<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Human Unit 763246B:
TSA people are sometimes terse, sometimes friendly. What is your order (not request) has the following response:
TSA: Step back, sir.
TSA: You have the right to refuse inspection. However, such refusal will result in denial of access to the gate area.
Passenger: (again) I'm going to need you to change your gloves.
TSA: Step back, sir. If you disobey, you will be resisting an order from a federal officer. You may be subject to arrest.
TSA: Please follow me to the rectal inspection room. We will complete this search in about 30 mintues. (The TSA agent does change her gloves for the rectal exam).
TSA: Oops, I dropped your laptop. You can file a claim and see what happens.
They don't owe you an explanation. However, they may later say that the gloves are intended to protect the TSA agent, not the passenger's things.
My advice is to choose your battles carefully and try to protect yourself by packing with clear bags as someone suggested.
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No, I am not going to do that - the TSA should not be going though my stuff in the first place. I will call over a supervior if my request is ignored. There will be no rummaging of my items with dirty gloves. Period.
I have a legitimate concern for my health.
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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry