Originally Posted by LHR/MEL/Europe FF
The ID checking thing - if nobody ever checks it - it is an easy way to get somebody aboard an aircraft so long as they have a boarding pass (at BUD it could have been anybody). At least if there are checks, or random checks, it might deter one of the weirdos... that's all I'm saying.
I know security screening isn't perfect, but I'd rather have the TSA (even with the SSSSing) than security at a lot of other airports.
ID checking is a joke. Fake ID's are a dime a dozen. Go to any large university in the states and a large percentage of the 18-20 year old students will have fake ID's. ID checks do nothing to improve security. The only real benefit is revenue protection for the air carriers to stop the selling of un-used tickets.
The SSSS (selectee) system is a joke likewise and a waste of time and resources. The time, money, and manpower spent on multiple ID/BP checks and screening selectees who have already passed primary screening could be spent on something useful such as screening cargo or closing some of the other backdoors.
The only time someone should be subject to additional screening is if they fail primary screening. A passenger on a one-way ticket, a codeshare, or heaven forbid a passenger re-routed because of a flight cancellation does not make them a security risk.
The TSA, primarily at the top levels, is a disgusting, incompetent, unamerican, money hungry buearcracy driven by fear & politics.
Papers, Please?
SDF_Traveler