All right, I have been on here awhile, some of you know me, some of you don't. Here is a chance to ask a TSO your questions about TSA. Depending on how many responses I get, it may take a while to answer all of the questions - I may also miss one or two here and there because I am human. I will answer the questions that I can outright, research those that I have to, and inform you of when I am asked for SSI or something I am not allowed to comment on. This is a chance for you to ask those questions that have been bouncing around and never got an answer. Be advised, if you ask for SSI, I will not answer, if you ask something that I am not comfortable answering, I will tell you I am not comfortable. If you are meanspirited or personal in attacks, I will probably tell you to take a long walk off of a short pier. So, here you go, ask away and I will get to the questions in turn.

Ok, why would you be prohibited from commenting on something that is not SSI?

While I, and I'm sure others, appreciate your willingness to do this, there was a similar kind of thread that came out a few years ago. Let's just say TSAer who volunteered to do this same thing let his emotions take the best of him.

Now, I do have a legitimate question I hope you will answer: When will we ever see better x-ray machines at the checkpoints? I know there are some in scattered locations, but I'm talking a full rollout.

Certain things are not..... ok to discuss. It is always good to have an opinion, it is better to know when to express that opinion... And some subjects I just don't feel comfortable talking about or I would not be able to give a valid or coherent answer on (due to a lack of knowledge or experience).

I hope that will not go down that same path!

My information on when the rollout is going to occur is not good. There was originally a plan for some major rollout this year, but funding curtailed that to a small rollout. I have heard that some of the advanced xrays (not the ones being used, but other models that are on the market) have had quality control issues in heavy use rotation type enviornments. I would like to think that the management has heard of this and is retesting or extending the testing on the models in use to insure that they are able to withstand the rigors of the checkpoint. That was a really long winded way of saying that neither I, nor my sources have a rollout date or even an anticipation date at this time. (I do want the ATXrays to get out there asap, they have some cool features and capabilities). Sorry I do not have better info on this.

You may have answered this at some point, but ...

What have you been told about the "new" rule about ice? I'm more interested in what you've heard through official channels, not what you've read on the TSA Blog or Flyertalk ...

Is this in part why some of the liquid restrictions have not been modified?

If I refuse to show my ID to the TDC, what will happen and under what authority?

Thanks

If there are Canadian travelers here, I can help out as I am CATSA. Same rules apply though as to what I can answer and will answer.

Thank you for the professionalism displayed at Pearson airport last week. Lots of please, thank yous, and a very professional atmosphere.^^^^

Wish that it was the same across the border.

Not my airport, but I will be pleased to take credit.

Thanks for your offer, no matter what the final outcome. I think it is terrific that you would volunteer to do this and I am disappointed with all the negativity. I hope you will prove the naysayers wrong.

Welcome. Be careful though. A well-meaning CATSA screener got in big trouble posting last here as his masters employer felt he crossed the line and revealed sensitive information. CATSA watches here as well as TSA.

That said, I welcome a Canadian perspective on this.

my (loaded) question

what constitutes screener/tso discretion regarding the 3.4 ounces of liquids restriction and why would it be allowed at all with the exception of medical and infant needs? we've all read, heard and perhaps even experienced situations where the infamous 3.4 ounce liquid restriction has been (for lack of a better term) "waived" but it still boggles my mind that with all the brow beating we get that "only liquids 3.4 ounces or less" will be permitted into the secure area.....

while traveling ewr-las this summer i was asked, at the gate by a tso, if he could see my camera bag. i was talking on the phone and responded with a polite "no". the guy looked at me funny and didnt say another word. i went on my way. my 2 part question is...

1. why am i being bothered at the gate after being screened already?
2. if i was trying to hide something shouldnt the guy have been a little more firm when i told him to f off?