Originally Posted by
MIT_SBM
I think this begs another question - IF one were to decide that they were "free to go" when the TSO obviously did not agree with that sentiment could said TSO then have the party in question escorted from the 'sterile area'?
Pure speculation would venture that YES said non-conforming party could be escorted from the 'sterile area' as it appears on the surface that the TSOs do have the authority to deny entry to the 'sterile area' and/or to an aircraft.
The standard TSO does not have the authority to deny access to the sterile area, only a supervisor or manager and above can do that. And of course LEO's, Airport Security Managers, etc.
"Gate Checks" rarely involve a supervisor, so to have someone escorted from the sterile area (for whatever reason) either an STSO (unlikely, they have checkpoints to run) or a LEO must be involved.
TSORon