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:
and
Below are questions so far answered (or not) in this thread:
For a full list of all posts by TSAPressSec, view their profile here: TSAPressSec and select the Find All Posts By TSAPressSec
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.
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.
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.
- Question: Answer: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....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. - Question: Answer:Is there a clear/public way for dealing with complaints against TSOs?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] - Question: Answer: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?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.
- 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
Greetings from TSA
#227



Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,876
#228
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,678
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.
#229
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 18,346
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.
#230
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 22,651
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.
#231
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: NEXUS/GE
Posts: 521
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.
#232



Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,876
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.
#236
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,343
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.
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.
#237



Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,876
?????? Lived there 16 years and I have no idea what you are talking about. Never saw, stopped at, or was questioned at any checkpoint.
#238




Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: United Airlines 1 MM, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,777
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.
#239
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: AAdvantage 2 million, Marriott Gold
Posts: 960
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
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
#240
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,343
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.

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.



