TSA in JFK rude to pilots - have you seen this?
#1
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TSA in JFK rude to pilots - have you seen this?
A few days ago I was flying out of T4 in JFK. I was in the line business class line for security. The crew and wheelchair passengers have a line next to the priority passengers and the two lines feed to the same TSA ID checker. There were quite a few wheelchair passengers (and attendants) in the line. I was in the priority line for about 10 minutes waiting to get my ID checked so I was there long enough to observe that the TSA ID checker had a really bad attitude with everyone he was interacting with (I have his name).
A pilot came through the wheelchair passenger/crew line showing his ID. The TSA clerk gave a nod and the pilot started to proceed to past the ID checker. The ID checker got quite nasty with the pilot (who was German or Austrian based on his accent - this may or may not be relevant in the interpretation of the nod though I would have made the same interpretation) telling him that he had not told him to pass. The pilot stated that the ID checker had nodded and he took that to mean he could pass. The ID checker stated that the pilot could not pass until he specifically told him to do so. There was a little back and forth between the two and I was hoping the pilot would just back down because I could see where this was going with this TSA clerk and I was expecting to be harassed with the name game or worse when I got to him. I half expected him to turn the pilot away. Then some other TSA clerks came to the podium and the ID checker with the attitude kept telling them he needed help. The pilot was then allowed to pass and the ID checker was replaced by a new (and more pleasant ID checker) just before it was my turn to have my ID checked (my ID check was uneventful thank goodness; so was my opt-out).
I frequently experience unprovoked TSA attitude/rudeness, especially in JFK, but I have never seen a pilot or crew member treated so rudely. I'm curious if anyone else has seen this happen to pilots or crew. I certainly hope the pilot reported this TSA clerk. He was just horrible.
A pilot came through the wheelchair passenger/crew line showing his ID. The TSA clerk gave a nod and the pilot started to proceed to past the ID checker. The ID checker got quite nasty with the pilot (who was German or Austrian based on his accent - this may or may not be relevant in the interpretation of the nod though I would have made the same interpretation) telling him that he had not told him to pass. The pilot stated that the ID checker had nodded and he took that to mean he could pass. The ID checker stated that the pilot could not pass until he specifically told him to do so. There was a little back and forth between the two and I was hoping the pilot would just back down because I could see where this was going with this TSA clerk and I was expecting to be harassed with the name game or worse when I got to him. I half expected him to turn the pilot away. Then some other TSA clerks came to the podium and the ID checker with the attitude kept telling them he needed help. The pilot was then allowed to pass and the ID checker was replaced by a new (and more pleasant ID checker) just before it was my turn to have my ID checked (my ID check was uneventful thank goodness; so was my opt-out).
I frequently experience unprovoked TSA attitude/rudeness, especially in JFK, but I have never seen a pilot or crew member treated so rudely. I'm curious if anyone else has seen this happen to pilots or crew. I certainly hope the pilot reported this TSA clerk. He was just horrible.
#4
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Because it was JFK. No one there gives a $hit. I know. I have complained to the TSA manager there before. My goal is always to get the heck out of there with the least amount of grief, though I do not play their games and I always opt out and that causes enough grief.
Last edited by STBCypriot; Dec 8, 2015 at 5:32 pm
#5
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Two people are before you, one is God the other is a Pilot; how do you figure out which one is which?
God will not tell you he is a pilot.
I have witnessed a very offensive and entitled attitude from flight crew. Look at the claim from the guy in Texas who was told a Pilot felt slighted and therefore order that person not be permitted to fly.
I do not doubt TSOs are rude, I also do not doubt that flight crew are rude, deeming, entitled as well.
God will not tell you he is a pilot.
I have witnessed a very offensive and entitled attitude from flight crew. Look at the claim from the guy in Texas who was told a Pilot felt slighted and therefore order that person not be permitted to fly.
I do not doubt TSOs are rude, I also do not doubt that flight crew are rude, deeming, entitled as well.
#7
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 396
The following occurred AFTER Kokesh was cleared to enter the sterile area. JFK TSA attempted to engage in what is best described as a "punishment pat down", because Kokesh was filming and asking questions of the Supervisors - after kokesh cleared screening. Later, according to Kokesh, a Supervisor snatched Kokesh recording device from his hand. Kokesh is a pain in the arse, but that does not excuse an abuse of authority.
I do believe it was at JFK where a TSA Supervisors told Adam Kokesh:
"You are not allowed to film the screening process sir." (Kokesh was at the Supervisors Desk filming his conversation with the Supervisors)
"No, no, no, stay right there." (this would be the Supervisor attempting to detain Kokesh)
"You act'n ignorant like that, now you deserve to be patted down." (this is asserting false authority in order to punish or intimidate)
"Now you need to be patted down."
"Now you gonna need to get patted down."
"We are calling the police. You are getting patted down." "regulations"
So point being, it is not surprising, that blue shirts at JFK are deemed rude.