Does opting out automatically trigger a baggage search and swab?
Mar 17, 2015, 2:49 pm
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2008
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Does opting out automatically trigger a baggage search and swab?
Every time I go through security at JFK Terminal 4, I end up in a situation where I opt out. And every time I opt out, TSA searches and swabs my carry-on bags regardless of whether they "see" something on the baggage x-ray or not. So my question is does opting out trigger a baggage search/swab every time or am I just lucky?
BTW, this most recent time, TSA was keeping track of the number of people opting out but did not ask why.
Additionally, JFK T4 TSA is one of the reasons I only visit the US once every 12-16 months. They are generally rude (even for New Yorkers), arrogant, and have a condescending attitude towards passengers.
BTW, this most recent time, TSA was keeping track of the number of people opting out but did not ask why.
Additionally, JFK T4 TSA is one of the reasons I only visit the US once every 12-16 months. They are generally rude (even for New Yorkers), arrogant, and have a condescending attitude towards passengers.
Mar 17, 2015, 2:59 pm
#2
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IME, almost always.
I am in involuntary medical opt-out - I can't assume and hold the position. With rare exception, I always get a full bag swab-and-test as well as wandering and probing hands.
Apparently my physical limitations mean I am automatically high-risk at many checkpoints. At PHX T2, I believe the bag search-and-swab is purely punitive, done to discourage people from opting out.
I am in involuntary medical opt-out - I can't assume and hold the position. With rare exception, I always get a full bag swab-and-test as well as wandering and probing hands.
Apparently my physical limitations mean I am automatically high-risk at many checkpoints. At PHX T2, I believe the bag search-and-swab is purely punitive, done to discourage people from opting out.
Mar 18, 2015, 1:56 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: on the path to perdition
Programs: Delta, United
Posts: 4,784
IME, the opposite. I opted out twice last month no bag inspection (SLC & OAK). Last fall at JFK the same (international XF), no inspection. In fact, I can not remember having my carry-on inspected as part of an opt out ever.
Last edited by FlyingUnderTheRadar; Mar 18, 2015 at 2:08 am
Mar 18, 2015, 3:49 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AS, BA, AA
Posts: 3,670
I can't recall ever getting a bag swab when opting out. The whole point of the "patdown" is getting a full body rubdown for a swab test, so it seems like it would be totally redundant. 
The only time I can recall an automatic bag swab was when I forgot my ID, so I was flying as a 'selectee' and got the full royal treatment.
I wonder if it has anything to do with your passport, maybe traveling on a foreign passport + opt out is a special combo?
The only time I can recall an automatic bag swab was when I forgot my ID, so I was flying as a 'selectee' and got the full royal treatment.I wonder if it has anything to do with your passport, maybe traveling on a foreign passport + opt out is a special combo?
Mar 18, 2015, 3:31 pm
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happily living in Frenaros Cyprus having escaped the near-death experience called Sofia Bulgaria
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold, DL FO and 1MM, and a bunch of others at a low level
Posts: 2,052
I can't recall ever getting a bag swab when opting out. The whole point of the "patdown" is getting a full body rubdown for a swab test, so it seems like it would be totally redundant. The only time I can recall an automatic bag swab was when I forgot my ID, so I was flying as a 'selectee' and got the full royal treatment.
I wonder if it has anything to do with your passport, maybe traveling on a foreign passport + opt out is a special combo?
The only time I can recall an automatic bag swab was when I forgot my ID, so I was flying as a 'selectee' and got the full royal treatment.I wonder if it has anything to do with your passport, maybe traveling on a foreign passport + opt out is a special combo?