I think it is more a matter of a very defined way the pat down has to be done, which doesn't account for bare skin. The rules are probably very rigid and simple, and thus easier to remember, rather than more flexible.

To be fair: a rigid and simple rule is also easier to administer consistently --- which is another frequent complaint that passengers have regarding TSA.

Adding that patting down bare skin is not required would not make a simple rule overly complicated.

Eyes can be used during screening to detect threats.

SATTSO, I'm sure you're accurately quoting SOP that I presume is not SSI. What you're consistently failing to take into consideration is -- a very large minority of your coworkers simply do not follow SOP and their supervisors not only overlook the fact, but often participate. Worse still (ask anyone with so much as a modicum of PR experience), for every vocal complainer there are at least a dozen more unspoken complaints. Is the long run, that the the weight that will bow the knees of TSA. You can choose to disbelieve this, of course.

However, for as long as this is common practice and for as long as your employer insists on secret "security" rules, it's a deck stacked against the public and the public will (rightfully and increasingly) resent it and act out against it.

~~ Irish

Rigid and simple rules are also easier for victims - er passengers - to question when the rules are not followed. And that would run counter to the "Ich bin uber alles" mentality among some TSA types.

Sorry, I do not agree with you. I rarely see any continuity regarding screening procedures used at the many airports I go through so why would the pat down rules have to be very rigid and simple? Isn't their mantra "Change it up so the bad guys cannot figure out what we are going to do next"?

All I read about on this board is people complaining about the inconsistency of screening procedures but all of a sudden it's okay to pat down a recent surgical site (even though it is not covered) because the rules need to be rigid and simple? This was a secondary screening, not a pat down done because I set off the WTMD. Common sense should be the rule when it comes to surgical sites and/or painful injuries.

How can any of this be security?

If you insult and hurt? And you get another person in pain?!


How is that security?

I think that people who does this and think it is ok to do that. Well they are in the wrong work place.

I would recommend to look for a "alternative job". They would need more people like TSA.

^^^ Insightful and concise. Thanks.

Thank you. I just could not resist that last sentence.

One question I have been asking before and never get an answer on is the following.

If there is no choice (if you want to get on the plane) and you try to do it but cant???

I dont want to be in these machines. But since I do travel over seas. And I have heard they are going to be mandatory.

What happens if I cant? I have low blood pressure and always have had bad balance. my arms keeps me in balnce plus I cant keep them up for more than 5 sec.

After that they hurt and then I do loose my balance. And then I grab the closet thing I can find. If there is nothing I will fall.

Will TSA go with me in the machines to make sure I dont hurt my self?
Not that I would think so.
Would I not be eable to go on the flight?And No there is no doctors note. Since I never go to doctors for health care.
So I cant just pop up to a doctor and tell them , guess what I can get dizzy and loose my balance. Without records for me from a long time. They cant do anything.

The short answer for dealing with the TSA is to simply say "I opt-out". No further discussion is necessary, and the screening clerk is not allowed to ask questions or play doctor.

In other countries this will vary. In LHR you cannot opt-out, but it seems if there is a visible disability that would keep you from raising your arms, you would not be selected for "random" screening. An arm sling from Walgreens would be an excellent investment. ;)^

If screening at the checkpoint is your version of “hell” then you have some seriously interesting perspectives. Maybe you should stay home and avoid all that torture and stress that our checkpoints cause you? After all, I’d hate to see you turn to a life of crime because of the torture our checkpoints put you through. :rolleyes:

Easy. I realize that giving the playbook to the enemy is not only a crying shame, but also one of the most stupid things that TSA could ever do. I also realize that while I may never “catch” a terrorist, I know that my efforts as a TSO help to stave-off or prevent another mass murder the likes of which occurred on 9/11/2001.

You, as a “real American”, are more than welcome to walk out. It’s not going to bother me one dang bit, I will loose no sleep over that decision, not one wink. :eek:

My idea of a “real American” is someone who does not back down in the face of ignorance. Someone who stands their ground when they know that they are right. A “real American” is someone who takes the time to educate the ignorant, even if they reject knowledge for their own inaccurate perceptions.

So, while you think of yourself (obviously) as a “real American”, I don’t. And I guess you can say the same for me. That’s the nice thing about opinions, everyone has one, and one is no more correct than the next.

The ignorance you just showed me TSORon only leads me to shake my head in almost sympathy in the amount you have been brainwashed.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens to you when you let the Federal Government brainwash you.

I don't think I'll be addressing you further....you're only dragging me to your level then beating me with experience.

Enjoy. I'll maybe feel sorry for you when the TSA is dissolved and you're unemployed...or not.

No Ron, if opinions differ, there is a distinct possibility that one is more correct. They can be equally wrong. But if not equally wrong, one must be more true than the other.

The really hard thing to do is to discern which one it is.

Well, amen, brother.

Of course, I'm pretty sure you don't realize the irony here.


~~ Irish

:D