Does the ticket you book make you more/less likely to be screened? I am flying DTW->MDW ret ORD->DTW on a reverse-commute 'round trip' over this weekend. I find that MDW is a mess in the morning, but the traffic on the way home is much nicer, and it is quicker @ the cab stand. NW would not allow me to check in online, and told me that I would need to see a ticket agent (no kiosk, even) because I had been randomly selected for a security screening. I'm a little confused as to how waiting in a check-in line will impact the security situation, but that's another discussion. If they're trying to hide the 'SSSS' from me, they didn't do a good job by making it impossible to check in, thus raising a red flag and causing me to call them up and ask. Is this common with other airlines? Never happened to me when flying UA, but UA doesn't have internet checkin and I never flew through MDW. Could the itinerary really be the cause of this headache? If so, it's not worth it.

[This message has been edited by IH8DTW (edited 03-13-2003).]

I'd drive and tell the TSA where to shove their "SSSS"...

FliesWay2Much, you can tell the airline where to shove that SSSS. It is their system and was in place before the TSA came into existance.

We've been over this before. The airline is not in control of how that system is used any longer.



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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

TAZI, How do you know this?

I know this because I actually read the legislation that created your agency. You should read it yourself. Make sure to read all the amendments that were introduced. Loy might have nixed the union but McCain is the one who really put the screws to you.

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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

I will probably get around to reading it sometime. Wife and kids have priority.

Tazi, I had the SSSS's on my tickets before 9/11 and since. It is United that does that I believe. Co. has *PPBM* (Positive Passenger Bag Match) and Delta has SPCL on theirs. TSA may have changed the criteria, but the system is still kicking out the same codes on the tickets. I get screened quite often and could not care less, it is no big deal and certainly not a violation of my rights since I know what to expect and I am not forced to fly.

Like I said, the airlines are not controlling the system any longer. TSA mandates are. I actually don't have a problem with the current CAPPS system though. CAPPS II I have major problems with because it goes well beyond anything that was intended even with the legislation that was created. Information needs to be shared among government agencies and the CAPPS system and that is all.


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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

I agrre with you on that one Tazi. I am sure the checks and balances will work that one out without all the sensationalism and hyperbole. Calmer heads always prevail.

You think that "Calmer Heads" will prevail at a GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

That is one of the funniest things I have ever read on FT.

Well, more likely there than here. You guys crack me up with all your ***ching and whining. I do get a good laugh on here.

Actually your constant anti-government rants are sad and prove that no matter what the TSA does, you"ll still be complaining.

If the TSA EVER does anything to make Air Travel safer, I will be first in line to say so.

To date, that has not happened.

If and when they do, you won't say anything. You won't have anything else to talk about then.