Two thumbs-ups for the TSA
 

If I'm going to post and complain when TSA agents do things to harass and annoy people, then I feel that it's also my obligation to post about times that agents do things right...

This past Thursday (20-NOV) I flew IAD-PIT-PHX on US, with the IAD-PIT flight leaving @ 0650. I went through screening around 0600. While going through the screening there, I found the TSA agents to be friendly, knowledgable of TSA policies, efficient, and just all-around great people for folks who were on the job at 6am. I hope they keep up the good work.

Yesterday (23-NOV) I flew PHX-PHL-BWI, leaving PHX @ 1415. Again, the TSA staff in terminal 2 at PHX was friendly and efficient-- some quality folks must be working there.

It would be great if every TSA checkpoint at every airport would function like these two places and provide friendly experiences in which agents smile, say "good morning", and treat you with respect. If this were to happen, I don't think that anyone would have any problems with the agency or the screening process. Way to go, folks!

I found the EXACT opposite in PHX.

If you do not Kiss Their Rings, Bow Down in Obedience and De-Shoe, you are subjected to Secondary Harrassment.

I've actually found for the most part that TSA is fine, polite, professional, etc. Obviously there are exceptions but in a LOT of flying since 9/11 I haven't found anything worth wasting my (valuable) time to complain about. I realize that's my 100K/year experience & only put it up as my experience, no one else's.

What I've been absolutely stunned at is the FTers who post on this forum who make it sound as though TSAers should be drawn/quartered, etc. Like it or not, the agency exists. Like it of not, the people exist. Most try to do their job in not great circumstances & not great pay. Some do it absolutely well; some don't - that's true of every single industry & job in the entire universe.

That doesn't mean to say that those who have a problem w/ either the agency or the people shouldn't follow up on their complaints, but good grief, given all the crap that goes on in this world - with wars, people dying of cancer, etc, get a grip.

I know some of you believe your civil liberties are being abused, etc, but some of the suggestions you make re: the TSA staff are worse than the liberties you think you're giving up - and again I speak only for myself, get a grip.

Edited to add: I flew out of PHX yest & had no problem. Everyone polite, no problem w/ shoes (they asked if I wanted to take them off, I said they wouldn't set off alarm but was willing to go through secondary if they did), they didn't, went through, got my stuff no problem. I did hear them mention someone in front of me who went bananas & was a pain in the butt - maybe it was CameraGuy? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif )

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Sharon

[This message has been edited by SkiAdcock (edited Nov 25, 2003).]

Well, CameraGuy, you're always so nice and polite to everybody on FlyerTalk, I can't imagine you being anything other than that when going through security. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/rolleyes.gif

Personally, I have noticed that the TSA agents do generally make an extra effort to be pleasant, polite, and friendly. Yes, they occasionally pull me aside for wanding, etc... But have been universally polite when doing so.

Of course, it helps if you act the same way to them, instead of throwing a hissy fit as I think some might be inclined to do.

I agree with a few of your statements. What started me posting anti-TSA was the TSA poster's and the TSA themselves. Their insults to my intelligence with all the "in the name of safety" crap. No possible intel can justify several of their unbelievable policies. Like the ID/BP 2 or more times within a few feet (visible or not). The shoe thingy and the unlocked checked luggage. There isn't a single post on FT (or the TSA website) that can be seriously considered justification. Nothing.
Reading some of these posts from self proclaimed TSA employees you'd think they are God's answer to safety.
Until "all" cargo that is transported on passenger planes is screened what is the point of leaving my luggage unlocked? While yes it is only a suggestion, they tell you you it will be destroyed if entrance is required and they will not be liable!!!
They are unaccountable and that is unacceptable.
Yes they are just doing their jobs. I don't hassle them at checkpoints unless they hassle me....

And what point, Greg, are you making by hassling them? If there is a problem, note the names on their nametags (they all have them) and send a polite letter in to the appropriate office.

That will have more effect than any hassling ever will.

Not sure hassling is the proper word. I was thinking, when I wrote this, about when commenting to the 2nd TSA person in 4 feet (MEM/UAL) that I just showed my ID and being told "he didn't count" and if I want to pass through I'll have to show if. Then walking another 4 feet to the x-ray and being requested to show it a 3rd time. Also commenting that I showed it to (pointing 8 feet away) him, him (pointing 4 feet away), and now you? Same type of Goon reply "it for your safety". 3 checks in 8 feet (literally) is hassling. My reciprocal hassling is merely verbal astoundishment. I haven't been "hassled" to the point names need to be taken.
I will simply avoid using airports that I feel have overzealous TSA or long TSA lines (LAX) because of the shoe and ID policies.

As long as you continue to refer to folks you have no personal knowledge of as "goons", I cannot take a thing you say seriously. How many TSA employees have called you a "goon", or better still, how many people call you a "goon" because of your employment? I just can't bring myself to disparage someone because they are executing the policy of their employer. I write to the employer to take on that issue. It¡¦s truly saddening. ƒ¼

Do yourself a favor and look up the word Goon. It perfectly describes the mindless, gungho, "just doing my job" "for your safety" "Don't like it? Tough!" BS attitude that permeates the TSA ranks. If the shoe fits....If it doesn't then don't.
Just cause someone is ignorant doesn't necessarily mean they are stupid. For example my ignorance re: rocket science. Another example of ignorance TSA re: Security. The difference is ...
their ignorance is fraud.

CarmelGreg,

Were you safe when you flew before 9/11?

I'll type this slow, so the TSA'ers here can understand it:

Had the TSA ben on the job on 9/11, with the rules in place at the time, there would have been no difference

NO, I repeat, NO violations of procedures occurred on 9/11. So, there was and still is NO reason for the TSA to exist. The TSA is a boondoggle created by Tom Daschle to add 100,000 more dependants to the government.

The more TSA'ers chant the "We are here to prvent another 9/11" the more they lose their credability.

Otto,

Am I to assume that you are now stalking me too?

Didn't the warning you received the last time you stalked teach you anything????

Ah, so I have to ask your permission before I post in a thread now? Thanks. I'll remember that.

And as for warning about stalking, I don't remember it. Of course, I could have forgotten.

Since you ask, I have a question of my own. Did you learn anything when you were given a permanent ban from posting on FlyerTalk on May 8, 2001, because of repeated flaming?

Yes,

As a matter of fact I did.

Which is why, I have received ZERO Warnings or Suspension since my posting privelidges were re-instated.

That is more than I can say for you, or for that matter the other member who was re-instated at the same time as me.

I do NOT Flame. There is a clique here on FT that thinks any type of disagreement with them is a flame, but they are wrong.

Keep stalking, it only shines a light on the type of person you are.

"Just cause someone is ignorant doesn't necessarily mean they are stupid. For example my ignorance re: rocket science. Another example of ignorance TSA re: Security. The difference is ...
their ignorance is fraud."

CameraGuy,

TSA is a fraud you and CarmelGreg both say it. But the procedures in place are just more strict then they were on 9/11.

So pretty much security has always been a fraud but you never *****ed about it before. You've paid for security before and after 9/11.

Also, I can read fine. And I've stated that I know that security wasn't the reason 9/11 happened.