"Random and Everywhere"
Jan 30, 2011, 7:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Wash D.C. metro area
Posts: 254
"Random and Everywhere"
I flew home through MDW this week and had an odd experience before Security. My connecting flight through MDW was canceled and I was forced to get a hotel and come back the next day. After dealing with getting my new ticket I went downstairs to go through Security and to the gates. I had at least a few hours due to all of the delays so I was in NO rush. As i was coming down the escaltor I noticed a few TSA people standing before the ropes begin and then one guy off to the side with a swab scanning machine just waiting for some business. I, of course, was chosen to have my hands swabbed.
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
Jan 30, 2011, 7:39 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,279
We are the TSA. Lower your shields and surrender your dignity. We will add your biological imagery and privacy information to our own. Your human rights will adapt as needed to service us. Resistance is futile.
Jan 30, 2011, 7:43 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 855
...
...They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work... While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times...
... They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
...They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work... While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times...
... They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
This is really depressing. I loved this country. Now I'm a stranger in a strange land.
How many hands have they "swabbed" by now?
How many terrorists have they apprehended?
How can this possibly be legal?
Jan 30, 2011, 7:45 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
Programs: Former UA 1P
Posts: 3,725
These people are completely out of control. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I wonder what they would have done if you had said "I don't consent and I'm leaving the airport," hopped into a taxi, and then paid the cabbie a nice tip to make a loop around the airport and drop you back off at the terminal?
Jan 30, 2011, 8:06 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: boca raton, florida
Posts: 621
I flew home through MDW this week and had an odd experience before Security. My connecting flight through MDW was canceled and I was forced to get a hotel and come back the next day. After dealing with getting my new ticket I went downstairs to go through Security and to the gates. I had at least a few hours due to all of the delays so I was in NO rush. As i was coming down the escaltor I noticed a few TSA people standing before the ropes begin and then one guy off to the side with a swab scanning machine just waiting for some business. I, of course, was chosen to have my hands swabbed.
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
The premise of the airport police having probable cause to search because you did not volunteer for the search is ridiculous. Administrative search starts at the checkpoint, not when you leave your hotel room.
Jan 30, 2011, 8:07 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,490
Jan 30, 2011, 8:31 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Wash D.C. metro area
Posts: 254
Jan 30, 2011, 8:44 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MSP
Programs: DL-PM, Small Luxury Hotels & Proud Member of TSA Disparager-Gold
Posts: 774
My bet is this "Random & Everywhere" exercise is DHS/TSA being proactive for once. Their justification is in response to the suicide bomber in Russia, checking everyone regardless...
Of course the reality is they're not really proactive since the event that triggered R&E has already occurred, thus they're being reactive...yet again.
Of course the reality is they're not really proactive since the event that triggered R&E has already occurred, thus they're being reactive...yet again.
Jan 30, 2011, 8:46 am
#9
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
What are they going to do if a swab outside the checkpoint comes up positive? Drag you off to a private room for a "resolution" pat down?
Jan 30, 2011, 8:48 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,490
Your odd shows a lot of restraint in light of your experience and the whole "Random and Everywhere" slogan. I'd suggest chilling or creepy. Mom told me to always wash my hands before leaving the house but she wouldn't have approved or even believed this reason for doing so. Nor do I.
Jan 30, 2011, 9:03 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: RDU
Programs: OnePass
Posts: 772
Now what happens when someone who was securing his firearms for travel gets his hands swabbed like this???
No matter how clean your weapons are, there is still gunpowder residue. If you were checking your firearms, doing what the airlines want, etc etc, then get your hands swabbed, you're gonna come up positive.
Then what? The 9th degree from a TSO who is 2 steps removed from a Wal-Mart greeter causing a terminal dump?
Just plain stupid.
No matter how clean your weapons are, there is still gunpowder residue. If you were checking your firearms, doing what the airlines want, etc etc, then get your hands swabbed, you're gonna come up positive.
Then what? The 9th degree from a TSO who is 2 steps removed from a Wal-Mart greeter causing a terminal dump?
Just plain stupid.
Jan 30, 2011, 9:28 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northern California, in the redwoods, on the ocean.
Posts: 437
Now what happens when someone who was securing his firearms for travel gets his hands swabbed like this???
No matter how clean your weapons are, there is still gunpowder residue. If you were checking your firearms, doing what the airlines want, etc etc, then get your hands swabbed, you're gonna come up positive.
Then what? The 9th degree from a TSO who is 2 steps removed from a Wal-Mart greeter causing a terminal dump?
Just plain stupid.
No matter how clean your weapons are, there is still gunpowder residue. If you were checking your firearms, doing what the airlines want, etc etc, then get your hands swabbed, you're gonna come up positive.
Then what? The 9th degree from a TSO who is 2 steps removed from a Wal-Mart greeter causing a terminal dump?
Just plain stupid.
Jan 30, 2011, 9:46 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, FB Plat, AS Gold, Marriott Gold, Fairmont Plat, BA wannabe
Posts: 684
What happens in those states where carrying a weapon (concealed or otherwise) in public is allowed.
Are we going to see the TSA alert when some person packing is wandering into baggage claim to pick up a family member?
Are we going to see the TSA alert when some person packing is wandering into baggage claim to pick up a family member?
Jan 30, 2011, 10:00 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,425
I flew home through MDW this week and had an odd experience before Security. My connecting flight through MDW was canceled and I was forced to get a hotel and come back the next day. After dealing with getting my new ticket I went downstairs to go through Security and to the gates. I had at least a few hours due to all of the delays so I was in NO rush. As i was coming down the escaltor I noticed a few TSA people standing before the ropes begin and then one guy off to the side with a swab scanning machine just waiting for some business. I, of course, was chosen to have my hands swabbed.
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
They asked me if I was a traveler that day and then informed me that I needed to go over there to the man to have my hands swabbed. When I walked over I asked him why they were doing this and then he mentioned the V word, voluntary. "Oh, if this is voluntary then I am just going to go through the main security line, bye." That didn't work. He told me to wait and called over a supervisor (3 stripes). I proceeded to ask him what they were doing and why they were doing it. Thats when he started the mantra - "Random and Everywhere". I asked him if I could just go through the main line and they could do whatever procedure they needed to do there - NO. I asked whether doing this here and now would mean I wouldn't have to do this again in the main line - NO. While I was asking questions he threatened to call over police a number of times.
After hearing "Random and Everywhere" a few times I decided to dig a little. If I was upstairs getting a ticket, could you swab me there - R&E. If I was outside on the curb - R&E. How about in my car - R&E. He then went on to say that as soon as I step onto airport property I was subject to this. I didn't go too far down this path since it was clear that he didn't really care about getting into a discussion of rights and the Constitution. I eventually let them swab me and went on my way, but this R&E thing is going to have to be challenged at some point. They can't "randomly" search people for no reason whatsoever after they identify themselves as "travelers".
"not now, I'm waiting for a cell phone text message"....
but I imagine they're too stupid to know what that meant...too busy swabbing kiddie strollers...
Random and Everywhere. Great. extend the security checkpoint experience to EVERYONE. This actually helps the cause...
So this is what living in a 3rd world dictatorship feels like.
Jan 30, 2011, 10:15 am
#15
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