New and Nervous
#31
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
You should note that at checkin, you can request an airline rep to be a witness.
#32
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Colorado
Programs: TSA
Posts: 2,745
I have also wondered if TSA would allow me to remove my prosthesis (I could wear shorts) and have it xrayed on the conveyor belt while I just hop on one foot through the mag (I do this at home all the time - well, without the mag part). Then no alarms would be set off, and I could just put my leg back on and go, without being touched. I don't know whether I'm gutsy enough to try this, but it's a thought I've had.
#33
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AAPLT, RR Alist
Posts: 220
Katie...
So far, I've had almost universally good experiences going through security in AUS. (have flown out of there 6 times since Nov. 1) The only 'negative' was the time I asked a TSA why they get to go into the secure area with their personal possesions/lunch and do not even have their possesions xrayed, much less their bodies through the WTMD.
We don't have the NOS (yet, dammit...) so they don't supposedly do the 'enhanced' patdown yet. (another disconnect I don't understand, but am happy to not have to deal with it just yet)
Welcome to AUS!
So far, I've had almost universally good experiences going through security in AUS. (have flown out of there 6 times since Nov. 1) The only 'negative' was the time I asked a TSA why they get to go into the secure area with their personal possesions/lunch and do not even have their possesions xrayed, much less their bodies through the WTMD.
We don't have the NOS (yet, dammit...) so they don't supposedly do the 'enhanced' patdown yet. (another disconnect I don't understand, but am happy to not have to deal with it just yet)
Welcome to AUS!
#34
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: CMH
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion, United
Posts: 433
And if you ship, you can wrap 'em if you want!
#35
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Gold, DL MM 8/22/16!
Posts: 2,563
When you dress for the trip, really THINK about what you are donning. It is easy to forget the bra underwire, a random zipper, and an occasional metal button (top of jeans is one). Any jewelry, watches, belt buckles, etc. It is awfully easy to just not realize one of your items of clothing/accessories has some metal in it.
They get tense about such things as even a loosely tied scarf or hoodies. Your body suit idea is excellent. Pull-on, elastic-waisted slacks, and a simple form-fitting top over that.
And for the record, I've gone through the MSP security several times lately (both methods) and not been subjected to any groping. You do have some unique issues that could increase the probability but I think you will be fine. There is a lot of advice here on how to combat TSA, but I personally think the better route is cooperation.
Romelle
They get tense about such things as even a loosely tied scarf or hoodies. Your body suit idea is excellent. Pull-on, elastic-waisted slacks, and a simple form-fitting top over that.
And for the record, I've gone through the MSP security several times lately (both methods) and not been subjected to any groping. You do have some unique issues that could increase the probability but I think you will be fine. There is a lot of advice here on how to combat TSA, but I personally think the better route is cooperation.
Romelle
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 82
Alright, here goes. I fly out of MSP first thing tomorrow morning (6 am departure). I am planning on being at the airport at 4 (good Lord, I'm spending the night with a friend in Roseville...I may as well not even go to bed...)
Planned outfit is lots of metal-less layers to minimize the gropeage: Underwear, sports bra, one-piece swimsuit (I decided to cobble something together from what I already owned, rather than let the TSA force me to spend $20 on a new bodysuit or unitard), CuddlDuds longsleeve shirt, tight longsleeve Tshirt, scrub pants, flat "ballet slipper" type shoes.
I'm going to feel like a fool...
Will pack a "real" bra and tennis shoes in the carry-on so I can change once I get through.
Pray for me, everyone! I need to remember: name of offending agent, clean gloves, ID and BP back in bag as soon as they have been checked.
Here goes nothing!
Planned outfit is lots of metal-less layers to minimize the gropeage: Underwear, sports bra, one-piece swimsuit (I decided to cobble something together from what I already owned, rather than let the TSA force me to spend $20 on a new bodysuit or unitard), CuddlDuds longsleeve shirt, tight longsleeve Tshirt, scrub pants, flat "ballet slipper" type shoes.
I'm going to feel like a fool...
Will pack a "real" bra and tennis shoes in the carry-on so I can change once I get through.
Pray for me, everyone! I need to remember: name of offending agent, clean gloves, ID and BP back in bag as soon as they have been checked.
Here goes nothing!
#37
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,728
There's about a whelk's chance in a supernova that I would accept a package handler's invitation to a "private pat-down."
And it speaks volumes that any representative of the TSAsi would even suggest that removing a prosthesis and hopping through the WTMD would be a good way to avoid the pat-down...
#38
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: FLL
Programs: GE, B6 True Blue, Hilton Honors, IHG
Posts: 185
I am a recently retired police officer and a law and order type guy, but I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in here. What is happening in our country and what the TSA is doing is absolutely disgusting. Reading the link up-post about all TSA's procedures for amputees and medical devices is a travesty. Any terrorist reading that monstrosity inflicted by Americans on other Americans will realize the terrorists have won without even hijacking another plane or bombing another soft target. If I were you, I would go against the TSA's suggestion (and from what I gleaned from their website it's only a suggestion) and do take off your prosthesis and hop through the metal detector to avoid secondary. Have a news crew there or someone taking video and loudly exclaim what a law abiding American has to endure to travel within the borders of our own country.
