While attempting to go through security yesterday departing DFW, as the set-up table was about 3 feet from the scanner it was impossible for me to keep in my sight my two bins, two bags and shoes without placing some of my belongings on the floor between the two to expedite my loading of the scanner.

The attending TSO politely but very firmly told me that I am not allowed to put my belongings on the floor. I explained that I wanted to keep my possessions under my "control" at all times by seeng them enter and leave the scanner, and it was difficult to do so without placing them on the floor first. He merely repeated more emphatically the same thing.

I know it is probably selfish of me and/or inconsiderate to the other PAX by possibly slowing the line down, but I frankly don't want to misplace any more of my belongings or be accused of having a clear plastic bag of white powder. Also, interestingly enough they advised (not insisted) that shoes be placed in the Rubbermaid bins.

I have searched the TSA web site and can't find anything relating to restrictions on placing objects on the floor prior to scanning. It certainly can't be for health reasons as we already have to remove our shoes. Could anyone point me to the regulation or explain the necessity for this?

You shouldn't feel selfish. If the TSA is going to assume we are all terrorists, then you should feel more than welcome to assume they are all thieves. 1 passenger last year tried to do something on a plane out of several hundred million fliers in the US. At least 3 TSOs (and probably a lot more) out of ~45000 were arrested for stealing from passengers. You are well within acceptable behavior.

sort of...
We can't because there isn't any, it was a rule made up on the spot

But the reality is there are nearly no consequences for TSOs who make things up so its unlikely to change. File a complaint, but don't expect much of a result.

Sounds like you ran into yet another TSO on a power trip...

my rollaboard stays on the floor before the scanner.....are you talking about gathering them after screening?....

No, this is before screening. I would surmise that after screening it is not a problem because when a TSA was pushing bins, etc. to the end of the outlet conveyor belt, my hat fell on the floor, and after making note of this, he went on about his business.

I didn't happen with my belongings on the floor, but with me wanting to see my bags again after they had entered the scanner one morning at DFW last month. All my stuff went thru but this TSO didn't want me to go thru the metal detector. I was standing there and he was there waiting but not allowing me to enter the other side (he was not busy with any other passenger, other people were busy collecting their things and I was there, standing and waiting, ready to go thru the metal detector). I told him about my belongings. He answered:

"I don't care!"

(he didn't care if I was able to reunite with my belongings or if something got lost).

Me: Fine, call your supervisor

"Oh, hello. I've never heard of such a rule, and since TSA won't publish the rules I'm supposed to follow, for all I know, you're just making this up. Regardless of what's allowed, I did just put my belongings on the floor, and I'll do it again next time. Bye"

I don't know if I'd really say that, but I'd like to.

Starlanet, could you please explain 1) how you knew that he didn't want you to go through, and 2) how he prevented you from entering? When I walk through the magnetometer, I completely ignore any TSA staff who are standing nearby unless they address me. I know how to wait my turn and walk through. I just do it like they're not even there. Never a problem. If the alarm sounds, I back up, remove my belt, put it on the X-ray belt, and go through again. I don't wait around for TSA when I know what I need to do. I don't see any reason to do so. I don't need any input from them.