Gate searches -- still?!? AAARRRHHHGGG!! (merged)
Feb 28, 2009, 8:23 am
#31
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,015
I would be DELIGHTED if all the TSA idiots did was simply stand around doing nothing. It accomplishes exactly the same thing as groping non-targets and wanding grandma's bare feet. I would not even harp about paying their salaries if it meant they kept their damn hands the hell away from me!
No chance. Somebody gonna give ya a Public Example grope.
Go for it, folks. Keep lining up for this crap if you think it's wise.
Not I. I'll read your angst and chuckle as you keep going back for more despite their repeated insults.
No chance. Somebody gonna give ya a Public Example grope.
Go for it, folks. Keep lining up for this crap if you think it's wise.
Not I. I'll read your angst and chuckle as you keep going back for more despite their repeated insults.
Feb 28, 2009, 10:52 am
#32
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
I haven't reviewed the law in detail, but my initial feeling is that pseudo-random gate-searches are unconstitutional. Though searches at the WTMD checkpoint have long been held constitutional, the rationale for them doesn't apply. A search at the gate is something different, however, and, I believe, is subject to the constitutional standards that apply to vehicle checkpoint searches, e.g. DUI checks, etc. These have two requirements: (1) searches must be truly random, and (2) notice that the checkpoints are in place must be provided. I don't think gate-side inspections satisfy either.
This isn't legal advice -- as I said, I haven't researched the law extensively. However, if I find myself subjected to one and don't absolutely have to be at my destination on time, I just may say, "No, thanks." and walk right on by. It should be interesting.
This isn't legal advice -- as I said, I haven't researched the law extensively. However, if I find myself subjected to one and don't absolutely have to be at my destination on time, I just may say, "No, thanks." and walk right on by. It should be interesting.
Feb 28, 2009, 3:24 pm
#33
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,613
I saw gate searches 
at BOS, ANC, and LAX in the last 5 days. I haven't seen them in a LONG time (a year or more?). Why are they coming back now? 
If their x-ray/bag searches at the initial screening area are so poor that they feel they need the "random" gate searches, then why don't they fix the initial search? I hate them so much......
at BOS, ANC, and LAX in the last 5 days. I haven't seen them in a LONG time (a year or more?). Why are they coming back now? If their x-ray/bag searches at the initial screening area are so poor that they feel they need the "random" gate searches, then why don't they fix the initial search? I hate them so much......
Feb 28, 2009, 9:18 pm
#35
In memoriam
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Catlett, VA, USA
Programs: UA GS/1K/2MM, HH Diamond, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 383
I saw gate searches at BOS, ANC, and LAX in the last 5 days. I haven't seen them in a LONG time (a year or more?). Why are they coming back now?
If their x-ray/bag searches at the initial screening area are so poor that they feel they need the "random" gate searches, then why don't they fix the initial search? I hate them so much......
at BOS, ANC, and LAX in the last 5 days. I haven't seen them in a LONG time (a year or more?). Why are they coming back now? If their x-ray/bag searches at the initial screening area are so poor that they feel they need the "random" gate searches, then why don't they fix the initial search? I hate them so much......
Mar 1, 2009, 10:58 am
#36
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Southern Maine
Programs: US Platinum
Posts: 184
At PWM on Friday, TSOs were pulling anyone carrying a visible bottle of water (all of which had obviously been purchased on the secure side, and checking each bottle with a cotton swab.
This particularly annoying because my Zone 4 fiancée was boarding in Zone 1 with me, and she got pulled aside after my BP had been scanned so they could check her unopened bottle of Poland Spring water that she'd owned for 5 minutes for bomb residue. I had to stand in the way like an idiot and wait for this while Zone 2 pushed past me.
This particularly annoying because my Zone 4 fiancée was boarding in Zone 1 with me, and she got pulled aside after my BP had been scanned so they could check her unopened bottle of Poland Spring water that she'd owned for 5 minutes for bomb residue. I had to stand in the way like an idiot and wait for this while Zone 2 pushed past me.
Mar 1, 2009, 2:22 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,531
Complete stupidity today at IND. 7 screeners for a DC-9 flight to DTW. All they were doing is randomly checking IDs. they didn't even have the stupid flashlight to check for a hologram. Complete waste of time. Letter is enroute to Janet.
Mar 1, 2009, 3:02 pm
#40
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
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Posts: 102,095
Mar 1, 2009, 3:17 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHL-adjacent
Programs: AA Executive Platinum (but always US in my heart), HH Diamond
Posts: 3,346
There was gate checking at PHL, ORD, and SJC yesterday. I had to laugh because in ORD, the US GA announced that "the TSA have selected" us for random gate checks and she asked for our cooperation. She could barely get the words out as she chuckled through her announcement.
Of note, I have not yet been "randomly" selected as yet.
Of note, I have not yet been "randomly" selected as yet.
Last edited by honeytoes; Mar 2, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Mar 1, 2009, 3:31 pm
#43
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
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Mar 1, 2009, 3:34 pm
#44
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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Posts: 41,705
At PWM on Friday, TSOs were pulling anyone carrying a visible bottle of water (all of which had obviously been purchased on the secure side, and checking each bottle with a cotton swab.
This particularly annoying because my Zone 4 fiancée was boarding in Zone 1 with me, and she got pulled aside after my BP had been scanned so they could check her unopened bottle of Poland Spring water that she'd owned for 5 minutes for bomb residue. I had to stand in the way like an idiot and wait for this while Zone 2 pushed past me.
This particularly annoying because my Zone 4 fiancée was boarding in Zone 1 with me, and she got pulled aside after my BP had been scanned so they could check her unopened bottle of Poland Spring water that she'd owned for 5 minutes for bomb residue. I had to stand in the way like an idiot and wait for this while Zone 2 pushed past me.
Wish one of our resident TSO's would drop in and tell us what's up with this nonsense.
Mar 1, 2009, 3:38 pm
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062