I was on a DL flight, ATL to SHV, and during the boarding process, there were a total of three people boarding for First Class, including myself. I was second in line, and overheard the GA asking the guy in front of me if he'd be willing to be searched... "since I have to search 'someone'". He agreed. I met the same guy on my flight FROM SHV to ATL, and began chatting with 'em... he's a pilot with DL. Nice guy, forgot to get his name. :-(

Concerning the "random" searches... I noticed that Delta no longer calls people up to the counter, to be searched. "Mr. Smith, please come to the ticket counter", and then be pointed over to the happy agent with the gloves. Now it's, as you're boarding, "sir, could you step over to the other agent, please"? I've had that happen twice, once at ATL to PNS, and vice versa. At PNS, I was asked to be searched, by the two security guys, one with the wand and the other with the gloves. I rolled my eyes... Guard 1 said to Guard 2, "See, how they just keep looking forward, avoiding eye contact?" Interesting... but true, I was looking directly ahead at the GA, trying to avoid getting felt up by Mr. Happy Fingers.

I was friendly, but asked "how come I keep getting tagged by you guys, do I look THAT conspicuous?" They both laughed, and Guard 1 spoke about an article that was recently released, commenting that the "Random Searches" were mostly of young people (I'm 26) and little old ladies. Guard 2 laughed and said that he hasn't searched any old ladies.

Is DL the only one doing the "random guy in the line that's not looking directly at you" approach to searches at the gate?

RG