Originally Posted by Bart

The passenger claimed that at other airports, he was always allowed to put his shoes back on prior to secondary screening (not doubting his word, but if this is so, then this is a major violation of screening procedures).

Why on earth would he take his shoes off in the first place if he's SSSS ? :confused:

He insisted on getting his carry-ons because he wanted them under his control (again, have to wonder how many airports he's travelled through because this is another major violation of screening procedures).

I've had umm... discussions with the officers(sic) about this too. I insist on having my carryons in my view at all times while undergoing secondary. I have refused to "turn around" when ordered (yelled at actually) to do so, but so far have always 'won' this little battle (sigh) as it does appear I am within my rights (as if :rolleyes: ) to do so.

Originally Posted by Bart

I realize that airports are configured differently, so I'll describe the physical layout at my airport. Right behind the WTMD screening officer is a glass partitioned area wide enough for people to stand. (I realize that at some airports, this area is wide enough for sitting and is the wanding area. Not so at SAT, this is a waiting area only.) The passenger has full view of his/her property as it comes out of the conveyor belt and does not have to turn around or is not forced to not view his/her property. When a security officer approaches a passenger waiting for secondary, the first thing the officer does is ask the passenger to identify his/her property that is on the x-ray conveyor belt. Either that security officer or a second security officer will pick up the property and carry it to the screening area simultaneously as the passenger is escorted to the screening area.

At the screening area, the passenger is seated facing a table where his/her property is placed. The hand-wanding security officer screens the passenger in such a manner as to either allow the passenger to maintain view of his/her property or will very briefly step in front of the passenger during certain portions of the screening process. The goal is to allow the passenger full view of his or her property as much as practicable.

While the passenger is being handwanded, another screening officer will simultaneously physically inspect the accessible property. This is done to expedite the overall process for the passenger, and 99% of the passengers don't object to this process. However, if a passenger so requests, we will perform these functions sequentially: screen the passenger first, then screen his/her property. It will increase the time spent on one particular passenger, but if this is what the passenger wants, it is what he/she will get.