Originally Posted by TSO1973

The gate checks do have a purpose. This is an article from this last March.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29757224/

And according to the article:

"The gate checks for passengers follow the establishment of an employee security program in 2007, which included random screenings. The checks aim to prevent weapons or other contraband being passed from an employee to a passenger before boarding, among other risks."