Pharaoh

I've never heard of, and cannot understand why (with one exception) there would be a limit in the number of people allowed through a checkpoint. The airlines are "in charge" of how many flights and, more important, the number of passengers on each. Thus the total number of people which must be allowed through is that sum total plus crew and airport staff. I don't understand how TSA can even think of trying to limit air commerce in such a manner.

(And the only exception I can see is maximum occupancy limits of a building as established by fire authorities .... but then again I've never heard of TSA enforcing fire laws/rules.)

chugger1

Or, as I originally stated, the TSO is being retaliatory because I walked around the kettles as they were pondering their next move with their big gulps.

That's hilarious!

That's good too!

N965VJ

Great. More distractions from the first order of business for screeners.

So someone will just keep re-entering the CP until they have all their bags, leaving them with a colleague airside. Meanwhile, the Red Team scores tank since the screeners are distracted counting onesies twosies.

Batmanuel

It's either policy or isn't.

Please double check that your SOP actually states in writing that TSA does not allow bags of certain dimensions past the security checkpoint. If it really is there, I don't think it would break any SSI rules to state what chapter to look in. Since this website is visited by several employees, it shouldn't be hard to verify.

As long as items fit through the x-ray tunnel, I've never seen TSA whip out their measuring tape to enforce any type of dimension rules. If an airline had a size issue with a bag that already passed security, they can gate check it as the person boarded the aircraft. It's the airline's decision/discretion anyway, and each airline has their own size standards. FA's can handle it.

Because of past events, I can see how the govt bigwigs might view shoes and liquids as threats to security. Most of the rules are reactions to singular events. So until a terrorist tries something funny with a bag that's just a little too big, I don't see why TSA should be involved.

For the record, the OP's bag is within the guidelines of most carriers:
http://www.luggageonline.com/about_airlines.cfm
If the OP's Victorinox was either the Werks or Mobilizer models (9"x14"x22"), the dimensions would have fit within AA's 45 linear inch allowance. If it had been the E-Motion, it would have been two inches over. But that would have been a quick-fix by removing the detachable day bag.

Italy98

Tell the TSA that your airline did not request to check the bag, so if the TSA has an issue then they need to address it with your airline. Only airline I remember restricting the size of carry-on baggage at security was UA and they eventually stopped the practice.

mbru

I have read all of the responses to the OP and I guess I am missing something! What does the size of the bag or how many bags matter in the safety and security of the aircraft and airport? Isn't the Safety and Security of the planes and airport the TSA mission?

What this says to me is that because TSA can't find Terrorists or Bombs or weapons they are going to do "busy" work by telling travellers that their bag is too big or they have too many carry ons. I can only guess that this will make the TSO feel like they are being "productive". If this is the case, let them go and refuel the planes or take bags off so they can feel really productive.

I would rather have the bags go through the xray and know they were looked at vs. going down below in the terminal where who knows what happens.

I am tired of being treated like a criminal when I go to the airport.

Boggie Dog

Act One, opening screen.

chugger1

Great post. How about we give them the valet parking concession.

Ari

Do you guys really want them fueling the plane that is going to take you over the Pacific or driving your ride?!?

SATTSO

Understood, but i wasn't actually commenting on why it happened, just that TSA does have that regulation.

What is or isn't policy? That TSA has a regulation governing the size and limit of bags? Or that TSA does not currently enforce this policy? I do not see that Castro and I said conflicting statements; you may read it that way, though.

Its about time constraints. Doesn't mean you have to approve the policy, but there it is. Or I'll explain it this way - and it's sure to piss some of ya off - when TSA was first established and until recently there was a great deal or pressure on the time it took to get people through the checkpoint. Each hour has but 60 minutes, whether you screen 200 people or 200 people and their families/friends to see them off. Screening every passenger and their family/friends was simply too time consuming; it would cause many people to miss their flights. The decision was made to only allow people who had a need to go to the gates to do so, and the airlines could issue gate passes to non-passengers on a case by case basis. Note, this policy was decided before the required removal of shoes or the WBIs.

I have read many of you complain of "kettles", as they are called, who haven't a clue and slow down the process. Now imagine they had their entire extended family with them. Or they clogged up the diamond/express lane as 20 people went down to the gate to see 1 person off.

I think it is a good policy to limit the amount of people through a checkpoint (again, even before the shoe policy, etc). How much slower would checkpoints be if this policy was not in place?

Anyways, attack away!

VH-RMD

I recall suggesting porterage in another thread...

DevilDog438

I notice that our TSO posters are still glossing over the multiple requests for the "TSA size limits" that have now been requested by multiple people. Nice to see US government representatives being responsive to the citizens and travelers in the US.

mikemey

Aw come on DevilDog, you know this simple fact as well as I do:

The next time the US Government gives us a straight answer will be the first time.

N965VJ

Maybe I should check my copy of the unredacted screening manual, but it's probably something along the lines of being able to fit in the x-ray. Or it could be another case of "Some airports do. Some airports don't. Each airport is different."

mozgytog

Good thing I take a taxi to the airport. I wouldn't want the average TSO driving my car.

I wouldn't trust them with the keys to my gym locker, let alone a valuable piece of machinery like my car.