Also remember, just because those clerks have badges, does not mean they are law enforcement. Mall cops have badges too. They are one step up from burger flippers and their agency and their mission is a disgrace. Don't let them intimidate you or make you nervous!
I would also love to see someone with a colostomy bag "accidently" have it burst open all over one of those disgraceful nazi .......s.
End of rant.
Also remember, just because those clerks have badges, does not mean they are law enforcement. Mall cops have badges too. They are one step up from burger flippers and their agency and their mission is a disgrace. Don't let them intimidate you or make you nervous!
I would also love to see someone with a colostomy bag "accidently" have it burst open all over one of those disgraceful nazi .......s.
End of rant.
#39
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,728
#40
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northern California, in the redwoods, on the ocean.
Posts: 437
Their mission is to annoy, impede, offend, obfuscate, prevaricate, and assault.
Last edited by essxjay; Jan 2, 2011 at 7:56 pm Reason: inflammatory comment delete
#41
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chicago
Programs: Chairman US Air, four million miles Delta and F.C., Plat Prem Marriott, Marquis Jet," Air America
Posts: 222
#43
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 436
Hi Katie,
So sorry that anyone has to even think about preparing to have the government molest them. As an FF with a little bit of additional insight on the TSA:
1) If you can remove and have x-rayed the prosthesis, and can get through the WTMD, it is unlikely that you will be patted down. There is no rule that prostheses must be worn rather than x-rayed. If you do this, odds are you'll get through without being asked for a feel.
2) My advice to you for the possibility that you will be asked to submit to being molested is that you make clear to the TSA what your boundraies are. If you tell them, "I consent to a pat down, but you may not touch my breasts, labia, or anywhere inside of my pants," and they do anyway, it is a crime (depending on your state, it could be something called battery, sexual abuse, forcible touching, etc.). However, passengers have had mixed success with this. Some have been allowed through, others have been denied boarding, others have been arrested, and others have been molested anyway.
3) The TSA complaint form you're preparing -- you might as well address it to Santa Claus because the TSA doesn't care. While I won't discourage you from filing just because "the more they get, the better," please don't think that if they molest you, you can get even with a complaint.
The question is: Is your trip worth being molested by your goverment? If so, then comply. If not, set your boundaries and stick to them. The TSA knows that if they were to arrest or deny boarding to a young handicapped woman for refusing to have her genitals touched, the media attention they would get would not be good for them. Being the person who stood up for handicapped flyers all over the country is, in my opinion, much better than being the person shaking and in tears on the airplane, mad at herself for letting herself be touched like that.
Again, if you can get through the WTMD, odds are, you won't face any of this on your journey. Eventually, the odds will come up, so it's worthwhile to be prepared and decide in advance what you are willing to do.
--Jon
____________________________________
My lawsuit against the TSA:
http://tsaoutofourpants.wordpress.com/
So sorry that anyone has to even think about preparing to have the government molest them. As an FF with a little bit of additional insight on the TSA:
1) If you can remove and have x-rayed the prosthesis, and can get through the WTMD, it is unlikely that you will be patted down. There is no rule that prostheses must be worn rather than x-rayed. If you do this, odds are you'll get through without being asked for a feel.
2) My advice to you for the possibility that you will be asked to submit to being molested is that you make clear to the TSA what your boundraies are. If you tell them, "I consent to a pat down, but you may not touch my breasts, labia, or anywhere inside of my pants," and they do anyway, it is a crime (depending on your state, it could be something called battery, sexual abuse, forcible touching, etc.). However, passengers have had mixed success with this. Some have been allowed through, others have been denied boarding, others have been arrested, and others have been molested anyway.
3) The TSA complaint form you're preparing -- you might as well address it to Santa Claus because the TSA doesn't care. While I won't discourage you from filing just because "the more they get, the better," please don't think that if they molest you, you can get even with a complaint.
The question is: Is your trip worth being molested by your goverment? If so, then comply. If not, set your boundaries and stick to them. The TSA knows that if they were to arrest or deny boarding to a young handicapped woman for refusing to have her genitals touched, the media attention they would get would not be good for them. Being the person who stood up for handicapped flyers all over the country is, in my opinion, much better than being the person shaking and in tears on the airplane, mad at herself for letting herself be touched like that.
Again, if you can get through the WTMD, odds are, you won't face any of this on your journey. Eventually, the odds will come up, so it's worthwhile to be prepared and decide in advance what you are willing to do.
--Jon
____________________________________
My lawsuit against the TSA:
http://tsaoutofourpants.wordpress.com/
#45
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 60
I have also wondered if TSA would allow me to remove my prosthesis (I could wear shorts) and have it xrayed on the conveyor belt while I just hop on one foot through the mag (I do this at home all the time - well, without the mag part). Then no alarms would be set off, and I could just put my leg back on and go, without being touched. I don't know whether I'm gutsy enough to try this, but it's a thought I've had.
Last edited by eskachig; Dec 26, 2010 at 6:24 pm