Did My Random Security Screening Violate Procedure?
 

After flying more than 15 uneventful segments since 'random' security checks started I was finally selected for a 'random' security check last Friday night. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this screener violated the TSA's rules.

When I approached the table to be screened, I told the main screener that I would like to watch my bag while it was searched. He said noting and litterally took my bag off the table and dropped it on the ground saying nothing. He then put his arm infront of me, holding me back rather than asking me to wait, and let the line go ahead of me, I asked him why he was holding me back. My question was ignored. Finally after letting bags and people go ahead of me he put my bag on the table. I was then instructed to empty my pockets. I complied and took out my wallet and placed it with the boarding pass in the bin. I then watched as my bag was searched, however once the search was completed I could not have the bag back, it was held on the table while I was taken across the screening area to be wanded. (At this point I had forgotten about my wallet somehow and complied without question) After the search I went to claim my bag and was then told to board, however I realized that the bin with my wallet and boarding pass was not there. The main screener apparently had held onto that bin, I then had to ask him for it, at which point he still said nothing and placed it on the table. Once the screener got the bag and I was watching, the main screener says to the man who now has my wallet "Oh you better wait to search that and make sure he's watching" which was completely absurd considering I was standing right above the bin.

I never lost my temper during this process and was polite throughout the ordeal, but I would like to know if I have grounds to file a complaint with the TSA about the main screener. (I got his name) Any replies would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Just realized I may have posted this in the wrong forum... sorry.

Any chance we could have a forum for Security issues, problems, questions, thoughts etc. This is after all the single most important issue facing the industry and burying it in travel buzz does not accord it the level of importance it deserves.

BW makes a very good point. The "random" screening process is completely out of control. I was flying SNA-OAK earlier this morning with SWA. After scoring an "A" boarding pass, I planted my 6' 1" frame in front of the boarding area. The elderly
security agent told me that I needed to move because my legs would get in someone's way. I asked if it would be alright to sit Indian-style to avoid the problem. He said that he would have to check with the gate agent. SWA had no problem and I remained where I was. Believe me, I was fully prepared for a "pay back" random search, but it never materialized.

What a bunch of nonsense.

There is an excellent article on the problems of baggage screening at:

www.rppi.org

Makes good reading

Moving to TravelBuzz.

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Craig6z
Buzz & United Moderator
[email protected]