows what else.
When I got both my mechanic and pilot licenses the FAA used a generic numbering system, but just a few years later someone in the FAA through it was a good idea to streamline the system and use the persons SS number instead, and they issued certificates with these numbers for many years.
When identity theft became a major problem, there was enough complaints that the FAA offered to reissue all FAA certificates I believe free of charge to anyone who wants to have their SS number replaced with a generic number.
I know of a few people who did this and I would do it myself if my SS number was on my certificates.
Mr. Elliott
Aug 4, 2012, 8:31 am
#155
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
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Posts: 3,548
If you are one of those who were issued FAA certificates where they used the persons social security number as the certificates number, then you should have the FAA reissue your certificate with a new number.
When I got both my mechanic and pilot licenses the FAA used a generic numbering system, but just a few years later someone in the FAA through it was a good idea to streamline the system and use the persons SS number instead, and they issued certificates with these numbers for many years.
When identity theft became a major problem, there was enough complaints that the FAA offered to reissue all FAA certificates I believe free of charge to anyone who wants to have their SS number replaced with a generic number.
I know of a few people who did this and I would do it myself if my SS number was on my certificates.
Mr. Elliott
When I got both my mechanic and pilot licenses the FAA used a generic numbering system, but just a few years later someone in the FAA through it was a good idea to streamline the system and use the persons SS number instead, and they issued certificates with these numbers for many years.
When identity theft became a major problem, there was enough complaints that the FAA offered to reissue all FAA certificates I believe free of charge to anyone who wants to have their SS number replaced with a generic number.
I know of a few people who did this and I would do it myself if my SS number was on my certificates.
Mr. Elliott
IIRC it costs a dollar to get a new cert.
Even DoD is getting rid of SSNs on IDs.
Aug 14, 2012, 2:38 pm
#156
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, MR Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 926
At least it didn't when I got mine replaced to remove the SSN, YMMV in 2012.