I don't mind removing my computer from its case at all. The thing that irks me is having to listen to everyone run around asking people to do this in line before getting to a table that makes it practical.

More than once I've told TSA agents that I will remove my computer but when I get to the table at head of the line. You'd think that they would be able to sense the unrealistic nature of their request just by looking: with two hands we are supposed to hold our ticket and our wallets open at our ID, hold and pull our carry-on bags, and open and retrieve laptops from our carrying cases (without dropping expensive laptops) and place the laptop into a non-existent third hand?

Maybe some people can do this more easily, but I refuse to drop my laptop while playing Twister for no apparent reason.

Of course you know to do this, and waiting to get to the table is not inappropriate. However, you would be amazed at how many people will get right to the walk through and ask if they need to take it out. The announcement to do so is an attempt to prevent this as it slows everyone else down. Since you are a seasoned traveller, just take it in stride that not everyone else is and let it go. Getting upset about it is a waste of brain power and I am sure you have better things to concern yourself with.

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Don't take life too seriously, afterall, you won't get out alive.

Well, I appreciate that you took the time to reply, and in general I find TCA agents very courteous and easy to work with. Far better than the private screeners we had a few years ago. But, frankly I don't think it is possible to get to the point where I'll just take it in stride. The fact is, security screening is an imposition. Having someone look at you and all that you have in your hands and ask you to do something that is impossible is also an imposition unless you have no interpersonal sensitivity at all. Now, it is possible to get yourself into a frame of mind where nearly nothing bugs you, but that is bit of a facade, eh?

So, no, it isn't a big deal, but it is something that can be improved. Actually, I think it is pretty reassuring that this sort of thing bugs people (I'm sure I'm not the only one). I would hate to live someplace where things like this didn't bug people, it would be nearly inhuman.

I'm sure that if I worked for the TSA and I read the opening post I'd feel like I had to say something palliative in response. But, maybe we don't need that. Maybe it's okay just to recognize that, hey, the system isn't perfect, it has issues.

Just a thought.

WT,

You have a valid point. It does sometimes sound like you're at Burger King, with all the orders being shouted out. Believe me, I can't stand it either.

Unfortunately, it is something that we have to live with @ the CP. Too bad we haven't initiated the FF lane. Alot of our troubles would disappear. But don't hold your breath.