Best checkpoint experience in years
 

IND, today.

There was a TSA dog sniffing luggage/passengers (pretty discreetly I might add) at the entrance to the line. I got the the document checker and was told no laptop out, no shoes off, no belt off, no light jacket off and the only things that had to come out of pockets was metal. All passengers were being directed through the WTMD.

I about fell over and died...


I asked the TSA woman running the line what was up and she said it was a test/pilot program. I asked if it was related to the dog, and she actually acknowledged that it was.

I'm not getting my hopes up yet, but if this spreads a modicum of joy will return to air travel. I even took the time to express my pleasure with the process to the three striper in charge.

^^^

I am starting to develop a small spark of hope that the TSA may be trying to creep discretely toward a more reasonable form of screening for all or at least most while not doing it all at once to save face (and continue to get PreCheck dollars). It remains to be seen if this free Pre experience privilege will ever be given to those of us who don´t have valid US driver´s licenses to present as ID...

So let me get this straight. TSA improved its level of "service" with no compromise to safety by putting a dog in charge?

I am begining to wonder if this is in response to the Public Comment regarding the Rule Change (or whatever they call that when the public was allowed to sound off about the rule change to allow "Advanced Imaging Technology" for airline passenger screening). Do you think TSA is now, finally, listening to the travelling public???:confused:

If so...^:D

Don't know, really. On one hand, I'm a little hopeful. On the other, I have a premonition that if more people get expedited screening, things may get even worse for those of us (including foreigners, those who are brown or named Mohamed, etc) that are "scary": we may get even worse screening with the added time for attention...

You read my mind. However, TSA can always find some flimsy excuse to abuse anyone at their whim.

It was a very smart looking dog. :)

I'm still in shock over the whole thing.

NPRM.

I've heard that dog has the highest I.Q. of all the employees in the TSA.

While this is refreshing to hear on one level, it does raise an issue. We have been told by the TSA that the administrative search does not begin until we either present ourselves for the WBI or the WTMD, or place our items on the belt (both of which occur after the TDC). The dog begins the search outside of that area, which is problematic.

What happens if the dog alerts? Can I walk away at that point? Am I physically searched at that point? Does this mean that I have to get a secondary? (And in all of this, I am assuming that the dog is trained to detect explosives and not, for example, drugs.)

Is there anything to stop the TSA from claiming the administrative search is consented to when in line at/for TSA screening? They seem willing to keep pushing the limits as much as they can and are willing to cross all sorts of lines to get what they want.

Wasn't it the TSA (at BOS IIRC) that was doing electronic searches of walking or stationary persons with terahertz and/or infrared camera technology and using that technology in the main hallway near baggage claim and/or check-in areas?

Why do you continue to spread falsehoods!?

Lots of non-US have pre. Just because you don't/can't is no reason to make a knowingly inaccurate statement.

Well, the TSA has told the courts where the administrative search starts. That is critical since once you have passed that point, you cannot refuse the search and leave. The TSA has to provide some evidence that this has changed or notice thereof to be effective I would think.

I ran into that technology in DEN around the time of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It was on the upper level walkway and there were signs concerning it on the walkway. However, I came up the elevator unknowingly right into the search area of the machine. I had no notice and was not aware until after I exited, looked back and saw and read the sign. Too little, too late.

I think we all know that the administrative search is whatever TSA says it is until such time as it has been tested in court. Even then, if TSA chooses to settle out of court with sealed records/gag order on plaintiffs, they are free to continue to violate the law with impunity. Absent a challenge that goes all the way to SCOTUS or Congress acting, the agency is free to say one thing and do another. Given the lack of accountability, I'm not sure a SCOTUS ruling or action of Congress would result in significant changes anyway.