chollie

Apparently two of the tests they failed last time included 1) a slightly built male in t-shirt and thin shorts who successfully 'artfully concealed' something in/on/under his genitals and 2) someone smuggled something through disguised as a 'snack'.

That said, it would appear that the last round of test failures didn't involve anything hidden in women's handbags - nothing like a handgun, for example. Either that, or TSA acknowledges that no one is likely to take over or take down an airplane with nothing more than a handgun.

petaluma1

Where did you get that info? The only reference I'd seen was to an auditor who had an "explosive" taped to this back that was found by either WTMD or MMW but the screener who did the pat down didn't find it. That's why the "sliding" maneuver instead of "patting" was instituted.

JoeBas

This.

They've forgotten they're looking for EXPLOSIVE RESIDUE, and instead are looking for whatever sets the machine off.

They've forgotten they're looking for liquid EXPLOSIVES, and hence become obsessed with all liquids.

They've forgotten they're looking for CONTRABAND, and just search where the machine tells them to, even on someone's bald head.

No "Cognitive Burden" is too small to be relegated to a blindly followed policy.

TSA - Thinking Strictly Anathema

nachtnebel

If that's true, let's hope the auditors didn't keister any weapons.

chollie

I'm assuming that the reason TSA is suddenly focused on a new, more invasive, full-on frontal assault on people's genitals and an interest in non-LGA 'snacks' is because they failed tests involving young boys' genitals and 'snacks'.

Actually, given that there are multiple reports of TSA making pax remove 'snacks' for extra scrutiny, and they have specifically asked about granola bars, I wouldn't be surprised if the focus on snacks is really a fishing expedition for marijuana-containing 'snacks'.

LizGross144

This happened to me in SAT. I had pre-check, but the metal detector went off, after I went through it. I asked the agent, "Was that a random alarm?" and he said yes. They were randomly testing electronics for explosives. They pulled me aside and a very nice TSA agent tested all of my electronics ... with the same swab. Test went positive, so the full pat down began. I refused to go to a private area. They were all up in my business. I was so thankful I'd changed into jeans; I'd previously been wearing a dress without nylons/leggings, and I'm really curious to know how they would have conducted the more invasive parts of the search (glad I didn't have to find out).

I have global entry and 5C gov clearance. Such a waste of resources.

fairylane

At least you were not accused totally as somehow terrorist or something because there were instances that some of the innocent people in few airports nowadays are being judged as terrorist. if I'm not mistaken, there was a news flashed in the television about bullet which are unknowingly slide inside the bag of a civilian.

Boggie Dog

I might be more inclined to tolerate TSA's abusive screening practices if, and only if, TSA produced hard, cold facts, and evidence that demonstrates the need for these methods. Just saying "the bad guys are trying to penetrate security" is not enough.

Give me the truth, we not only deserve it but I think the truth should be required before anyone from TSA fondles my junk.

Put up or get your cold stinking hands off my junk TSA!

chgoeditor

Groan.

Fredd

I was considering an earthier response but yours is well grounded.

Blogndog

If you guys don't stop, I'm going to soil my pants.

FliesWay2Much

Believe it or not, pot granola bars exist:

Section 107

don't drag this thread into the dirt

chollie

I know. I wasn't kidding when I posted that TSA's new obsession with 'snacks' is a thinly disguised dragnet looking for marijuana edibles.

FliesWay2Much

...and I'm agreeing with you on the ulterior motive of the War on Food.