Jun 25, 2014, 1:23 pm
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
Jun 21, 2014 | 4:07 pm
#31
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues, Information Desk & San Francisco
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Jun 21, 2014 | 6:58 pm
#32
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Here's a softball comment... it'd be great if the list of Pre-√ participating airports and checkpoints had some indication of hours of operation again (like it used to), as I would sometimes base flight decisions on them. For example, Pre-√ at JFK T5 (jetBlue) used to be (and maybe still is) only available from 6-9am. If that were still true and I had to book a flight later in the day, I'd probably pick a different airline. Even just an indication of which are "full time" and which are "peak" would help.
Unrelatedly, the creeping of AIT into Pre-√ could be a concern. It seems reasonable for self-selection (eg: the medical scenario) or secondary, but I've seen the "random" WTMD beep go a bit out of control sometimes (to the point where TSOs were even commenting about it), and in that kind of scenario the Pre-√ line starts to look a lot like the regular line...
Jun 22, 2014 | 12:52 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
Posts: 5,304
The item was wrapped in bubble wrap and stored among clothing. The only possible way it could have been damaged was by TSA. Had baggage handling caused it, other items in the bag would have been damaged as well. TSA searched the bag, took the item out of the bubble wrap and snapped it while trying to open the empty battery compartment.
TSA then ignored all attempts at commutation regarding the damaged caused by TSA.
Why does TSA ignore claims like this, or as others have reported, attempt to pass the blame to the airlines, when it is quite clear the incident being reported was caused by TSA?
Jun 22, 2014 | 1:53 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2
Welcome to Flyertalk Ross. If you can improve TSA's service it will have been worth it! I have always considered working as TSO repetative with no stimulation until you get someone to empty their bags. The standard of service should be the same country wide, how often is this checked and is there any standard time/goal for your customer to traverse security?
Jun 22, 2014 | 2:06 am
#36
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Learning from each other, unfortunately yes in some cases.
Jun 22, 2014 | 2:15 am
#37
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To the OP.. Welcome to your officialness coming to FT
Who is responsible for herding large groups of clueless passengers into pre-check lines? I thought one of the purposes of pre-check was to make it a faster process for people who fly quite a bit. Yet, lately, TSA has been merging non frequent fliers in the same screening lines as frequent flyers.
I experienced a new kind of this "feature" at SEA on June 20
I am not an Alaska Airlines elite, so I did not have pre-check on my BP as I normally get with American. About 4 PM on Friday, all of the people in the premium line and some non premium passengers were sent to a special pre-check line with only one person checking ID. That one line and the normal pre-check line passengers then were directed to use both of the baggage screening lines. This,of course, slowed down the people who had expected a faster experience. Additionally, in looking at the standard, non-premium line, it moved much faster because there were more ID checkers and more screening lines.
This is not acceptable. There is no point in having dedicated lines for premium passengers if the security process is going to be slower for them.
Who is responsible for herding large groups of clueless passengers into pre-check lines? I thought one of the purposes of pre-check was to make it a faster process for people who fly quite a bit. Yet, lately, TSA has been merging non frequent fliers in the same screening lines as frequent flyers.
I experienced a new kind of this "feature" at SEA on June 20
I am not an Alaska Airlines elite, so I did not have pre-check on my BP as I normally get with American. About 4 PM on Friday, all of the people in the premium line and some non premium passengers were sent to a special pre-check line with only one person checking ID. That one line and the normal pre-check line passengers then were directed to use both of the baggage screening lines. This,of course, slowed down the people who had expected a faster experience. Additionally, in looking at the standard, non-premium line, it moved much faster because there were more ID checkers and more screening lines.
This is not acceptable. There is no point in having dedicated lines for premium passengers if the security process is going to be slower for them.
Jun 22, 2014 | 4:53 am
#38
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Since liquids have been banned (minus the 3-1-1 rule) since 2006, many security agencies (notably UK and EU) have already implemented plans to eliminate the ban. Some (Israel) have eliminated it entirely. The TSA has spoken on and off, completely unofficially, about potential plans.
Does the TSA have any plans to phase out the liquid ban?
Does the TSA have any plans to phase out the liquid ban?
Jun 22, 2014 | 5:01 am
#39
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: Delta TDK(or care)WIA, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,869
I have some questions:
What happened to the TSA clerks who filed a false police report against Phil Mocek and then committed perjury at his trial? Were they fired?
What is the policy on bringing medical liquids through the checkpoint?
What happened to the TSA clerks who falsely imprisoned Stacey Armato for trying to get them to do their jobs? Were they fired?
What happens to complaints against TSA clerks? Is anything ever done?
What are the policies for still and moving photography at the checkpoint? Are clerks who ignore these policies fired?
