Code 3 at TSA checkpoint
 

So was at ORD yesterday in line to put stuff on the xray belt when 2 men walk up, 1 with a big back pack and the other with a 21" roller. They walked with up to the xray machine and showed something to the TSA agent. The agent talked into his radio something about a Code 3 at station 8/9. Another agent came forward, opened the side door that by passes the xray machine and they walk through and keep going.

Who were these people? Air Marshals?

:eek::eek:

So much for it being a sterile area... I was under the impression that FAMs entered the "sterile area" using other methods. It would probably be pretty noticeable for a FAM like person to be spotted if they had a TSO opening the gate every time they were at a checkpoint...

Could also be a LEO flying armed.

Sounds like a FAM or LEO flying. Never heard of a "code 3" though. Must be an ORD thing....

Yeah, you may right about FAM is escorted with TSO into the sterile areas. Every time if you see FAM is escorted with TSO by exiting door at security checkpoint. He doesn't have to being screened at front of TSA checkpoint.

Lights and Siren
 

I'm quessing LEO or FAM because code three is police/amubulence speak for lights and siren.

Or to denote a hottie according to urbandictionary.com

must. . .resist. . .temptation. . .to use. . .TSO stereotype by commenting

It's lingo adapted from their last job, a modified "Cleanup on Aisle 3." :D

yes, others have posted, either a fam of leo flying armed but why have them go thru the entrance in plane view of all the pax? why not have them enter thur the exit like they do at so or lax? (where it's not so obvious unless you know what to look for)

I agree that it is somewhat retarded for them to do this in front of everyone.

ORD doesn't have convenient exit lanes in terminal 1, if that's where it was; there's only really 1.

It's all in the process. They should identify themselves and the TSO should take them to the far end of the checkpoint (either near the dinosaur or at the other end, where you can walk to T2), and let them through in a discreet manner.

OTOH, just make them go through the checkpoint like everyone else, and when they beep, verify they are who they are supposed to be and let them get on their way. That way no one but people like us will know what is going on and the kettles wont get scared.

hahaha!

not sure what you mean by convenient....is it that the exit is located right next to the entrance? haven't had the pleasure of t1 at ord hence my question but since more pax enter vs exit (in terms of lines backing up not numbers/volume) surely what was observed could be moved to the exit (or maybe not as like i said, i haven't had the pleasure of ord, t1) just my two hockey pucks :)

Something tells me if confronted with an actual, you know, terrist, most TSO's at the checkpoint would probably do a "Code 2".

I'm not so sure that would be a good idea, with so many TSOs thinking they made a big catch that will show up on the front page of the weekly TSA Body Count.

Besides, the TSOs wouldn't get to play secret agent and say fancy code words into the whisper radios our tax dollars paid for. :p