ID checker asking questions - name, destination etc.
Jul 3, 2011, 12:51 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,628
I have a foolproof terrorist prevention system I'd like to sell the government. Yesterday I flew to SFO. My plane was not hijacked. I was wearing blue jeans. I often wear jeans when I fly, and none of my flights have been hijacked.
Therefore, blue jeans prevent hijackings!
Jul 3, 2011, 1:07 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
It is a big deal for some. Because TDCs are agents of the U.S. Government, anything you say to them could be used against you in any legal proceedings. Under the 5th Amendment, you have exactly ZERO obligation to say anything to them. In fact, no matter where you are on U.S. soil, you cannot be forced to say anything to government/authorities that ever could be used against you.
We have discussed this before. In fact, even when you are entering the USA and must undergo FIS inspections (Passport Control, Customs, and Agriculture), as a Citizen you can submit your written declaration and refuse to answer any questions verbally, and CPB cannot prevent you from entering the country. Of course, if you refuse to cooperate with questioning, they have the option of causing you great inconvenience by delaying you for the time it takes to inspect you and your luggage very, very carefully and slowly.
(Note, however, that airline reps and private security are another matter. Airlines are private entities, not the government. An airline can void its contract to transport you (that you accepted by purchasing a ticket) if you refuse to comply with that airline's security procedures, which may include answering questions out loud about your luggage, especially when departing overseas stations. If you do not answer, the airline can say, "fine with us; go fly another airline.")
Jul 3, 2011, 1:13 pm
#33
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 78
So that justifies the system?
I have a foolproof terrorist prevention system I'd like to sell the government. Yesterday I flew to SFO. My plane was not hijacked. I was wearing blue jeans. I often wear jeans when I fly, and none of my flights have been hijacked.
Therefore, blue jeans prevent hijackings!
I have a foolproof terrorist prevention system I'd like to sell the government. Yesterday I flew to SFO. My plane was not hijacked. I was wearing blue jeans. I often wear jeans when I fly, and none of my flights have been hijacked.
Therefore, blue jeans prevent hijackings!
and 
to RobertS975
Jul 3, 2011, 1:35 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
They have been asking for several weeks at SFO.
"Sir can you you pronounce your name for me?"
"Yes."
"Well then pronounce it."
"What is this a test? Of course I can pronounce it"
Seeing that this was going nowhere fast I just said my name.
"Do you really think a trained terrorist is stupid enough to not memorize the name on the boarding pass? They are terrorists. That's their job."
I was told it was to prevent people with the wrong boarding pass from getting through. I wanted to ask if the ID shown might not give the same information but I just let it go.
Funny thing is a woman about three people back in line was given the wrong boarding pass by the check in counter. So I guess it does happen but the ID would still not match.
"Sir can you you pronounce your name for me?"
"Yes."
"Well then pronounce it."
"What is this a test? Of course I can pronounce it"
Seeing that this was going nowhere fast I just said my name.
"Do you really think a trained terrorist is stupid enough to not memorize the name on the boarding pass? They are terrorists. That's their job."
I was told it was to prevent people with the wrong boarding pass from getting through. I wanted to ask if the ID shown might not give the same information but I just let it go.
Funny thing is a woman about three people back in line was given the wrong boarding pass by the check in counter. So I guess it does happen but the ID would still not match.
Last edited by nrr; Jul 3, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Jul 3, 2011, 6:42 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: PDX,PHX,LON
Programs: too many of the few that are left
Posts: 627
Lucky you.
Jul 3, 2011, 8:28 pm
#36
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,972
It is a big deal for some. Because TDCs are agents of the U.S. Government, anything you say to them could be used against you in any legal proceedings. Under the 5th Amendment, you have exactly ZERO obligation to say anything to them. In fact, no matter where you are on U.S. soil, you cannot be forced to say anything to government/authorities that ever could be used against you.
Jul 3, 2011, 8:31 pm
#37
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
But, if one pronounces it incorrectly, are they not subject to prosecution under a telling a fib to a gubmint employee statute of some kind?
Jul 3, 2011, 8:46 pm
#38
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
What happens if the TDC ever challenges me that the way I pronounce my name isn't the way he thinks that it should be pronounced?
(I was delighted however to meet a CBP officer who said that I have one of his favourite names, and when I asked how he pronounced it he did so in the correct German fashion)
Jul 3, 2011, 9:14 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: The Sunshine State
Programs: Deltaworst Peon Level, TSA "Layer 21 Club", NW WP RIP
Posts: 11,370
TDC: What is your name?
Pax: I wish it was John Pistole.
TDC: Why?
Pax: Because then I would make literacy part of the TDC job description.
OT comment: Notice how little Pistole's name comes up here? He sure seems to be keeping a low profile. Kip was a much more visable idiot.
Jul 3, 2011, 11:15 pm
#40
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: QFF Gold, Flying Blue, Enrich
Posts: 5,366
Jul 3, 2011, 11:29 pm
#42
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Up North
Programs: Skymiles, MPL Chase Premier
Posts: 782
So that justifies the system?
I have a foolproof terrorist prevention system I'd like to sell the government. Yesterday I flew to SFO. My plane was not hijacked. I was wearing blue jeans. I often wear jeans when I fly, and none of my flights have been hijacked.
Therefore, blue jeans prevent hijackings!
I have a foolproof terrorist prevention system I'd like to sell the government. Yesterday I flew to SFO. My plane was not hijacked. I was wearing blue jeans. I often wear jeans when I fly, and none of my flights have been hijacked.
Therefore, blue jeans prevent hijackings!
But if you're wearing Cargo Blue Jeans.... whoo boy. They watch you like a hawk at SFO T2.
Jul 4, 2011, 1:12 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 250
When they order you to PRONOUNCE your name they are PUBLICLY demanding you reveal your name to any other persons within earshot, a violation of YOUR SECURITY AND YOUR PRIVACY.
That is one step removed from requiring everyone to wear a name tag, just another contrived public humiliation (to be FORCED to do yet something ELSE to entertain, placate and obtain "permission to pass" from them,) like the bullies in the schoolyard demanding you squat and cross your eyes before they will allow you to go your way, just another violation of our right to privacy.
That is one step removed from requiring everyone to wear a name tag, just another contrived public humiliation (to be FORCED to do yet something ELSE to entertain, placate and obtain "permission to pass" from them,) like the bullies in the schoolyard demanding you squat and cross your eyes before they will allow you to go your way, just another violation of our right to privacy.
Jul 4, 2011, 6:03 am
#44
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,165
The only correct way to pronounce your name is how you choose to pronounce it. You can change your pronunciation as often as you wish.
Jul 4, 2011, 6:31 am
#45
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
But who is to say that I am pronouncing my name incorrectly? Most Americans who are not of German extraction cannot pronounce my first, middle, or last name correctly.
What happens if the TDC ever challenges me that the way I pronounce my name isn't the way he thinks that it should be pronounced?
(I was delighted however to meet a CBP officer who said that I have one of his favourite names, and when I asked how he pronounced it he did so in the correct German fashion)
What happens if the TDC ever challenges me that the way I pronounce my name isn't the way he thinks that it should be pronounced?
(I was delighted however to meet a CBP officer who said that I have one of his favourite names, and when I asked how he pronounced it he did so in the correct German fashion)