I rather feel like the TSA has played another one of it's mind-screws on us. Earlier today, I arrived at the airport to fly from DFW-IAH, presented my ID and mobile phone at the checkpoint - mobile bp didn't scan - thanks a bunch Nokia! Oh, and Up Yours with that $500+ N bloody 8 with 12mp camera and naff calendar functionality. I knew I should have gone with the iphone4. But I digress. I procured a paper boarding pass and made it through the ID check - same mindless comparison of last names, same judicious use of bodily fluid detection light to determine DL patency, same use of 1940's highlighter ink technology to indicate that last name on ID and last name on the boarding pass match, and that today's date does indeed appear thereon.

I walk to the stainless steel table and place my jacket in the tray. "Laptops out" screams the rather desperate looking TSO, sporting a Dirty Sanchez style moustache and hair combed over an otherwise unremarkable chrome dome. "I know!" I say belligerently and push my stuff into the mouth of the X-ray machine. "Laptops OUT!" shouts the TSO, again. "I have an iPAD - not removing it Bucko!", I shout back in exactly the same tone of voice. He seems harmless though so I break the gormless look on his face by asking him if there's anything new about the screening procedure today. He informs me that there will be if my attitude doesn't improve. 10 out of 10 for quick comeback. 0 out of 10 for silencing me and my right to be obnoxious. Two seconds later I walk up to the WTMD and as I pass through I nod at the old girl who is pointing me toward the only logical place my belongings will emerge from the x-ray machine. As I put my jacket on I ask her what the new screening protocol entails. She gives me a quizzical look and states that she is not aware of any changes. I ask her again, using different words, and even throw in a hint about groping people. Nothing! I asked another TSO how the enhanced safety procedures were coming along and he too looked confused. "You know? - the new invasive pat downs" I said politely. He said he didn't know what I meant and promptly disappeared.

I must say, based on this single data point, I am glad that there appears to be some genuine confusion among TSO's and I do hope it results in less hassles for the traveling public - of course, it won't.

[QUOTE=PhlyingRPh;15057578] He seems harmless though so I break the gormless look on his face by asking him if there's anything new about the screening procedure today. He informs me that there will be if my attitude doesn't improve.

This is what I don't understand. How is this kind of behavior by a TSO allowed? Basically he is flat out stating that they will use retaliatory methods on anyone who is not absolutely submissive or who questions is any way. I am starting to this that THIS more than anything else is becoming one of my biggest issues.

PS - Sorry for messing up the quote.

It's one of the layers of security. Tell some TSOs the new procedure, and tell some to do things as normal. Gotta keep those tewwowists on their feet..

TSA excuses by the numbers, Post 31

Reference items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 30.

It's part of the "unpredictable mix of security layers" the TSA told us to expect.

It's just missing it's closing format tag.

If you go back and edit the message at the end of the quote, just put in the following tag (though use the square brackets instead of the squiggley ones

{/quote}

Pretty much all the formatting tags (though not all) need one to start, and one with a slash in front of it to end them.

Pure power play. I've seen the same thing at IAD, BWI, and LAX, including a case where the screener refused to allow someone through the WTMD because of his "attitude". That just escalated things as the gentleman's stuff was emerging from the x-ray. Finally appeared to have been resolved by a supervisor.

This goes back to another question I asked earlier: Who is in charge of the supervisors? I find it very hard to believe that some "supervisor" can at whim deny a passenger access to their flight without a substantial and credible reason other than "attitude". Who does one contact if being abused by someone like this? LEO? I'm not sure they have authority in these situations either? Help?

Well dammit-to-hell! Did you refuse to fly if they wouldn't grope you???

Cali

This may be the most entertaining description of a government stooge that has ever been posted to FT. Bravo!

TSA has unilateral power. And they'll remind you that you better not forget it.

Speaking from personal observation.

Which employee? In other words, where does the buck stop?

I believe Global_Hi_Flyer was saying, in a sarcastic manner, was that, it is apparent through anecdotal observation, the buck never stops.

That's good - in my dealings with any store, agency or the like that thinks they can take advantage of me, I firmly suscribe to the idea that the buck never stops. Anyone who says the buck stops with them is lying 99% of the time. If the buck really stops with you then you are beyond the point of ever having to say it!

But, if the buck never stops, there is no accountability...