Originally Posted by
SATTSO
I should clarify I am talking about checkpoint. Sorry!
No problem. It's just that with TSA functions creeping away from the checkpoint to the gates, it's worth clarifying.
Originally Posted by
SATTSO
edit: I should also clarify I am talking about ETDing the inside of bags, as the outside can be washed easily removing any trace of explosives.
Then I may want to retract my endorsement. In order to really do 100% ETD testing of the
inside of bas, TSA would have to open
every bag. Current TSA procedures forbid a passenger from touching their own bags during the screening process; this would leave it to TSOs to open passenger bags. Given the problems (albeit rare) that we've heard about TSOs removing/inserting items in passenger bags while out of their control, not to mention the problems of TSOs not repacking carry-on bags with care, this makes me more nervous.
Ideally, I'd like to see that the passenger is allowed to open and close their own bags, and that the TSO only be allowed to access the interior of the bags in the direct presence of the passenger. (If that means that you have to delay the bag screening until you verify that the passenger is "clean", so be it. This is going to take a heck of a lot longer anyways.)