What is the point of TSA marking your BP?
Aug 2, 2011, 9:30 am
#46
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I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
On the other hand, I've also read some threads here on FT where the gate agent didn't notice/didn't care about the non-presence of the markings on the boarding passes.
On the other hand, I've also read some threads here on FT where the gate agent didn't notice/didn't care about the non-presence of the markings on the boarding passes.
This is an absolutely stupid and undefendable procedure.
Aug 2, 2011, 9:40 am
#47
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In theory, the markings (I obviously can't speak for some other airports' "scribbles," but in HSV it's the initials of the TSO working at the TDC position) are for the benefit of the airline gate agents, so that they know the person came through the checkpoint and was screened.
In theory.
I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
On the other hand, I've also read some threads here on FT where the gate agent didn't notice/didn't care about the non-presence of the markings on the boarding passes.
In theory.
I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
On the other hand, I've also read some threads here on FT where the gate agent didn't notice/didn't care about the non-presence of the markings on the boarding passes.
Aug 2, 2011, 9:50 am
#48
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 20
I think it's supposed to say as follows:
-Passenger presented at security podium.
-I matched passenger's ID to name on ticket.
-I checked that the ticket is for a flight today, out of a terminal this C/P goes to, on an airline that actually exists. In other words, it doesn't say Braniff.
-I verified that passenger has valid ID, it's not expired, or their Blockbuster card. I used that UV loupe to look at their passport or ID.
-I, Screener XYZ, did all this stuff.
-This isn't some random person who got into the screening line.
I think I'm okay with this. The markings are...well, I guess they mean something, they're usually kind of consistent. Also, if you have a Super Special Screening Spassenger, you can divert them to wherever the TSA does their Super Special Sexualized Screening at.
-Passenger presented at security podium.
-I matched passenger's ID to name on ticket.
-I checked that the ticket is for a flight today, out of a terminal this C/P goes to, on an airline that actually exists. In other words, it doesn't say Braniff.
-I verified that passenger has valid ID, it's not expired, or their Blockbuster card. I used that UV loupe to look at their passport or ID.
-I, Screener XYZ, did all this stuff.
-This isn't some random person who got into the screening line.
I think I'm okay with this. The markings are...well, I guess they mean something, they're usually kind of consistent. Also, if you have a Super Special Screening Spassenger, you can divert them to wherever the TSA does their Super Special Sexualized Screening at.
Except he didn't say anything about making sure it was a valid id - just that the id matched the name on the BP, that the airport/date were correct, and then there is a four digit number they write when they're done checking the other stuff which is the last four numbers on their ID badge, so that if some problem occurs later on with the BP, they can trace it back to who checked the person through security. No "what is your name" at EWR though.
Aug 2, 2011, 11:25 am
#50
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I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
If I were running an airline out of there, I'd instruct my employees to ignore the stupidity and just let everyone board - as it easily gets rid of an undue burden.
Aug 2, 2011, 12:13 pm
#51
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I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
Aug 2, 2011, 12:14 pm
#52
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Aug 2, 2011, 1:04 pm
#54
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I just looked at my boarding passes on my recent LGA-ORD trip, they only have check marks next to the date and flight info and their initials, no numbers
I often change planes in ATL when I fly on Delta, using the boarding pass I printed out at home, or at the hotel, and these boarding passes has no TSA marks on at all, because they never look at any additional legs of my trip, just the boarding pass for the originating airport departure.
So I dont agree with HSVTSO on that policy, I sure at Huntsville, nobody connects there so everyones boarding pass is the origination leg of the trip, but try that at ATL, DFW or ORD to name a few major hubs, there would be mass chaos is everyones boarding pass for each leg has to be checked.
And like PTravel, I often change seats or get my upgraded boarding passes at the Sky Club, which is in the sterile area. I have never seen a gate agent look at anything, other then when they announce first class boarding look to check that only those who are seated in first class are boarding look over a boarding pass
Mr. Elliott
I often change planes in ATL when I fly on Delta, using the boarding pass I printed out at home, or at the hotel, and these boarding passes has no TSA marks on at all, because they never look at any additional legs of my trip, just the boarding pass for the originating airport departure.
