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Old Jun 25, 2014, 1:23 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: WIRunner
TSAPressSec, Ross, is the TSA's official rep on FlyerTalk. He has agreed to answer questions, though some answers will take time. You can also contact on him on Twitter: @TSAMedia_RossF.

Note these important posts by Ross:
Unfortunately, I can't devote all my time to this site, as I still have other job requirements, etc. So please be patient with me...especially on my third day here. However, I will go back to our experts to answer these questions that have been posed above. I know the moderator is working on a better system to sort questions in the appropriate threads.
and
Many, many questions, and I am working to get answers. I have thick skin, and want to assist in answering them. I apologize for the delay, but I was out of the office on personal leave.

With that being said, please be patient. Some of the questions have to be researched, and I want to vet them with the appropriate personnel internally before I post them here.
Below are questions so far answered (or not) in this thread:
  1. Question:
    I was the lucky random beep at the WTMD in PreCheck tonight at Portland. Instead of the quick hand swab, I was sent to the MMW. Since nobody uses it, the MMW has to be fired up, calibrated then I was told not to remove my belt, wallet or shoes. Of course those two required me to be patted down. Checkpoint supe and all three TSOs said it's a new, nationwide policy that started a few days ago. So, why the change? It added an extra two minutes tonight, but I was the only one in PreCheck. If this happens at 6-7a, it's going to make it a total mess....
    Answer:
    Yes. We are going to expand the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) in TSA Pre✓ at select checkpoints. However, the vast majority of passengers in TSA Pre✓ will still be screened via a walk-through metal detector. This will primarily be rolled out at larger airports with more than one TSA Pre✓ lane.

    TSA Pre✓ eligible passengers, who prefer to be screened via an AIT, will now have the opportunity to do so at these select checkpoints. Many passengers with joint replacements, prosthetics or other medical devices that would regularly alarm when passing through a walk-through metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat-down. Unlike standard lanes, passengers will not be required to divest their shoes, light outerwear and/or belt in the AIT.

    Previously, if a passenger alarmed when passing through the walk-through metal detector after multiple passes, that passenger would be required to receive a pat-down. Passengers at these select TSA Pre✓ checkpoints, where available, will now have the option of being screened via AIT, possibly precluding the need for a pat-down.
  2. Question:
    Is there a clear/public way for dealing with complaints against TSOs?
    Answer:
    Yes. Definitely. I know you may not believe it, but all complaints do get forwarded to the TSA leadership at that airport to investigate. Two different ways to contact us to report this -- and we want travelers to provide feedback so it can be addressed ASAP. The more details, the better.

    For example, someone last night posted something on twitter regarding an interaction with one of our employees. We immediately flagged that for our leadership at the airport so it can be addressed.

    Option 1: You can submit comments electronically using this form.
    Option 2: Call 1-866-289-9673 or email [email protected]
  3. Question:
    Is it a requirement for a pax to state their name when asked by the TDC as according to the regs, the only things needed to enter the secure are are an I/D containing a picture of the pax standing in front of the TDC and a boarding pass for a flight on that date with the name on the boarding passs matching the name on the I/D presented by the pax-and if it is in fact required, why is this procedure not followed at every airport that I travel thru (and this is at airports where the lines at the checkpoints are both horrendously long and empty?
    Answer:
    I travel often, and this is the first time I have heard this. It is just matching the name to the BP, and verifying origin/date, etc. Sometimes a BDO might talk with the pax. But let me take this back to some of our experts to find out. As I said above, I don't have all of the answers, but promise to see what I can find out.
  4. Question: Where can I find a listing of TSA Twitter feeds?
    Answer: All of the TSA Twitter accounts are listed here.

For a full list of all posts by TSAPressSec, view their profile here: TSAPressSec and select the Find All Posts By TSAPressSec
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 12:07 pm
  #226  
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Originally Posted by bennos
If she has a passport, why not apply for global entry instead? It only cost $15 more and comes with an ID card that can be used at TSA checkpoints.
How is that ID card better than, y'know, her passport?
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 12:40 pm
  #227  
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Originally Posted by bennos
If she has a passport, why not apply for global entry instead? It only cost $15 more and comes with an ID card that can be used at TSA checkpoints.
Originally Posted by saizai
How is that ID card better than, y'know, her passport?
I've started using mine instead of my drivers license and certainly easier to carry and show than my passport. I never carry my passport for domestic travel but my GE card is always with me.
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 1:49 pm
  #228  
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Originally Posted by saizai
How is that ID card better than, y'know, her passport?
For PreCheck to work, the name in SecureFlight must match the name in the GOES account. The name on the GE card will match the name on the GOES account. Also, it is a card and not a booklet. It is less susceptible to damage and more compact to carry than a passport. It fits in a wallet.
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 9:10 pm
  #229  
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Originally Posted by Randyk47
I've started using mine instead of my drivers license and certainly easier to carry and show than my passport. I never carry my passport for domestic travel but my GE card is always with me.
I keep my passport on me even though i use GE card as ID. You never know when you will need to be rerouted via another country to get home. It happened to a few people I had met during Hurricane Sandy stranding. Well the options were offered but passports were not on them, so no go.
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 9:25 pm
  #230  
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Originally Posted by CDKing
I keep my passport on me even though i use GE card as ID. You never know when you will need to be rerouted via another country to get home. It happened to a few people I had met during Hurricane Sandy stranding. Well the options were offered but passports were not on them, so no go.
Bingo. A friend a few years back was offered IAD-NRT-HNL, due to all IAD-xxx-HNL options being sold out/canceled due to weather. They didn't carry a passport for domestic trips, so it meant having to spend a day or two in a hotel near IAD until space opened up.
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Old Sep 5, 2014 | 10:51 pm
  #231  
 
