Originally Posted by
thegeneral
The security now really isn't much different than security was before 9/11.
Before 9/11 we did not have to deal with:
Routine shoe removal
Special SSSSSS screenings
TSA ability to open checked luggage anytime (and corresponding increase in theft)
Freedom baggies
Gate searches
ID checks with the special black lights
Occasional requirement to remove all electronics from bags at screening
Occasional draconian over-reactions like complete liquid ban
Very long lines at security (see below)
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
They have to do similar things in their own countries.
No they don't. Try flying domestically in Japan.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
Seriously, it takes me a good 5 minutes to get through security on the way out and way back.
Then you are very lucky. I fly less than you, and I have, on several occasions, had to wait in line for 30 to 60 minutes for security. Never had to wait that long before TSA.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
The TSA can maybe cause me a 5 minute delay if they decide to do a secondary search on me. That's it.
Once when traveling with my wife and in-laws (5 people in total) we had all our luggage hand-searched.
Every item in our bags was removed and individually inspected. Then of course it all had to be re-packed. The whole process took 30 minutes. This was at a small airport in the midwest (roughly 8 flights a day on CRJs).
I've also been gate-searched and SSSSS'd on several other occasions.
Some of my work colleagues have had items stolen from their checked luggage after TSA banned luggage locks and declared their ability to open checked luggage anytime. This did not happen to them before TSA.
It's really nice that you've never been inconvenienced by the TSA. I am happy for you. I don't understand, however, why you repeatedly belittle the inconvenience experienced by others. And why you imply that just because we are a "subset of a subset" that our experiences don't matter and we should all just be quiet. I wonder if your reaction would be the same if you had experienced 30-60 minute wait times, detailed hand searches of your entire family's luggage, and theft of items from your checked bags.