So I dont agree with HSVTSO on that policy, I sure at Huntsville, nobody connects there so everyones boarding pass is the origination leg of the trip, but try that at ATL, DFW or ORD to name a few major hubs, there would be mass chaos is everyones boarding pass for each leg has to be checked.
And like PTravel, I often change seats or get my upgraded boarding passes at the Sky Club, which is in the sterile area. I have never seen a gate agent look at anything, other then when they announce first class boarding look to check that only those who are seated in first class are boarding look over a boarding pass
Mr. Elliott
Aug 2, 2011, 1:29 pm
#55
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Because, as everyone knows, holding a clipboard in your hands imparts sense of gravitas that the clerks innately lack. It IS theater, after all, in an asymptotic effort to actually improve security.
Aug 2, 2011, 3:03 pm
#56
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I just found this thread and got the idea: the next time I fly (in addition to, of course, posting on tsastatus.net) I'll bring two (or more) copies of my BP. I'll stand in line, get the squiggle, and immediately rip it to shreds. When they ask why, I'll point out that I have others, and I don't like it when people draw pictures on my things. I'm sure that won't cause any trouble.
(Actually, they probably won't even notice.)
(Actually, they probably won't even notice.)
Check-in online*, reprint my BP at one of the kiosks, give the TDC the on-line version of my BP, clear security, rip up the on-line BP withe the "security squiggle" on it into little iddy biddy pieces and toss into the nearest trash can and use the kiosk issued BP to board my flight.
*if you don't have access to on-line check-in, simply print two copies of your BP at the kiosk and repeat the above
Aug 2, 2011, 3:59 pm
#57
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Back to the original OP: Chertoff probably has an interest in a company that markets markers to the government at an exceptionally inflated price.
use the markers more, they run out faster, profits go up....
Hey, if they use enough different colors, maybe Chertoff can corner the market for TSA-approved pocket-protectors for all the markers the TDC needs to use.
Or better yet, a 'toolbelt' to hold the markers, black light, rubber stamp.
Everything but maybe a list of the accepted government IDs that has been out-of-date for years on the website.
use the markers more, they run out faster, profits go up....
Hey, if they use enough different colors, maybe Chertoff can corner the market for TSA-approved pocket-protectors for all the markers the TDC needs to use.
Or better yet, a 'toolbelt' to hold the markers, black light, rubber stamp.
Everything but maybe a list of the accepted government IDs that has been out-of-date for years on the website.
Aug 2, 2011, 4:11 pm
#58
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
I know it actually works like it's supposed to here in Huntsville; if a passenger is boarding the plane and presents a boarding pass that doesn't have the markings on it, then the gate agent doesn't allow them to board. Instead, they call us at the checkpoint, and we go to the gate to verify that they've been screened.
Aug 2, 2011, 4:22 pm
#59
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Better yet-do what I do.....
Check-in online*, reprint my BP at one of the kiosks, give the TDC the on-line version of my BP, clear security, rip up the on-line BP withe the "security squiggle" on it into little iddy biddy pieces and toss into the nearest trash can and use the kiosk issued BP to board my flight.
*if you don't have access to on-line check-in, simply print two copies of your BP at the kiosk and repeat the above
Check-in online*, reprint my BP at one of the kiosks, give the TDC the on-line version of my BP, clear security, rip up the on-line BP withe the "security squiggle" on it into little iddy biddy pieces and toss into the nearest trash can and use the kiosk issued BP to board my flight.
*if you don't have access to on-line check-in, simply print two copies of your BP at the kiosk and repeat the above
Mr. Elliott
Aug 2, 2011, 4:41 pm
#60
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When I'm at the gate for my connecting flight, I have deplaned inside security and have not left the sterile area. The boarding pass for my onward flight does not have any markings on it.
Same is true (for different reasons) for someone who goes to a lounge and gets a new boarding pass.
i would be curious to know how they handle these situations at HSV (or are there no connecting flights or lounges at HSV)?