I was originally going to start a new thread with this, but I figure this string is just as good as any. Especially given the OP.

I flew out of EUG today. This is an airport that has about five gates in total. Two WTMDs, usually only one that is staffed.

I have posted on my experiences there before, but I had more time to look around and shake my head at things.

First, arriving at the BP/ID podium. Unfortuantely, I interrupted her conversation with someone else. She puts my Passport about 10 inches from her face. Looks at the BP, runs a yellow highighter over my name on the upper left, then again on the lower right.

Walk through the empty maze of the line (the guy ahead of me was already walking through the WTMD), end up at the black gate that says "Wait here" (if I walked straight, it would have been 10 feet, max). A TSAer greets me, asks for my BP. She reviews it, writes her initials in two places on the BP, asks me if I had ever gone through security before (despite my BP stating in two places my elite status with UA). I said yes, then she confiscates my BP. I ask what she's doing with it, she hands it to the TSAer on the other side of the WTMD. Then I replied, "well, I've never had my BP confiscated before without just cause." That earned me a look that I swear had retaliatory secondary written all over it, but none was administered.

Had to take my shoes off, which wasn't needed the last time I went through six months ago.

I beep the WTMD. It's my belt, which hasn't beeped in about six months, so obviously this WTMD is set stronger.

So, now I have plenty to do (re-pack laptop, tie my shoes, thread my belt), and I looked around (if you want to look at how things go and survey the area, this is an excellent way to sandbag and observe...just look busy). I noticed that EUG has a "TSA Screener of the Month" plaque, complete with name engravings and a picture of the staffer. The supervisor's podium was at the end of this CP, complete with an engraved nameplate on front of the podium (I think the name was Nick LePunte if any of you TSAers want to check), similar to what you see at the hotels with their name on there. Of course, the supervisor was not there, and not an LEO to be found.

As I went up the escalator, I enjoyed watching the TSAer manning the exit (right across the divider from the WTMDs) to be filing her nails.

Having gone through dozens and dozens and dozens of TSA checkpoints, nothing singularly stood out, it's the entire experience at EUG that made me laugh and shake my head. Really made me think of Barney Fife.

For what it's worth.