Two TSA checkpoints that is.

At PHX I got the dreaded SSSS (yes, they still automatically do the SSSS for one-way bookings, sigh...). But the staff there couldn't be more friendly. We chatted about how dumb terrorists are. They weren't too invasive in their screening and they were genuinely friendly throughout. I did not have to take my sneakers off at any time.

At LAX today at T2, I wore shorts, no belt, and light collapseable sneakers (Nike Free). This is no problem anywhere else, but the TSA guy barked at me to take my shoes off. Normally I refuse, but after the nice experience at PHX I decided to be nice too. So I threw them into the scanner and walked through. This time I beeped the WTMD for whatever reason. He said I had to to the corral. My feet were cold so I went to get my shoes that had made it through the scanner. He YELLLED at me to stop. That got me angry so I said "no thanks" and went to put my shoes on. One of the other agents grabbed my shoe and they guy yelled at me again. So I sat down on the belt and said "I'm not going anywhere til you bring me my shoes."

Then he yelled for a supervisor who asked me what the problem was and I said my feet are cold. She told them to give me back my shoes, but I still had to go to secondary screening.

Two checkpoints, both operated by the TSA. One got the job done in a very friendly non-confrontational manner, the other caused a problem with an attitude. Some say that inconsistency is a weapon against terrorism. I say that is a garbage excuse for unprofessionalism.