Originally Posted by Mats
As I understand the law, one consents to any and all TSA searches just by passing through the WTMD once. Like it or not, that's how it's interpreted.
Well, I don't know what the legal controversy is. It is plainly obvious that you are about to walk through a metal detector. You clearly understand that in order to board the plane, you have to first pass through a metal detector (and submit your property for x-ray). My point here is that once you step inside the metal detector, you are voluntarily submitting yourself to the screening process. Now, do you have a choice not to do that? Certainly. But then again, you're not going to get on that plane. Does this mean that you are being forced to submit to security? Not at all. In this day and age, when you purchase your ticket, you do so with the knowledge that airport security screening comes with the territory. I refuse to believe that there's anyone today who doesn't understand this fundamental point. They may not understand the nuances and other aspects of airport security screening which may not make sense (such as selectee screening, the shoe screening policy and certain items being prohibited), but it should not be a surprise that you have to undergo security screening before you're allowed to board a commercial airliner.
Originally Posted by Mats
I am stunned that the TSA continues to spend its money screening passengers who are done flying. I cannot fathom WHY they would bother with the ridiculous time and expense of screening arriving international passengers who are only going to ground transportation. This is the case in Cincinnati, Atlanta, and other airports. It's so wasteful. And I'm sure that there is a reasonable way to redesign the arrivals area with a bus to landside.
There is nothing worse than arriving after an 8 or 9 hour flight, only to wait in line for 25 minutes for unnecessary security screening.
The same is true of "reverse" screening. It's a waste of time and personnel. I fail to see any logic behind it.
Not sure what you mean about arriving international passengers. I don't think it's TSA who screens them. It might be Customs, who does so for a different purpose and mission scope. Could be wrong, but TSA only screens outgoing passengers. However, we strongly agree on reverse screening. Easier to just escort arrivals who weren't screened properly directly to the exit and re-screen only those who are making connections as they re-enter the sterile area through the checkpoint.