Jun 25, 2014, 1:23 pm
Last edit by: WIRunner
TSAPressSec, Ross, is the TSA's official rep on FlyerTalk. He has agreed to answer questions, though some answers will take time. You can also contact on him on Twitter: @TSAMedia_RossF.
Note these important posts by Ross:
and
Below are questions so far answered (or not) in this thread:
For a full list of all posts by TSAPressSec, view their profile here: TSAPressSec and select the Find All Posts By TSAPressSec
Note these important posts by Ross:
Unfortunately, I can't devote all my time to this site, as I still have other job requirements, etc. So please be patient with me...especially on my third day here. However, I will go back to our experts to answer these questions that have been posed above. I know the moderator is working on a better system to sort questions in the appropriate threads.
Many, many questions, and I am working to get answers. I have thick skin, and want to assist in answering them. I apologize for the delay, but I was out of the office on personal leave.
With that being said, please be patient. Some of the questions have to be researched, and I want to vet them with the appropriate personnel internally before I post them here.
With that being said, please be patient. Some of the questions have to be researched, and I want to vet them with the appropriate personnel internally before I post them here.
- Question: Answer:I was the lucky random beep at the WTMD in PreCheck tonight at Portland. Instead of the quick hand swab, I was sent to the MMW. Since nobody uses it, the MMW has to be fired up, calibrated then I was told not to remove my belt, wallet or shoes. Of course those two required me to be patted down. Checkpoint supe and all three TSOs said it's a new, nationwide policy that started a few days ago. So, why the change? It added an extra two minutes tonight, but I was the only one in PreCheck. If this happens at 6-7a, it's going to make it a total mess....Yes. We are going to expand the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) in TSA Pre✓™ at select checkpoints. However, the vast majority of passengers in TSA Pre✓™ will still be screened via a walk-through metal detector. This will primarily be rolled out at larger airports with more than one TSA Pre✓™ lane.
TSA Pre✓™ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.
Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down. - Question: Answer:Is there a clear/public way for dealing with complaints against TSOs?Yes. Definitely. I know you may not believe it, but all complaints do get forwarded to the TSA leadership at that airport to investigate. Two different ways to contact us to report this -- and we want travelers to provide feedback so it can be addressed ASAP. The more details, the better.
For example, someone last night posted something on twitter regarding an interaction with one of our employees. We immediately flagged that for our leadership at the airport so it can be addressed.
Option 1: You can submit comments electronically using this form.
Option 2: Call 1-866-289-9673 or email [email protected] - Question: Answer:Is it a requirement for a pax to state their name when asked by the TDC as according to the regs, the only things needed to enter the secure are are an I/D containing a picture of the pax standing in front of the TDC and a boarding pass for a flight on that date with the name on the boarding passs matching the name on the I/D presented by the pax-and if it is in fact required, why is this procedure not followed at every airport that I travel thru (and this is at airports where the lines at the checkpoints are both horrendously long and empty?I travel often, and this is the first time I have heard this. It is just matching the name to the BP, and verifying origin/date, etc. Sometimes a BDO might talk with the pax. But let me take this back to some of our experts to find out. As I said above, I don't have all of the answers, but promise to see what I can find out.
- Question: Where can I find a listing of TSA Twitter feeds?
Answer: All of the TSA Twitter accounts are listed here.
For a full list of all posts by TSAPressSec, view their profile here: TSAPressSec and select the Find All Posts By TSAPressSec
Greetings from TSA
Jul 23, 2014, 4:25 pm
#166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
Originally Posted by UA Boarding Pass
Due to security screening delays at Seattle-Tacoma, WA (SEA), it is recommended that you arrive at least 3 hours before departure if you are checking bags, and at least 2 hours before departure if you are not checking bags.
Jul 24, 2014, 5:40 am
#167
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: Delta TDK(or care)WIA, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,869
Now that you're back, I have a question about SEA. The Pre✓™ lines at SEA seem grossly underutilized as compared with the general lanes. I have a KTN, so it doesn't effect me personally, but the general lines are really bad at times. As of last month, online boarding passes issued by United Airlines for flights departing from SEA had the following message printed on them:
So there's really no denying that there is a problem. Other domestic airports don't have that warning and the general lines are more reasonable. It seems like SEA is begging for managed inclusion, yet I have seen no evidence of it. Why are some stations selected for managed inclusion, yet a station that really needs it doesn't use it-- at least not when I've been there. Maybe you should give the FSD a call and ask. There is no excuse for making people to wait an hour in line for security; something on your end is broken.
So there's really no denying that there is a problem. Other domestic airports don't have that warning and the general lines are more reasonable. It seems like SEA is begging for managed inclusion, yet I have seen no evidence of it. Why are some stations selected for managed inclusion, yet a station that really needs it doesn't use it-- at least not when I've been there. Maybe you should give the FSD a call and ask. There is no excuse for making people to wait an hour in line for security; something on your end is broken.
