Intentional Slowdowns at WTMD to Encourage WBI Use
 

Arrived at SJC this morning and the usually quick security line was at a crawl. Seems only two WTMDs instead of the usual half dozen on a normal Monday were open. After the TDC, people were backed up two dozen people deep with stuff in bins and shoes off. There was at least a one minute lag between the time someone stopped in front of the WTMD before they were permitted to go through. Being early, people were tired, kids cranky, and frequent travelers guessing at what was going on.

Soon the call went through that people are "lucky" because they were opening up the new scanners. Eager people jumped at the chance and soon people made a run for the WBI. Eager parents shuffled their kids to the backscatter machines. Overall, the system was much slower than the WTMD. In addition, items that usually went through the WTMD like wallets, papers, etc all had to be removed which further slowed things down and made the backlog worse once airside. To the non-frequent flyer, things got "better" because they were presented with a screwed up act to make the new scanners seem like a attractive option.

As you said, I think that TSA is trying to reeducate people on wait times. Most of the times I've been through Terminal A, all lanes have been open. The last time I was there about a month ago they were using the backscatter in the far left lane facing the checkpoint. I usually come in via the premium lane to the TDC - never is never anyone in this line, and I get into the far right lane.

Were they randomly selecting people to go through the xray scanner, or did you have a choice for the 'faster' alternative versus the WTMD? I say I prefer the case where there's still a self-selecting option to avoid an "OPT-OUT! Male assist!" shout out on their com system, but then this avoids a teachable moment to the people behind you if the TSO is asking why you're opting out.

Those of us here who elect to OPT-OUT at every opportunity owe it to our fellow travelers to educate a few of the others in the line to the "real deal" :td: with these machines.

Don't miss the chance to do this at every checkpoint!^^

Majuki, everyone was funneled into the WBI. The usual premium station to the extreme right was closed. To show how well designed these contraptions are, two very tall guys left a portion of themselves "unscreened." Once they entered the "I surrender" position, their arms were above the scan area. I doubt anything above their elbow up imaged.

I did opt out and went with the pat down. Still, I had to remove everything after passing through the WTMD. A real pain but worth it if it means bypassing the WBI. The items that usually stay in my pocket such wallet and BP had to come out. Wearing a pair of pants I wore for a couple hours yesterday, I had a few of pieces of paper in my back pocket. Didn't get much fuss when discovered considering they were programs for a Sunday church service. Of course papers in your pocket used to be a non-issue.

TSA can shove this you know where:mad:

Hey spiff whats that number again?

The premium station is actually somewhat poorly designed because this is also the Family/Medical/Assist line. Regardless, I usually go through it because it has minimum hassle. I have also seen tall guys do the surrender position with their hands and elbows above the top wall. In fact, a TSO was doing the "I surrender" motion to instruct the guy going through, and then told him to do more of a gorilla pose. When that didn't work, the guy reassumed the surrender position and was scanned again. Yes, this guy got scanned twice and was then held for a patdown. :td:

Did they rifle through your wallet's contents as well? I usually place all of this stuff in a zipper pouch insider of my carryon, so this procedure won't change for me between the WTMD/WBI.

Yes, I enjoy how previously non-dangerous wallets and papers are now a HUGE PROBLEM but only when the WBIs are running. It's kind of like how LGAs weren't an issue until August 2006. Give me a break. Either they were always an issue or never were. Which is it?

Unfortunately, with backscatter machines installed at every station at SJC now, there will me no alternative except to opt-out when they're in use at all checkpoints. I will opt out as long as it continues to be an option and gladly give a reason to educate the people within earshot.

How about you quit wasting time at every checkpoint and just move on. Do us all a favour. I've said it many times before, but if some idiot causes a scene in front of me that deliberately holds up a security queue or "educates" (:rolleyes:) other passengers on the various security options I'll make sure they don't forget the experience ;) Cause disruption on your own time, and in the privacy of your own home.

You should be careful how you approach that "making sure they dont forget that experience" as you may not like what happens. In my case you threaten me and you will be explaining yourself to LE amongst other officials including your airlines GSC. If the threats turn physical all bets are off as to what will happen to you.

Then there is also something called the first amendment aka freedom of speech.

You need to remember what happened to the big bad wolf in The Three Little Pigs - he got boiled for supper. He huffed and he puffed and he did himself in.

You are correct, there is a freedom of speech. But I wonder...a trapped audience, how free are they to leave an not listen to such a rant? Many here say the issue they have with the WBI is the invasion of privacy. So much for another persons right to privacy, huh? Whether they like it or not, i guess some people think they can force an education down someones throat. :)

And I must have missed it - seriously - did Star say he would threaten physical violence?

To the OP: was this at Terminal A or (the new) Terminal B?

Star, you know the WBI line moves VERY SLOWLY, so there is plenty of time and opportunity to talk to people in the line. Besides, encouraging OPT-OUTS only makes the line shorter for your radiation treatment.^^

Exactly how would you "make sure they don't forget the experience?