Are there any polices against subjecting passengers to additional screening due to a clerk's personal resentment or dislike of a passenger? What happens to clerks who do this? Are they fired?
What happened to the TSA clerks who filed a false police report against Phil Mocek and then committed perjury at his trial? Were they fired?
What is the policy on bringing medical liquids through the checkpoint?
What happened to the TSA clerks who falsely imprisoned Stacey Armato for trying to get them to do their jobs? Were they fired?
What happens to complaints against TSA clerks? Is anything ever done?
What are the policies for still and moving photography at the checkpoint? Are clerks who ignore these policies fired?
Are there any polices against subjecting passengers to additional screening due to a clerk's personal resentment or dislike of a passenger? What happens to clerks who do this? Are they fired?
Jun 22, 2014 | 5:35 am
#40
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX (elite) and a few others (non-elite)
Posts: 687
Let me ask a question which is NOT a pop at TSA ;-)
I am a British Citizen. Last year I got Global Entry. I am an elite FF with Cathay Pacific, and when I fly to the US it is usually on a oneworld RTW ticket so my flights originating in the US will be on AA, US, BA or CX, using my CX elite number. Am I entitled to Pre-√ ? I have never been able to find an answer to that question despite trying to research it!
Welcome to FT in your official capacity, btw!
I am a British Citizen. Last year I got Global Entry. I am an elite FF with Cathay Pacific, and when I fly to the US it is usually on a oneworld RTW ticket so my flights originating in the US will be on AA, US, BA or CX, using my CX elite number. Am I entitled to Pre-√ ? I have never been able to find an answer to that question despite trying to research it!
Welcome to FT in your official capacity, btw!
Last edited by IanFromHKG; Jun 22, 2014 at 5:37 am Reason: Corrected a typo
Jun 22, 2014 | 6:11 am
#41
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Join Date: Jun 2005
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it's not so much as taking the bait from the trolls but imho, a lot of us here would simply like TSO's to be consistent in procedure from airport to airport as opposed to the old "two rabbis, there opinions" route and I'm not talking about all of the "randomness" that the TSA tours but simply that if the procedure is to do "A" and you get "A", why do do some TSO's do "B" and when a pax is presented with a situation at a checkpoint where the TSO is wrong (nd wrong in terms of what is publicly stated by the TSA), it takes a 3 striper, a 2 striper, the TSO invoked, two LEO's, a suit plus two foxes, a chicken and a pig to attempt to resolve the situation?
So with all of that, it's not being anti-TSA for me but just wanting proper training and consistency in following one's own procedures
So with all of that, it's not being anti-TSA for me but just wanting proper training and consistency in following one's own procedures
That said, I'll welcome our new arrival, along with my hope that he weathers the storm, and someday finds a better job in a better organization.
Jun 22, 2014 | 6:17 am
#42
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 962
Welcome to FT and God help you.
Has your announcement you'll be on FT been sent to FSD's nationwide?
As the official spokesperson for the TSA, your word is pretty much gospel when you speak. So posting a reply in your official capacity, you're stating policy for the most part.
Has senior leadership given any thought that what you might say be printed out and used to challenge the activities of TSO's at some point?
Has your announcement you'll be on FT been sent to FSD's nationwide?
As the official spokesperson for the TSA, your word is pretty much gospel when you speak. So posting a reply in your official capacity, you're stating policy for the most part.
Has senior leadership given any thought that what you might say be printed out and used to challenge the activities of TSO's at some point?
Jun 22, 2014 | 7:23 am
#43
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I'm not a big fan of the ait (or the NOS as it goes around here) and usually go for the pat down. I will have to say though that the crew in BGR is probably one of the better ones to work with. They have always been polite and the supervisor has been friendly and engaging. Never had a problem there and they are one of the few airports where it doesn't feel like I am inconveniencing them. (Grb being the other). Now if you could just make me the standard of how people are treated there would probably be a lot less gripes.
But thank you for being here, I'm looking forward to the dialog that you'll bring.
But thank you for being here, I'm looking forward to the dialog that you'll bring.
Last edited by WIRunner; Jun 22, 2014 at 7:23 am Reason: Stupid auto correct.
Jun 22, 2014 | 7:50 am
#44
Join Date: Nov 2011
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I'm already pessimistic about this experiment with engagement.
I see an answer to a question about how long this was in the works (not important), but nothing on the question about "state your name" policy.
If you want to gain our trust, you need to address the tough questions you have to know are coming. Otherwise thus all ends up coming off as self-serving fluff, just like the TSA Blog mouthpiece we all criticize.
I see an answer to a question about how long this was in the works (not important), but nothing on the question about "state your name" policy.
If you want to gain our trust, you need to address the tough questions you have to know are coming. Otherwise thus all ends up coming off as self-serving fluff, just like the TSA Blog mouthpiece we all criticize.