Today I passed through DCA flying to IAH. Went through security in the South Pier (CO/DL terminal). It took at least 20 minutes to clear security alone - the ID checker processed everyone, then there was a backlog because of the new strip machines. They weren't being used as primary, but many people were selected. I was one of the lucky ones not to be selected. However, the lines was a mess - it took forever just to get our things on the tray and on the table, then through the x-ray machine. It was also disorganized and confusing, and TSA didn't seem to know what they were doing.

AFAIK, there was no opt-out sign.

DCA's security used to be clean, efficient, and quick. Sad to see how much it has changed in such a short time.

Just wanted to share.

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Please post it here also:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...aims-here.html

DCA still was an awful mess on Sunday afternoon. The regular security line for the South Pier (DL/CO) stretched all the way back to the Cibo Bistro restaurant. The elite security line was about half that length. It took 30 minutes to clear security in the elite line and about an hour in the regular line. I have flown out of that concourse every Sunday afternoon/evening for years now and have never waited more than five minutes to clear security in either the regular or elite lane until yesterday. As was noted a few days ago, the backlog was because of the two new strip machines located there. The machines have changed DCA from a super efficient airport at the security check point to a very slow, clogged process.

Would you think that after a few congresspeople get caught in these lines, complaints would follow and things might change?

Do you think MOC go through the regular security lines that we lowly citizens have to put up with?

I'm fairly certain that MOST congresspeople go through airport security. Some, like Nancy Peolosi, take private flights.

Even if MOCs were exempt, their staffers are not exempt and will bring reports back to their bosses about the long delays.

They generally go through airport security, but often are given escorts or special privileges to skip the lines. They are VERY out of touch. DL (among others) has a special lounge for political bigwigs.

This is actually a good time for the TSA to pull a stunt like this. The House is in recess (except for a brief session the other day to vote on the jobs bill) and the Senate went on recess a week or so ago. This will all be up & running by the time they get back after Labor Day and it will be hard to undo. The only people around are the staffers who have nobody to whom to complain but themselves.

I was behind an active-duty Navy admiral (unknown # of stars) in the DCA DL/CO elite line a while back; he got no special treatment, so I don't imagine an MOC would either.

Right. Do that immediately. It was so disgusting from TSA is an inappropriate for the behaviors who doesn't changes at all.

Yes, most of them do go through screening. It's very rare that they are exempt, though it does happen for a few, but really just a few.

Not a MOC but I've even screened Karl Rove while he served bush...

They do go through security, but very seldom do their receive the services you describe. There are a few who do receive benefits, though.

Correct, they do not receive special treatment. Personally, I have not seen a 4 star general/admiral yet, but i
Ive seen quiet a few 1 and 2 star, and even a handful of 3 star. All went through security like everyone else.

I have seen a general (can't remember the rank) sort of rip into a group of men who were complaining to themselves about security... I'm sure none of you will like that, but I enjoyed it

As much as I detest the deployment of nude o scopes to DCA, I will relish it once the Congresscritters and their staffs start to experience the delays up close and personal.

"Full body scanners" is a euphemism created to make people think they are getting "scanned." No one is getting "scanned" -- they are getting strip searched.

The fundamental privacy issue is whether our government has the right to make strip searches routine and mandatory.

There is no question that these machines violate the 4th Amendment.

You don't think they might say to themselves "if it improves security it's worth it!" I mean, it was congress who without TSA asking, threw money at them for hundreds and hundreds if these machines.

Note, I'm not making the argument WBIs will improve security. That is another conversation!