Originally Posted by
jkhuggins
In short: when a TSO begins such a smalltalk conversation with a passenger, there's no way for the passenger to know whether the TSO is honestly trying to be friendly and helpful, or whether the TSO is engaging in a criminal interrogation of a suspected terrorist. And that's sad.
IMO, no answer is better than a wrong one. I do not make small talk at the CP. From the TDC to final clearance, I consider it the same as a criminal investigation. They are not there to make me happy or make it easier. The are there to find reasons to impede my progress. I try to not give them any. Now some here will say staying silent is evidence that I may be suspect. Think about that. By not communicating one becomes a suspect. Not probable cause or suspicious action, but by what one chooses to not do.
To me, that is scary.