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

No that's code "brown". Heck it would probably be a code yellow event as well for the mcdonalds reject association. Code 2 is a priority responce that may have sirens but with lights running. Though that is dependent on the district.

LOL.

This was at the Elite Security line behind the FC/1K Counter. They both looked like they were traveling as each had a bag so one wasn't escorting the other.

There are three checkpoints in ORD T1

Checkpoint 1: No exit lane
Checkpoint 2: No exit lane
Checkpoint 3: Exit lane. This checkpoint is at the far end of T1 and heads to T2. It is not convenient to use if you have to go to the C concourse or to the high B gates-- it would be very far out of the way for that.

Would one of the TSO's here mind compiling a list of all the codes they use?

then they should be going thru checkpoint 3 and "learn to walk a little bit" ;) as i'm sure that at some point, some kettle is gonna shriek "he didn't go thru screening" and then everyone will look at the "person who's special". just my two hockey pucks

I remember seeing one FAM would wouldn't have looked obvious otherwise (young, looked a bit like one of those kids in the military who wear the DOD issued horn-rimmed glasses) walk past the lines, show his tin to the TDC and run up the stairs carrying his rollaboard by the top of the telescoping handle looking like a total feminine cleansing device.