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Originally Posted by CDKing
I keep my passport on me even though i use GE card as ID. You never know when you will need to be rerouted via another country to get home. It happened to a few people I had met during Hurricane Sandy stranding. Well the options were offered but passports were not on them, so no go.
I always carry my passport as backup ID when I fly, in case my wallet gets lost or stolen.
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Old Sep 6, 2014 | 10:47 am
  #232  
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Originally Posted by CDKing
I keep my passport on me even though i use GE card as ID. You never know when you will need to be rerouted via another country to get home. It happened to a few people I had met during Hurricane Sandy stranding. Well the options were offered but passports were not on them, so no go.
My chances of having to route through a foreign country right now are slim to none.....not many between here and DC or Atlanta which are the vast majority of my domestic business trips right now.
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Old Sep 6, 2014 | 11:02 am
  #233  
 
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Originally Posted by dustman81
I always carry my passport as backup ID when I fly, in case my wallet gets lost or stolen.
Ditto. Some people take it a step further by having a photocopy of their passport in their luggage.
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Old Sep 6, 2014 | 11:38 am
  #234  
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Originally Posted by kyden
Ditto. Some people take it a step further by having a photocopy of their passport in their luggage.
We do that when we travel OCONUS.
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Old Sep 6, 2014 | 11:59 am
  #235  
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TSA agents are useless
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Old Sep 7, 2014 | 3:58 am
  #236  
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Originally Posted by Randyk47
Quote:





Originally Posted by CDKing


I keep my passport on me even though i use GE card as ID. You never know when you will need to be rerouted via another country to get home. It happened to a few people I had met during Hurricane Sandy stranding. Well the options were offered but passports were not on them, so no go.




My chances of having to route through a foreign country right now are slim to none.....not many between here and DC or Atlanta which are the vast majority of my domestic business trips right now.
Washington is inside the 100-mile Constitution-Free Zone, so it's a good idea to take the passport because you never know when you will be required to prove your citizenship at a checkpoint.
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Old Sep 7, 2014 | 6:15 am
  #237  
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Originally Posted by FliesWay2Much
Washington is inside the 100-mile Constitution-Free Zone, so it's a good idea to take the passport because you never know when you will be required to prove your citizenship at a checkpoint.
?????? Lived there 16 years and I have no idea what you are talking about. Never saw, stopped at, or was questioned at any checkpoint.
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Old Sep 7, 2014 | 9:51 am
  #238  
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Originally Posted by Randyk47
?????? Lived there 16 years and I have no idea what you are talking about. Never saw, stopped at, or was questioned at any checkpoint.
He's being snarky. The Border Patrol sets up stops on highways in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas that are 20-50 miles from the border. Some on Flyertalk say that since they're "legal" there, then they would be legal in any area with 100 miles of any border - including the Atlantic and Pacific.
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Old Sep 7, 2014 | 11:58 am
  #239  
 
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Originally Posted by TSAPressSec
Hello, FlyerTalk. My name is Ross, and I am the press secretary for TSA in Washington, D.C.

I have used FT for many years in my personal capacity, but thought it was time to join FT in my official capacity.

I know many of you have questions regarding our programs/policies, etc., and I am going to do my best to assist and point you in the right direction.

Look forward to chatting with you.

-Ross
If you are really with the TSA then get stuff solved and have a way for the passenger (THE TAXPAYER IN MANY CASES) to get the situation corrected, like when the Nitro Pills are taken away and you are told the website is out of date and rules changed that morning. THAT IS WRONG AND OFFENSIVE to people that are doing everything legal and not a threat to YOUR system.
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Old Sep 7, 2014 | 4:51 pm
  #240  
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Originally Posted by Randyk47
?????? Lived there 16 years and I have no idea what you are talking about. Never saw, stopped at, or was questioned at any checkpoint.
Originally Posted by catocony
He's being snarky. The Border Patrol sets up stops on highways in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas that are 20-50 miles from the border. Some on Flyertalk say that since they're "legal" there, then they would be legal in any area with 100 miles of any border - including the Atlantic and Pacific.
Actually, there was considerable discussion about this a while back.



There was an interview with the NYPD police chief (Guy who came after Kelly) and the Port Of NY Border Patrol chief. The reporter asked them if they would set up suspicionless internal border checkpoints in NYC, since it was within the 100-mile border corridor. They didn't say "No." They said that it wouldn't be practical.
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