I posted a rant a week ago or so about an annoying gate check in Denver.

I noted that my wife seems to get pulled aside often for random checkpoint patdowns -- and -- of course -- she was grabbed for the recent gate check.

A poster noted that maybe she looks like she would not cause trouble, so they grab her for their random checks.

Been thinking about it, it seems to make sense. I am never pulled aside. I'm 6'2" and work out and when I am in the airport the security drama sets a nasty scowl on my face.

Wife is the picture of a merry Danish farmgirl -- only lacking the braids.

She submits to the extra patdowns without a whimper and is smiling and pleasant. Myself, I would be confrontational and questioning.

In the airport a few days ago and saw they had drug out "anybody's favorite grandma" for extra attention.

There may be merit to the "sheeple grab" theory.

It's a natural reaction and selection cycle for bullies to target those they instinctively believe they can dominate.

Given the level of training (ie. essentially none) they have and their employee selection methods, I would be highly surprised if the average TSA staffer could rise above the base instinct that drives that whole bully/victim selection routine. Heck, I doubt most of them even realize/understand that they're doing it.

I'm the poster in your other thread that suggested this, and it was based on my unscientific observations that, to me, TSA screeners do just that.

Funny how if I look like I'm concentrating or thinking hard about something, avoiding eye contact, looking at my phone, or appear to be on the phone, or generally cop a no-nonsense business-like demeanor, I'm miraculously skipped for things like ID or bag checks at the gate.

Maybe that's why I haven't been mistreated or selected for any additional or random screening when I fly. The worst interaction I've ever had with TSA was a NoS barker who yelled, "I SAID, put yer feet on the YELLOW FOOTPRINTS!" the first time I was ever scanned. I guess I was giving off a nervous vibe that day; I was flying with my Dad and was worried about him, since he has medical metal and always sets off the WTMD.

However, the last few times I've flown, I've been in a pretty bad mood by the time I got to the c/p, knowing what's happening and what's possible, and few TSOs have even said a single word to me.

Last time I flew, I arrived at the airside TDC at TPA, and it looked like there were BDOs doing that voodoo that they do to screw you. By the time I got to the podium, I was ready to chew neutronium, and I think it showed on my face. I handed my ID and BP to the TDC, and she looked me in the eye for a good 3 seconds; I could see it on her face that she wanted to ask me something, but changed her mind with a look of exasperated resignation on her face and simply handed my docs back to me without a word. I think the expression on my face must have said, Go on, ask me a question. I TRIPLE DOG DARE YA!

The answer to your question is, yes. There are many stories here on FT about how a well timed scowl or look the other way causes a passenger not to be selected, but where a smile or eye contact does the opposite.

That said, if this is the case, then there is a mistake in your post. By definition, the process then isn't random (as you wrote), it's arbitrary.

Mr bzbdewd had never been pulled but it happens to me fairly often. I'm a middle aged blond female and I think they figure I'll just be easy. I'm afraid they are quite incorrect.

I agree - there is nothing random about it. It is arbitrary.

IME TSA tends to pick on people who seem to be in a hurry. They seem to enjoy detaining anyone who is already running late for a flight, perhaps because such individuals are less likely to ask for a supervisor, etc.

Absolutely. Read this thread and the associated article by retired ...'t police chief Deirdre Walker.

Article by Retired Asst. Police Chief: �Do I have the right to refuse this search?�

Key quote:

There is. I've never been groped, and it's because I adopt a similar stance as you once I approach the screening area.

OTOH, for years I've been telling MsHalls120 that her "if I'm nice to them, they will be nice to me" was a fool's errand. She always cringed when I chatted up strangers in line telling them how stupid the whole process was. I had to push her to not be passive - sometimes it worked, but more often, it didn't.

On a recent flight, she finally had her awakening. She got pulled aside for an unnecessary groping, and she was livid. The first thing she said to me when we exited the screening area was "I need to take a shower."

This finally convinced her to stop being nice to the TSA clerks. Now, I just have to get her to start copying the hand signal I give TSA on those rare occasions when I get scanned.

Dead on. So very true. I agree that they get a sadistic joy,as that's the only power they've given these TSA Representatives.

Had that type of delay at LAX. Landed late in one terminal had to rush to the next terminal and through the TSA again. Once they knew we, several of us, we're rushing to make a connection? All of us were forced through a secondary. And the TSA 'gentlemen' were grinning and going as slow as they could.

Power corrupts.