Originally Posted by
joshwex90
In an ideal world, the TSA would use smart security. (Actually, in an ideal world, there'd be no need for security. But in an ideal realistic world, TSA would use smart security.)
I don't see them changing so drastically anytime soon. But they can make small changes. NoS are a step in the wrong direction. Pre-Check is a step in the right direction. At the end of the day, if I can't bring liquids through security because TSA can't identify what the liquids are, can't differentiate between explosive and harmless, and can't recognize whether I'm a terrorist or innocent passenger, we have bigger problems. The fact that I need to take off my shoes because ONE person got explosives through in his shoes is problematic. Not just annoying security, but scary that this is the organization that we're trusting with out security.
IMO, Pre-Check (which is optional - no one's forcing you to give over more information) is a step towards smart security. We still can't bring liquids through. And we need to give over information just to avoid removing our shoes. But at least it's a start.
Give up additional information to TSA and you
may get to keep your shoes on, your belt on, your Kippie bag in your luggage, not remove a light jacket, and get to leave your laptop in its case.
That is Pre-Check.
As I said earlier, those things should be the norm for everyone only escalating for alarms.
I fully agree that the Strip Search Machines are a very bad precedent and exceed minimally invasive administrative screening standards as has been ruled in court cases.
The bigger issue in my mind is the equal treatment of individuals by government. TSA has a history of not doing so.
I maintain and say it again, airport screening should be exactly the same for everyone who wishes to access the so-called sterile area, passengers, flight crew, airport workers, and TSA no difference.
Either the sterile area is secure or not and under TSA's policies the sterile area is anything but sterile.