N965VJ

The people that would ask such a question in TLV (and I don't know if they do) are well trained, young, polite, and in many cases attractive females. If the the TSA thinks they can emulate that by just going through he verbal motions alone, well, that's just another example of how clueless they are.

FliesWay2Much

Both of you are obviously ring leaders of a sleeper cell just waiting for the order to destroy America!!

Boggie Dog

Will be making several trips through DFW in the near future. Think my name will be Cedric Alexander (FSD) or Robert Gentry (AFSD) if asked and I will see if the screener recognizes the name.

Pesky Monkey

I'm going to change my name to Sparkly Wingdinger. It'll make the name game much more fun.

RadioGirl

There a frequent (and undeserved) accusation on this forum that the TSA critics don't offer any constructive solutions. Well, folks, here's our chance! We can offer to help out TSA with this. I'm sure we could come up with a few processes that "have no substantial value" and "can be avoided". Who wants to go first? (Now, let's not have everyone saying "NoS" and "BDO" all at once! Make sure the abuse of the elderly and the liquid rules get some attention, too! @:-))
I feel a garlic 'n' raw onion sandwich washed down with a beer, a stutter, and a name full of "p"s and "t"s coming on.

N965VJ

Always happy to oblige!

What to do with the TSA short term-


1. Stop the use and deployment of body scanning machines. They don't see into body cavities, under folds of flesh, or detect explosives. They are an intrusion into privacy and needlessly add to cumulative lifetime radiation doses, and there are no peer-reviewed studies that back up the government's claim they are safe.

Properly procured and administrated use of Explosive Trace Detection Portals (puffers) addresses the technical shortcomings of the body scanners, while at the same time are non-intrusive and pose no health risks. It’s unfortunate that the Chertoff Group and other lobbyists that profit from the deployment of body scanners have no interest in ETP technology that is being used in venues as varied as nuclear installations and the CN Tower in Toronto.

ETP, coupled with Walk Through Metal Detectors and x-ray of bags, is real security at the checkpoint, without the need for genital gropes.

2. Full accountability of TSA employees. A Citizen Review Board should be established to investigate allegations of screener abuse. Initiate a focus on customer service training for screeners, instead of barking and asking “Do you want to fly today?”


3. End the War on Liquids. The exemptions make it pointless, and even if there was such a Magic Liquid™ that could be used to create a bomb airside without laboratory conditions if you just had enough of it, just send ten guys through the checkpoint with their Kippie Bags and combine it airside.


4. End the removal of shoes. The X-Ray machine cannot detect explosives, period.


5. Eliminate the gate screenings. The fact that this is being done in MCI, where each gate area pretty much has its own checkpoint to start with, is proof that this is nothing more than security theatre and workfare.


4. The wearing of metal “police” badges is stopped immediately, and replaced with the screener’s name and identification number that is plainly visible. Phase out the “police” uniform and replace it with something that reflects the fact that screeners have no law enforcement powers. Eliminate the TSA Honor Guard as there is no need for screeners to dress up in costumes and parade around. Stop trying to cash in on the respect that people that serve in the military have earned.


5. Get rid of the No Fly List. There’s no effective means of redress or oversight how the list is managed. If the people on these lists are so dangerous, arrest them.


6. Stop trying to encroach on privately owned aircraft and kill LASP dead in its tracks. The Inspector General has determined that private aircraft are not a threat. Personal Liberties — For the first time, the TSA’s regulatory activities would be extended to personal GA aircraft, historic and vintage aircraft, and operators, passengers, and pilots flying for personal and business use. As such, the LASP is a radical departure from anything the TSA has enacted to date. It would, in effect, require governmental review and authority before you could operate your own personal vehicle.


7. Stop the ID checks. The TSA has no need to know who I am or where I’m flying. This is nothing more than revenue protection on behalf of the airlines. The thought that I must “present my papers” to travel within the border of my own country is disgusting. Stop using the checkpoint as a dragnet. College kids with fake IDs, illegal aliens, or some common criminal wanted on a drug charge somewhere are not a threat to commercial aviation. We have other government agencies tasked for this.


8. End the mission creep. No more TSA appearances at sporting events, bus and train stations, or highways. Let the real law enforcement professionals tasked with these venues handle things without interference from the TSA. Why is the TSA showing up at thousands of non-airport venues every year when the own Red Team test score failures are "off the charts" according to Rep. Mica?


9. The junk science SPOT program gets the boot.


10. Stop any consideration of having screeners armed with firearms, or having any law enforcement powers. We hear of continuous cases where airport LEOs are the last line of defense against abuse by TSA screeners.



What to do with the TSA long term-

The TSA should become a part of the DOT. Actual screening should be done by private contractors with oversight by the FAA. Funny how we never heard the constant stories of mistreatment and harassment of PAX, organized rings of theft and general thuggery when this was being done by private sector firms.

FlyingUnderTheRadar

If it is a pilot program shouldn't the TDC just be asking the pilot.???? Hmm,

PAX : is this question part of a pilot program?

TDC : Yes

PAX : Ah, no worries I am not a pilot, just a passenger.

polonius

But apparently you can't think of any just now.

HookemHorns

+1! Best summary of how to fix the TSA EVER!

FriendlySkies

Don't hold your breath. I've called to ask about NEXUS cards being refused, and have never gotten an answer

Boggie Dog

I can say all of that in less words.

DISBAND TSA

G_Wolf

What's your "disability card"?

jkhuggins

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/disabi...tion_cards.pdf

clrankin

Fill that card blank with one word: IDIOPHOBIA

Then stand back and cower in fear when any TSO walks by.

N965VJ