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Inconsistencies in boarding pass checking explained

If you've traveled much lately, you've noticed that sometimes the TSA wants to see your boarding pass as you go through the scanner, sometimes not. Apparently this is a security matter that's left to the discretion of the airport.

http://jeffreygoldberg.theatlantic.c...nfusion_ex.php

Since I don't travel with a paper boarding pass most of the time, are they going to put scanners for my BB at the metal detectors as well?????

Really, really dumb.

This is not Continental specific. It belongs in the Travel Safety & Security forum.

Xyzzy
CO forum moderator

:confused: Um, no I haven't noticed inconsistency in this area at all; this area is actually noticeable for its consistency. One BP showing at "TDC" :rolleyes: is all it ever takes in my dozens of recent experiences. I think our own HSVTSO Dean explained that although continuing 2x BP checks was originally a local option after the denutting of SSSS, high HQ levels then forbade multiple BP checks (at least at the WTMD). Smurf Central now accomplishes the 2nd BP check, when it's necessary :rolleyes:, at the gate. :mad:

And whoever Jeffrey Goldberg may happen to be, I'm amazed that someone could try and explain the reduction in checkpoint double BP check silliness without explaining the huge cuts in SSSS reducing the need to confirm that selectees received double extra strong screening. Puff-piece lite, anyone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY-FLA (Post 12686675)

:confused: Um, no I haven't noticed inconsistency in this area at all; this area is actually noticeable for its consistency.

Three weeks ago I flew out of BTR and was asked for my boarding pass as I passed through the scanner which is located approximately 10 feet from the TSA agent who reviewed and initialed my boarding pass as I entered security. When I questioned it, I was told "That's what we do here."

My boarding pass had already been placed in my briefcase and I had to retrieve it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by controller1 (Post 12686788)

Dont doubt it still happens, but suspect it happens very infrequently.
There could be some backsliding going on. This is one area where a complaint to HQ may be effective.
I would say that SYR, whose pissant little FSD has a reputation for "always wanting to do a little extra for security" and very effectively increasing the jail like atmosphere of that airport, has completely ceased doing this. The timing of this halt in the 2nd BP check, seemed to line up exactly with the timeline provided by HSVTSODean, so I suspect the supposed HQ instruction to "stop this, no leeway" has some basis in fact.

This is for our security. They do this to keep the terrists off balance. :rolleyes:

Quote:

TSA Boarding Pass Confusion Explained

21 Oct 2009 05:13 pm

Yesterday I posted on the seeming randomness of TSA's boarding-pass demands. Then I dispatched Goldblog Homeland Security Correspondent Tali Yahalom to sniff out the actual rules governing what you need -- and what you don't need -- to traverse the most dangerous places in America, the unprotected, tightly-packed security lines at airports. She spoke with a TSA flack, Sterling Payne, who had this to say about the policy:

Because identity matters, TSA took over the travel document checking process to ensure passengers boarding pass and identification are authentic and the person is who they say they are. Earlier this year, in an attempt to streamline the security screening process and to create efficiencies, TSA gave local airports the option to no longer request to see passenger boarding passes at the walk through metal detector. While most airports have adopted this streamlined process, some airports may continue to request boarding passes be shown a second time at their discretion.

Linkage to the rest

"Some airports do, some airports don't. All airports are different." :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by N965VJ (Post 12691863)

....."Some airports do, some airports don't. All airports are different." :rolleyes:

which is what makes me feel so very very safe.....:rolleyes: ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by N965VJ (Post 12691863)

"Some airports do, some airports don't. All airports are different." :rolleyes:

I'd say, from my limited experience with US airports, that some airports are more different than others.