Participate in Opt-Out Day without flying?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 32
Participate in Opt-Out Day without flying?
A coworker is thinking about participating in Opt-Out Day by purchasing a refundable ticket, clearing security, and then leaving the airport. But it was suggested this could somehow be construed as unlawful interference with the screening process, since he'd have no intent of actually flying, and would just be trying to add to the chaos.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 464
A coworker is thinking about participating in Opt-Out Day by purchasing a refundable ticket, clearing security, and then leaving the airport. But it was suggested this could somehow be construed as unlawful interference with the screening process, since he'd have no intent of actually flying, and would just be trying to add to the chaos.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
He has a valid ticket!
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Sounds like your coworker has a decent plan, if he's willing to execute it. He's not required to chat with the TSA or anybody else about his plans or advance intent not to fly.
Assuming he goes through the screening process "opt out" of course, and clears to airside, then turns around and goes through the exits then gets his ticket refunded, what is the TSA going to do? What was unlawful about going through the screening process? Also, TSA doesn't check ID's at the exits, last I heard, so how would they know he left? What criminal charge would there be? What civil penalty would apply?
And why do YOU "fear" anything anyway? After all, you're not the one putting themselves out there--your co-worker is.
Assuming he goes through the screening process "opt out" of course, and clears to airside, then turns around and goes through the exits then gets his ticket refunded, what is the TSA going to do? What was unlawful about going through the screening process? Also, TSA doesn't check ID's at the exits, last I heard, so how would they know he left? What criminal charge would there be? What civil penalty would apply?
And why do YOU "fear" anything anyway? After all, you're not the one putting themselves out there--your co-worker is.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 32
#6
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
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A coworker is thinking about participating in Opt-Out Day by purchasing a refundable ticket, clearing security, and then leaving the airport. But it was suggested this could somehow be construed as unlawful interference with the screening process, since he'd have no intent of actually flying, and would just be trying to add to the chaos.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
If your coworker's not one of us, he should be.
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: Air Canada Aeroplan, Lufthansa Miles & More, Flying Blue, Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 1,894
A coworker is thinking about participating in Opt-Out Day by purchasing a refundable ticket, clearing security, and then leaving the airport. But it was suggested this could somehow be construed as unlawful interference with the screening process, since he'd have no intent of actually flying, and would just be trying to add to the chaos.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
I have not had a chance to research the applicable laws, but I fear the TSA would try to make some sort of civil penalty or criminal charge stick.
In any event, please check the "meet-ups" planned for several airports around the country -- people who cannot fly can still hand out leaflets, etc.
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
Programs: Former UA 1P
Posts: 3,723
I've considered doing this for NOOD too. My only reservations (other than my time) are some guilt about needlessly blocking an airline seat on an otherwise swamped day. No matter how you look at it, there's a good chance you are depriving someone else of that seat, even if you cancel the ticket hours before flight.
Were I to do it, I would pack an "appropriate" carry-on bag for a day-trip. I.e., a laptop and a book and my sunglasses, etc. Going through with nothing whatsoever (and having no checked luggage) might draw suspicion unrelated to the scope of the exercise.
Were I to do it, I would pack an "appropriate" carry-on bag for a day-trip. I.e., a laptop and a book and my sunglasses, etc. Going through with nothing whatsoever (and having no checked luggage) might draw suspicion unrelated to the scope of the exercise.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Delta PM, HHonors Silver, AVIS First
Posts: 275
Edited to add: Since they write on your Boarding Pass at the ID checkpoint, that would show you already went through and might tip them off.
But if you printed out, oh heck, half a dozen identical boarding passes at home before going to the airport... and went to a big airport with multiple security checkpoints... {wicked evil grin}
Last edited by MFMeow; Nov 16, 2010 at 5:25 am Reason: Add further thoughts...
#11
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
Programs: Former UA 1P
Posts: 3,723
But at a big airport with a lot of checkpoints, you could make a lot of entrances. Or you could time your visit with a shift change and make 4 trips through 1 checkpoint.
#12
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Denton County, TX
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 737
I've considered doing this for NOOD too. My only reservations (other than my time) are some guilt about needlessly blocking an airline seat on an otherwise swamped day. No matter how you look at it, there's a good chance you are depriving someone else of that seat, even if you cancel the ticket hours before flight.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: CMH
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion, United
Posts: 433
I'd like to participate by handing out the leaflets at my home airport. I can't really afford a refundable ticket and frankly, I'm trying to steel myself up for the fun and games I'll experience in January.
I will go search for the appropriate thread (I'm pretty sure I saw one about a week ago) regarding handing out flyers at airports, but if anyone knows offhand where the thread is or what the title of the thread is, I'd appreciate the info so I don't waste others' time and to get info on how one legally does this form of protest.
I will go search for the appropriate thread (I'm pretty sure I saw one about a week ago) regarding handing out flyers at airports, but if anyone knows offhand where the thread is or what the title of the thread is, I'd appreciate the info so I don't waste others' time and to get info on how one legally does this form of protest.
#14
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Oakland
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,109
A coworker is thinking about participating in Opt-Out Day by purchasing a refundable ticket, clearing security, and then leaving the airport. But it was suggested this could somehow be construed as unlawful interference with the screening process, since he'd have no intent of actually flying, and would just be trying to add to the chaos.
And an arrest, along with the exact details is bad PR for them. It shows how much of a security theater they actually are. "Man enters secure area 20 times in one day and never flies!"
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Nov 17, 2010 at 1:36 am Reason: merge consecutive posts
#15
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 733
What the airlines also want is revenue. If you purchase a refundable ticket, clear security, then request a refund, you have deprived the airline of revenue, and hence one of the overall goals of this campaign. The airlines will notice if refundable tickets are processed on NOOD.
Everyone should note, though, that you may not get as lucky as John Tyner. He had a non-refundable ticket refunded by AA. I would not recommend expecting a similar outcome. It's likely that he found a sympathetic TA. The rest of us may not be so lucky.
I have already purchased several refundable, round-trip tickets for NOOD across a number of airlines, and will opt-out through the c/p, leave, and request refunds 10 minutes prior to departure. Letters will follow to the CEO of every airline explaining that I refuse to fly under these conditions.
To the OP's point, all that is required is that one clears "security". If you clear the c/p and then decide to leave, there is no law against it. They only require that you complete the process.