New Security in ORD outside terminals?
Nov 10, 2010, 9:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA
Posts: 860
New Security in ORD outside terminals?
Coming in to ORD from the Blue Line this morning, there were about 3-4 TSA employees standing around watching the CTA exit area and another two sitting at the table to the left (as you look at it) of the entry to the nearest terminal. There were multiple signs indicating persons were in an area subject to screening. The two guys at the table had some small machine that was plugged into a nearby outlet. Unfortunately I didn't have time to slow down and get a better look.
Anyone know what the deal is? Are other airports experiencing added security measures, or is it just ORD in reaction to the packages (which as far as I know did not come in on the Blue Line!!!).
Anyone know what the deal is? Are other airports experiencing added security measures, or is it just ORD in reaction to the packages (which as far as I know did not come in on the Blue Line!!!).
Nov 10, 2010, 10:41 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,599
So much for the screening not starting until you hit the TDC 
I bet they were swabbing hands.
I bet they were swabbing hands.
Nov 10, 2010, 10:57 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 449
That's odd. Does the TSA even have authority to do checks that far from the checkpoint?
Were they definitely TSA, and not Chicago PD? The set up sounds similar to that used by Port Authority police when getting on the Path between New York and New Jersey. Although, it wouldn't make any sense for Chicago PD to do random bag checks when leaving the public transit system.
Were they definitely TSA, and not Chicago PD? The set up sounds similar to that used by Port Authority police when getting on the Path between New York and New Jersey. Although, it wouldn't make any sense for Chicago PD to do random bag checks when leaving the public transit system.
Nov 10, 2010, 11:28 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
That's odd. Does the TSA even have authority to do checks that far from the checkpoint?
Were they definitely TSA, and not Chicago PD? The set up sounds similar to that used by Port Authority police when getting on the Path between New York and New Jersey. Although, it wouldn't make any sense for Chicago PD to do random bag checks when leaving the public transit system.
Were they definitely TSA, and not Chicago PD? The set up sounds similar to that used by Port Authority police when getting on the Path between New York and New Jersey. Although, it wouldn't make any sense for Chicago PD to do random bag checks when leaving the public transit system.
Nov 10, 2010, 11:38 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 449
Nov 10, 2010, 11:59 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 92
Nov 10, 2010, 1:30 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,972
Nov 10, 2010, 2:05 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: various cities in the USofA: NYC, BWI, IAH, ORD, CVG, NYC
Programs: Former UA 1K, National Exec. Elite
Posts: 5,485
Nov 10, 2010, 3:16 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still a Hilton Diamond & Club Cholula™ R.I.P. Super Plats
Posts: 25,415
At the very least, as a federal agency, it should be limited in scope to interstate transportation. Municipal transit systems should be out of its scope.
Nov 10, 2010, 4:22 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 616
well if that's the case I should be able to walk to my gate without any screening to fly FLL-TPA. Ok, maybe not to that extreme but it shore would be nice to not deal with all the theater for the short hops!