Originally Posted by
SATTSO
So I guess what I wrote/said is incorrect, because it wouldn't be possible for the airlines to coordinate such an effort?
I received my training in use of the BP reader initally from Continental Airlines, not TSA. And it was on equipment they provided, which we then had at the checkpoint. Which they had to maintain, and re-provide when it broke.
Sorry, I stand by what I said.
I have no doubt what you said is correct.
When electronic BP's started (for me at least as an AA flyer) it was only a few airports like ORD that had them (The scanners). It was a "pilot" and I'm sure there were certain airlines participating at that time. Those scanners are much more ubiqioutous now.
I'm sure those scanners were or indeed still are paid for by the airlines.
But do the airlines take custody of those scanners every night? Or are they now handled by the TSA as routine equipment?
I've been told before that the scanners don't work, only to have the TSA go and get it out of the back room and viola! it works!!
Re: paper vs phone BP... If I had a paper BP I wouldn't bother with my phone. Sometimes I do that. Or sometimes I check in on my phone as the taxi is driving me to the airport. I can skip the line and head straight to security. When things work as they should, this is fine. If I (And every other traveller) had to have paper as a backup every time, then phone-based BP's would be pretty pointless, wouldn't they?