Ross -

Here are a few very specific questions for you.

If you need time to answer them or aren't allowed to, please respond saying so w/ an ETA or explanation, rather than not responding until you have clearance (because that looks like ignoring the question).

1. If presented with the pax's US passport, may a TSO / TDC demand that a pax present any secondary form of ID, for any reason?

(Note: if the TDC suspects the passport is false, then they should probably be calling the police for felony violation of 18 USC §§ 1028, 1543, and/or 1544.

Note that violating a safe conduct or passport is also a felony, under 18 USC § 1545.)


2. What is the SOP for screening someone who states that they are medically unable to hold their arms above their head as required for the AIT scanners, but are able to walk through a metal detector?

Are they to be given WTMD + hand swab, full patdown, SSSS treatment, …?


3. The current TSA website states both that passengers may take medical liquids "in reasonable quantities".

What is the SOP to determine how much liquid is "reasonable" for a given traveler to carry?

What is the law authorizing TSA personnel to make a medical determination of this sort?


4. Does the TSA purport to have authority other than to conduct a search that is "no more extensive nor intensive than necessary, in the light of current technology, to detect the presence of weapons or explosives, that it is confined in good faith to that purpose, and that potential passengers may avoid the search by electing not to fly"?

For instance, if TSA believes that someone is carrying 20 gallons of shampoo, but has no reason to believe that the shampoo is a weapon or explosive (e.g. the pax volunteers to have it tested, and if tested, it x-rays and ETD tests clean), what grounds if any does the TSA have to deny them boarding (together with their 20 gallons of shampoo)?

(Note of course that this question is completely independent of whether the airline agrees to transport that. I'm asking about TSA rules, not private contracts.)


Thank you in advance for answering, if you do.