WHY was Checkpoint 4 at SEA shut the last two times I went through? Is this a layer of security, or what? Cause passengers to miss their flights so that the carnage from an exploding water bottle, while not prevented, is reduced? It isn't like the clerks at SEA have more to do than a reasonably efficient worker could handle. Why not divert some of the clerks at the other checkpoints from their function of holding down the floor so that you can staff all the checkpoints?
They do sometimes have "managed inclusion" at SEA; I experienced it 3 trips ago I think - I think they dumped the whole queue at the adjacent line into the Übermenschen line - took me 10 minutes to get through. Some idiot in front of me was complaining about oh, why are you letting all these people into the line, I went through a background check, etc. I felt inconvenienced and thought about strolling down to another checkpoint, but I said to myself just stand here, this is a good thing that's happening, this is not your personal private checkpoint.
Not a solution, but as a practical matter for your own benefit, if one checkpoint at SEA has a long line, try another. That really works great sometimes.
Jul 24, 2014, 8:47 am
#168
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 962
I have a serious suggestion, Ross, and also a question as to why it has never been done before.
I would like to see an always-current list of the FSD's and the various AFSD's assigned to each US airport, coupled with their local contact information, i.e. snail mail, phone number to their office, and email address. I'd like to see this kept on the TSA web site and kept up to date at all times, preferably including the date that each person begins their tenure in that post.
I cannot imagine that this information is SSI, since TSA actually puts out an official press release each time a new FSD is appointed, giving that FSD's background as part of the release.
I believe that FSD's would be against such a list, as it would probably result in a deluge of complaints going directly to them rather than to Washington. This is certainly a distinct possibility. However, given that every airport has different needs and may have customized procedures, it seems only logical that when someone has a question, suggestion, or complaint, that they be able to contact someone locally, rather than being forced to go through Washington DC, where an issue might get a boilerplate email response that doesn't solve the problem, and then be marked "resolved" despite it not being resolved.
It's not terribly difficult. All we want is to be able to talk to someone in between the local c/p and John Pistole himself, if you take my meaning. It may require establishing a second, publicly-releasable email account for each FSD/AFSD so their day-to-day inbox isn't swamped, but that will also allow their office staff to assist them with handling such correspondence, just as the staff assists with phone and snail mail correspondence and in-person inquiries already.
But before any of that can happen, we need to know who exactly is at the helm at each airport. I don't believe it's right that I'd have to submit a FOIA request and possibly wait for weeks for this information, only to have it become obsolete every time an AFSD is promoted or an FSD is transferred or retires.
I'll second that motion.
I would like to see an always-current list of the FSD's and the various AFSD's assigned to each US airport, coupled with their local contact information, i.e. snail mail, phone number to their office, and email address. I'd like to see this kept on the TSA web site and kept up to date at all times, preferably including the date that each person begins their tenure in that post.
I cannot imagine that this information is SSI, since TSA actually puts out an official press release each time a new FSD is appointed, giving that FSD's background as part of the release.
I believe that FSD's would be against such a list, as it would probably result in a deluge of complaints going directly to them rather than to Washington. This is certainly a distinct possibility. However, given that every airport has different needs and may have customized procedures, it seems only logical that when someone has a question, suggestion, or complaint, that they be able to contact someone locally, rather than being forced to go through Washington DC, where an issue might get a boilerplate email response that doesn't solve the problem, and then be marked "resolved" despite it not being resolved.
It's not terribly difficult. All we want is to be able to talk to someone in between the local c/p and John Pistole himself, if you take my meaning. It may require establishing a second, publicly-releasable email account for each FSD/AFSD so their day-to-day inbox isn't swamped, but that will also allow their office staff to assist them with handling such correspondence, just as the staff assists with phone and snail mail correspondence and in-person inquiries already.
But before any of that can happen, we need to know who exactly is at the helm at each airport. I don't believe it's right that I'd have to submit a FOIA request and possibly wait for weeks for this information, only to have it become obsolete every time an AFSD is promoted or an FSD is transferred or retires.
I'll second that motion.
And I'll actually FOIA it.
