TSO took my gate pass
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
Programs: AA LT PLT; DL GLD, UA nothing, B6 Mosaic; Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 3,331
TSO took my gate pass
Not a big deal, but definitely curious.
SO and I are presently long distance - me in TPA, her in SJU - because getting laid off in PR and finding work in TPA. We travel every two weeks to see each other, alternating who travels when.
The past few trips out of Florida to PR (MCO, TPA, FLL... we change it up), I've been able to get gate passes to spend time with her as she boards. I get through TSA, no problems
The last trip out of TPA, the TSO kept the gate pass. Is this normal - that the TSO keeps the gate pass?
SO and I are presently long distance - me in TPA, her in SJU - because getting laid off in PR and finding work in TPA. We travel every two weeks to see each other, alternating who travels when.
The past few trips out of Florida to PR (MCO, TPA, FLL... we change it up), I've been able to get gate passes to spend time with her as she boards. I get through TSA, no problems
The last trip out of TPA, the TSO kept the gate pass. Is this normal - that the TSO keeps the gate pass?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,507
I have obtained many gate passes to meet/escort passengers over the years and I always retained them. Perhaps TPA has implemented a new local policy or you just encountered another moat dragon with incorrect understanding of procedures.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,429
I've gotten may gate passes in my time. I recall them being kept by TSA nce or twice. I have no idea why they felt compelled to do that.
I've also had the pleasure of being treated as an SSSS upon presentation of a gate pass. Why? Because, "You're not flying" -- as if that mattered.
I've also had the pleasure of being treated as an SSSS upon presentation of a gate pass. Why? Because, "You're not flying" -- as if that mattered.
#5
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
Would it? I sometimes misplace boarding passes for my second flight if connecting. I usually don't print another one from a kiosk until closer to boarding time, because, well, I lost the first one. It never crossed my mind that this would be a problem.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,112
If you confuse them no telling what will happen.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: DL, WN, US, Avis, AA
Posts: 662
A few years ago in BNA the TSA employees stationed at the WTMDs were demanding to see boarding passes before allowing one to proceed. (I guess they thought the document examiners 25 feet in front of them were incompetent.) My standard practice then was to hand them my boarding pass and immediately proceed on my way so as to keep my belongings in view. This always resulted in me on the other side of the WTMD with no boarding pass and the TSA employee on the other side still holding my pass. Again, nothing against the regulations in that. I just had to get another pass sometime before boarding.
My reading of the regulations says you have to present a valid ticket or gate pass to gain entry to the sterile area and if requested prior to boarding. I see no requirement to have a ticket or gate pass to remain in the sterile area once properly clearing security. I'm sure many TSA employees lack the reasoning to understand the distinction but that is their problem.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,112
Your readings may be 100% dead on however I'm not sure TSA employees can read. I have witnessed screeners wandering around the secure area demanding boarding passes of already screened passengers. Not only is this wasteful of manpower but demonstrates that TSA is overstaffed or not screening those people who present the greatest threat, airport workers.
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
I would object to having one or more TSA employees keep anything of mine, including travel documents that contain personal information.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
My reading of the regulations says you have to present a valid ticket or gate pass to gain entry to the sterile area and if requested prior to boarding. I see no requirement to have a ticket or gate pass to remain in the sterile area once properly clearing security. I'm sure many TSA employees lack the reasoning to understand the distinction but that is their problem.
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
No problem having your gate pass collected by TSA. It serves no purpose once other than to get you through the checkpoint.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
I get a lot of gate passes to visit the United Club and have never had TSA keep it, though, of course, I never get pre-check, which I always do on my UA flights.
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: A3, AA. Plasticy things! That give me, y'know, Stuff!
Posts: 6,293
No problem having your gate pass collected by TSA. It serves no purpose once other than to get you through the checkpoint.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
#15
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,526
No problem having your gate pass collected by TSA. It serves no purpose once other than to get you through the checkpoint.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
If you happen to lose a BP, there's also no problem until it comes time to board. So, sometime between the checkpoint and boarding, you will need to obtain a new one.
Collecting the gate pass is a big nothing.
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/10/w...barcode-a-lot/