Pat-Downs at Gate before boarding??!!??
 

At OKC on Feb 13 about 3pm..... 4 TSA agents come to the gate about 30 mins before departure.....(I figure it's the usual luggage re-check).....The airline gate agent announces that "TSA is here to do random pat-downs prior to boarding". I ask a TSA agent, "Did I hear correcectly that it's pat-downs before boarding?"....."He answers "Yes".

What are the group's thoughts about pat-downs at the gate.....in a very public place.....with people you will be sitting next to for hours watching?
Appropriateness? Efficacy?

This idea of pat-downs at the gate is new to me!

Happened to me at ORD. Efficacy? Well, they missed my bulging shirt pocket with multiple wires hanging out of it. They also did not search my bags. Translation: terrorists should put their tools in their bags after clearing "security".

If the TSA cannot find things that are in plain sight, well... The TSA has taken theatrics to a new low.

I would ask them what they think they missed.

This was pretty common after 9-11 but then they backed off. Makes you wounder don't they trust what they do at the checkpoint. It;s somewhat of an overkill.

+1 "So you're telling me that the folks at the checkpoint can't do their jobs properly? If TSA doesn't trust them, why should I trust you?"

Perfect time to request private screening.

:D:D^

That was my first thought, especially given the conservative nature of Oklahoma. There used to be signs at checkpoints informing people they could have private screening--but I have not seen those signs recently.

Since these pat-down are at the gates, and just a few minutes before boarding ends, there would not be time for a passenger to go to a private area.

I am sure they either accommodate your request or just say forget it. Good time to say don't forget 9/11™.;)
I would consider your airlines policy on re-accommodating passengers on the next flight prior to doing this.

That's exactly why you should require a private screening. While you're at it, make them change their gloves (from the box and not from their pocket) before they touch you. This is the best harassment you can give back to them.

But ... would requesting a private screening result in the passenger ending up being bumped from the flight? Sure, it'd be totally unfair ... but that's hardly unusual when dealing with TSA policies.

Generally speaking, I find it irritating, but especially so if I am boarding early in order to snag the overhead space above my seat in a small First class cabin. In any case, in such circumstances I put my headphones on and pretend to read a magazine so that I can ignore them when they try to stop me. It also gives me the opportunity to karate chop the pig that taps me on the shoulder in a laughable attempt to attract my attention as I'm half way down the jetway.

I got groped back in August when flying out of PHL to IAH.

I believe that TSA is trying to be "unpredictable" with screening, in order to catch potential criminals off guard. At least that's what Sec. Napolitano said during a press conference. So, if you were surprised to get a pat-down instead of a bag check, it probably was by design.

So TSA is now trying to detect criminals? I thought their mission was to deter aviation terrorism?

That said, TSA's gate gropes are pathetically stupid. Once when we were getting ready to board, I saw the smurfs set up at the gate, so I told my SO "give me your Kippie bag." Sure enough, as we boarded, they selected her for a bag check, and I sailed through without a problem.