BWI checkpoint experience
 

A few days ago, I flew out of BWI. Was on Southwest and went through the checkpoint by the B gates.

As an initial matter, has the new checkpoint aesthetic here been discussed yet? The checkpoint has been redesigned -- the line is encased in these white plastic wall things that are probably around 6-7 feet tall and that glow with blue light from the inside. Very futuristic-looking. I glanced at some sign as I entered the line (I was running a bit late, so I didn't read carefully) but the gist I got was that TSA wants our checkpoint experience to be pleasant and has accordingly adopted this new look. TSA agents doing ID checkpoint had a new, fancy desk (complete with backdrop featuring reassuring TSA branding) instead of just a podium to stand behind. While the new look is interesting, I wish they had spent my tax dollars on something else. I see no need or use for the new interior decoration.

Security line was very short -- there was only one person ahead of me at the ID check, and only a few additional people were at the Xray machine. ID checker was polite and pleasant. Passengers were being directed through the dreaded see-through machine as soon as previous passenger had cleared (in interim, passengers directed through metal detector). I got pulled and opted out. After a brief wait, I was directed to the otherside of the scanner for my pat down. The pat down was quick, but the TSA used a more pressure than I was expecting (on arms and legs, she actually encircled my limbs with her hand and maintained firm pressure as she pulled down -- it was not painful, but odd). She used the palm, rather than the back, of her hand throughout the pat down. She also got a little close for comfort to certain areas that I have not had patted down on prior "normal" secondaries (due to SSSS or other random selection).

The agent and I exchanged very few words. However, I definitely caught her rolling her eyes when the person manning the scanner informed her I needed a patdown, and her annoyed/exasperated demeanor perservered throughout the exam.

All told, however, it was relatively painless, which was appreciated given it was my first opt-out and I have read the stories here -- my belongings were not subjected to any additional scrutiny and remained in my sight at all times, the pat-down was quick, and I was not yelled at and/or openly harassed by anyone.

Your description sounds a lot like the intended design of the "Checkpoint Evolution" design they crowed about several years ago. Doesn't BWI serve as a testbed for new TSA "ideas"?

Like this? :rolleyes: how unprofessional... ;)

Guess they aren't used to the masses opting out, YET. I wonder if and when the scales will tip- I for one would love to see a serious opt-out rate. As far as I'm concerned they can wear out their sockets rolling their eyes.

I'm betting that if the opt-out rate becomes significant the option to choose a patdown will be removed :td:

That conforms with what VegasCableGuy reported happened to him in this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...t-stories.html

Although I'm sure SSI will be invoked, can any of our screeners who have experience doing opt-out patdowns confirm that the "back of the hand" is no longer an option for opt-out pat downs? What about non opt-out patdowns?

It does seem that TSA is attempting to force everyone through WBI.

If you want a REAL "treat" at BWI, try opting out of at the C and D piers. Makes for a "fun" experience. :td:

Maybe we should have a TSS do there:DI'd fly for that.

If you mean opt-out in the sense of WBI, as of last week there were still no WBI at the C C/P. Just the chronic overstaffing with only one WTMD open (e.g., eight TSO standing around doing nothing while a line of over 50 people wait to be processed through two x-ray machines feeding one WTMD).

But, I will agree that the lovely TSO population at the C C/P is a really [sarcasm]enjoyable[/sarcasm] lot to deal with on every transit experience.