I've only been through a "Puff Daddy" machine once (last spring at ROC when they were being tested) and as I recall I was required to remove my coat and outerwear just like at a normal screening, but in the last week I've observed people entering the machines with sweaters on, etc. Does anyone know what the official drill is for these doo-dads?
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This post is really not UA-specific and would be better served being in the Travel Safety/Security forum where your questions should be able to be answered.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SealBeach
I've only been through a "Puff Daddy" machine once (last spring at ROC when they were being tested) and as I recall I was required to remove my coat and outerwear just like at a normal screening, but in the last week I've observed people entering the machines with sweaters on, etc. Does anyone know what the official drill is for these doo-dads?
Not sure that even if we had the rules they would follow them. Last week I did have a chance to chat with the friendly TSA gent at the puff and go and he said leave everything on - shoes, sweaters, etc. Went through with no problems but now if they will only leave it that way
If they make you remove anything it defeats the entire purpose of the machine. Though I would put very little idiocy past TSA, if they demanded I remove anything I would feel compelled the have the following conversation:
TSA: please remove your coat and shoes Me: do you know what this machine does? TSA: male assist! supervisor! Supervisor: what's the problem, sir? Me: do you understand that this machine detects explosive traces? Supervisor: yes Me: so, in ordering me to take my jacket and shoes off, do you not want to screen my jacket and shoes for explosives? Supervisor: do you want to fly today? Me:
[quote=ender83]If they make you remove anything it defeats the entire purpose of the machine. Though I would put very little idiocy past TSA, if they demanded I remove anything I would feel compelled the have the following conversation:
Not that I normally defend the TSA, but.....
I think the intent of the machine is to detect explosive residues that are on your person, not see if you have explosives on you at that moment. Plus your Jacket, etc will go through x ray, so they will be screened that way.
When through Charlotte (CLT) yesterday. TSA was giving people two choices, either go through the normal line (remove shoes coat etc) or go through the "Puff Daddy" line and only remove metal. Could keep shoes, coats on. I selected the "Puff Daddy" line. I timed "Puff Daddy" at ~30 secs from entry to exit.
But, boy were things fast once you got out, pick up laptop and rollerboard and go.
With enough machines, TSA security might just be tolerable.
I think the intent of the machine is to detect explosive residues that are on your person, not see if you have explosives on you at that moment. Plus your Jacket, etc will go through x ray, so they will be screened that way.
But those residues could be on your coat, shoes, etc. ... and by removing them and sending them through the x-ray (which doesn't detect such residues), you could be limiting the effectiveness of Mr. Puff Daddy.
Presumably, the machines are sensitive enough that if you had handled explosives, it would pick up the traces from your hands, clothes, etc., so removing your coat wouldn't make that much of a difference, but the point of said machines supposedly is to screen for explosives without having to disrobe, de-shoe, etc.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fschmidt
When through Charlotte (CLT) yesterday. TSA was giving people two choices, either go through the normal line (remove shoes coat etc) or go through the "Puff Daddy" line and only remove metal. Could keep shoes, coats on. I selected the "Puff Daddy" line. I timed "Puff Daddy" at ~30 secs from entry to exit.
But, boy were things fast once you got out, pick up laptop and rollerboard and go.
With enough machines, TSA security might just be tolerable.
Well, that assumes each airport follows the same procedure. At EWR, the "puff" line requires the same disrobing and shoe removal as the regular line. Not only is there no time saving, it ends up taking longer and the line for the machine backs up as people are fumbling for their shoes, belts, etc.
If I only had to dump my metal in a bucket with my bags and outer garments and skip the shoe crap, I would do the puff. Until that happens, I remain puff free.
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