Originally Posted by red456
Don't ever carry your DL as your ID (or if you need to have it with you, hide it deep within your wallet) - take your passport instead and make up an address if they demand one - I've done that a couple of times.
They can't refuse to give you a complaint form - but they probably don't have them. Keep a notepad and pencil with you and take down names, badge numbers, date, time, etc., etc., etc. Send a letter with all information to TSA in DC, copy the local FSD the general manager of the airport, your airline, your congresspeople and consider adding your local ACLU chapter.
You're not going to get diddly in response from the TSA, but if you make certain you copy every entity you can think of it gives a bit more credence to your complaint.
Good advice; however, I suggest one always keeps their drivers license on them for a number of reasons. However, use the passport or other form of ID which does not have your address as your airport ID.
A drivers license is often necessary when traveling, especially if you will be renting / driving a car. It is also good to have on you in the event of an emergency. Additionally, your drivers license may be necessary when purchasing some products (alcohol / tobacco) and some places will not accept a passport as an ID. I once misplaced my drivers license when traveling and a 7-11 would not accept my passport as a valid ID; I've had other places also refuse a US passport as proof of age (go figure).
With respect to the Federal Security Director (FSD) at JFK airport, the following information was valid as of 7/29/04:
William Hall
TSA - JFK International Airport
Building 111, 2nd Floor
Jamaica, New York 11430
Telephone: 718-553-0435
Facsimile: 718-553-2155
Email:
[email protected]
I don't know if this individual is still the FSD, but you could always write in "Federal Security Director" in place of the name and it'll get to the correct person. If possible, have the agents name & ID # -- otherwise provide the terminal, time of day, a description of the person, and what lane you went through if you recall, and the date. (i.e. Terminal X, at 12 noon, tall white male with xyz hair, lane at the left, on the 18th of October).
cc the letter to your congress members, TSA HQ in DC, and any other elected officials you feel would be appropriate. cc it to a local newspaper if you'd like.
Keep it short & to the point. If I were you, I would make the basis of the complaint about your ID being requested, your personal information logged, etc., without any disclosure as to why and you are concerned about your privacy. State the circumstances around it - you could also point out according to the TSA website it states that it is not necessary to remove shoes (throw it back at them) and make it clear you had no problem in the other terminal.
You should get some good advice here - I wouldn't expect the FSD to do anything, but you never know. Most importantly make sure it gets to your Senators and House Rep, plus any other local elected officials which may have an interest. You may even want to cc it to your airline customer service department so they know how their customers are being treated.
Best,
SDF_Traveler