Originally Posted by
Seat13c
I just know that everyone I dealt with that morning was wearing a white shirt with TSA patches. There were 2 maroon sweaters sitting off to the side doing nothing but talking and one other assisting at a neighboring security line. As far as the ID thing goes, I didn't know that the rules changed. I just know that if I don't have it out, they ask for it with an expression on their face asking "why are you holding up my line?" If I remember correctly, I think there is a sign asking people to have their bp and id ready for inspection (I never check those signs any more- for all I know, it could have been taken down since the last time I saw it.)
At EWR Term C as of Friday the persons checking ID's were contractors. Since you probably flew out of Term. B, it might have been different, but I doubt it.
The TSA is gradually taking over the ID checks at airports, but most are still private contractors.
While the sign says to present ID's, it is not a requirement (in fact I think there still may be a sign at EWR that lists 3.0 ounces instead of 3.4 ounces for liquids, etc.). Don't believe everything you read.
The screening checkpoint is to verify that you have no prohibited items, so it has no relationship to what your name or identity is. And remember this, matching ID's with BP's does not enhance security; it is a revenue protection device.
Now slightly OT: Why in the world is the ID checker for the Elite line at EWR Term C-2 standing at the entrance to the WTMD's instead of at the entrance to the line while the ID checker for the regular line does just the opposite? At a minimum it should be reversed. Is the Elite line ID checker going to stop a non-elite/FC from going through after they have waited in the line for a number of minutes? Probably not.