FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate-687/)
-   -   ACLU: A Tour of the TSA’s Testing Facility (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1565688-aclu-tour-tsais-testing-facility.html)

Schmurrr Apr 2, 2014 8:51 am

ACLU: A Tour of the TSA’s Testing Facility
 
This article contains some observations that may be of interest to readers of this board.


...The x-ray machines used in the PreCheck checkpoints are different from those used in the non-PreCheck checkpoints. The TSA tester said he could not tell me what the differences were, other than that they were “optimized for different things,” or something to that effect....

...The Sikh representatives wanted to know why TSA agents always demand to search their turbans even when they are cleared by the body scanners (AKA Advanced Imaging Technology or “AIT” machines). Some of the Sikhs asked to go through the AITs, and we all saw that the machine gave them the “all clear” with no alarm or “anomaly” being indicated at their turbans. The basic answer was, as one of the testers explained, that “there are vulnerabilities on the AIT.”

...With an older model of the EDTs, she said, the agency realized that they were even alarming on the gloves that the TSA screeners wear on their hands, which were discovered to contain nitrates. The screener said that when the alarm rate rose this winter, it was also discovered that some commonly deployed varieties of road salt triggered the machine. Even if the swab is left out in the open too long, she said, it can generate a false alarm just from soaking up background nitrates from the air....

InkUnderNails Apr 2, 2014 9:08 am

That may explain the more invasive and thorough bag check I have gotten since pre-check, 6 passes through security, than I did before. I suspected my bags were getting extra scrutiny as I was getting less.

SeriouslyLost Apr 3, 2014 10:26 pm


Originally Posted by Schmurrr (Post 22635307)
This article contains some observations that may be of interest to readers of this board.

"Another innovation in the x-ray units: the ability to send screen captures from the monitor to another computer so that a supervisor can examine an image without holding up the line"
Fabulous. The TSA is "testing" tech that's been commercially available from the machine manufacturers for over fifteen years and in use in other countries for over ten years. Morons.

ScatterX Apr 5, 2014 5:39 pm


Originally Posted by SeriouslyLost (Post 22645997)
"Another innovation in the x-ray units: the ability to send screen captures from the monitor to another computer so that a supervisor can examine an image without holding up the line"
Fabulous. The TSA is "testing" tech that's been commercially available from the machine manufacturers for over fifteen years and in use in other countries for over ten years. Morons.

The testing is not of the equipment, but the operators. @:-) They need to understand if TSA employees are capable of using these systems of magic and wonder. :D

halls120 Apr 6, 2014 9:19 am


Originally Posted by SeriouslyLost (Post 22645997)
Fabulous. The TSA is "testing" tech that's been commercially available from the machine manufacturers for over fifteen years and in use in other countries for over ten years. Morons.

TSA is indeed the single biggest waste of government funds. The stupidity that comes out of their HQ is unmatched across the government, and that's no easy feat.

nachtnebel Apr 6, 2014 11:25 am


Originally Posted by halls120 (Post 22658034)
TSA is indeed the single biggest waste of government funds. The stupidity that comes out of their HQ is unmatched across the government, and that's no easy feat.

^^^^^^^^


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:32 pm.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.