Of course, such a FOIA will need to be repeatedly re-submitted to keep it up to date if TSA doesn't publish proactively…
Jul 24, 2014, 9:17 am
#169
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,878
Ross-
Any update on the "requirement" to state one's name when asked by a TDC? Went thru SFO* on 23-July and I asked the TDC why one had to state their name as it's not required per the regulations and the first words out of her mouth were "you can't enter the secure area without saying your name**". I went her a copy of the regs with the applicable sections highlighted but she flat out refused to even look at it saying that "it's wrong"
*granted this is Covenant Security vs "real" TSA but still
**a polite way of saying D-Y-W-T-F-T
Any update on the "requirement" to state one's name when asked by a TDC? Went thru SFO* on 23-July and I asked the TDC why one had to state their name as it's not required per the regulations and the first words out of her mouth were "you can't enter the secure area without saying your name**". I went her a copy of the regs with the applicable sections highlighted but she flat out refused to even look at it saying that "it's wrong"
*granted this is Covenant Security vs "real" TSA but still
**a polite way of saying D-Y-W-T-F-T
Jul 24, 2014, 10:32 am
#170
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 219
I have a question and I'm not sure if you're the right person (or if someone else here can assist).
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
Jul 24, 2014, 3:31 pm
#171
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
I have a question and I'm not sure if you're the right person (or if someone else here can assist).
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
However, you can try contacting the TSA and get them to put you in touch with the passenger advocate/ombudsman at your airports. The passenger advocate can meet you when you arrive and walk you through screening to ensure that the TSOs follow the rules, and can assist you in knowing what the rules are. Again, there are never any guarantees of any kind with TSA, but having the advocate walk you through will probably get you the smoothest screening possible.
TSA Contact Center Information
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Eastern Time
Weekends/Holidays: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-289-9673
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...l-disabilities
Jul 24, 2014, 5:44 pm
#172
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
I have a question and I'm not sure if you're the right person (or if someone else here can assist).
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN, and hasn't been on a plane since he was 10 or so years old, and at that time it was only a WTMD. Is there a way to ensure that we can bring him through Pre at both airports without facing a hassle? Is there someone I can get in touch with to assist?
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...ial-assistance
TSA Cares Helpline: 1-855-787-2227
Jul 24, 2014, 6:01 pm
#173
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 219
thank you!! I know that Pre isn't a 100% guarantee, but we're both batting .1000 with it, and chances are good that one of us would get it, even if the other doesn't, and I'd like to bring our son through Pre if at all possible. A lot of what we face is that he looks like a 22 year old man, but mentally he's nowhere near that, and he gets incredibly freaked out with crowds and changes in routine. And it's not a great time to be traveling to avoid the crowds (though we're taking the first flight out in the morning on both days to mitigate that, and we'll go to the airline lounge to avoid the madness at the gate).
Jul 24, 2014, 7:11 pm
#174
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
I think you mean batting 1.000, not .1000, by the way.
Jul 24, 2014, 11:36 pm
#175
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Yup - batting .1000 (or .100) aint so great
Jul 25, 2014, 7:53 am
#176
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 219
Jul 25, 2014, 3:52 pm
#177
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: USA
Programs: SA Air, Air Canada, KLM, BA,Lufthansa, United, AA, Hawaiian, Air New Zealnd, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic
Posts: 777
Yes. We are going to expand the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) in TSA Pre✓™ at select checkpoints. However, the vast majority of passengers in TSA Pre✓™ will still be screened via a walk-through metal detector. This will primarily be rolled out at larger airports with more than one TSA Pre✓™ lane.
TSA Pre✓™ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.
Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down.
TSA Pre✓™ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.
Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down.
Currently (last flight May 2014) my TSA Pre has been useless since I have a cardiac device, and the device maker and my doctor tell me to NOT go through any of the machines. So I opt for pat-down every time and sometimes it takes 20-30 minutes or more for them to get a female to pat me down. I don't object to the pat-downs but a quicker system would certainly be welcome.
Home airport is IAH but I travel all over the US and internationally.
Last edited by Jeannietx; Jul 25, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Jul 28, 2014, 1:17 pm
#178
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Posts: 239
Yes. We are going to expand the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) in TSA Pre✓™ at select checkpoints. However, the vast majority of passengers in TSA Pre✓™ will still be screened via a walk-through metal detector. This will primarily be rolled out at larger airports with more than one TSA Pre✓™ lane.
TSA Pre✓™ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.
Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down.
TSA Pre✓™ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.
Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down.
Jul 29, 2014, 6:59 pm
#179
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
My husband and I will be flying out over Thanksgiving through PHL & MCO. We both have KTN's. We will be bringing our 22 year old son with us, he is medium-functioning autistic, and does not have a KTN[/QUOTE]
Not sure how you got your KTNs, but have you thought of applying for Global Entry for him? Though if he doesn't fly much it may not be worth it.
Not sure how you got your KTNs, but have you thought of applying for Global Entry for him? Though if he doesn't fly much it may not be worth it.
Aug 1, 2014, 8:31 am
#180
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
Not sure how you got your KTNs, but have you thought of applying for Global Entry for him? Though if he doesn't fly much it may not be worth it.