Nope, just the standard ID/BP check and BP upon going through the
metal detector.

I used to find the security at BUR tolerable, quick, and painless, the TSO's actually had decent personalities. That hasn't changed, but today I am here, and they are doing gate checks on bags, using 1 TSO and 2 National Guardsmen - what a complete waste. Of course, I imagine that the Guardsmen would rather be here on a security charade than dying in Iraq for a democracy charade.

Thanks, but I'm not TSA at all. Nor do I intend to work there in the future. I do get dismayed, however, when I see folks who are ordinarily probably good people turn into mean spirited egotistical jerks. It does bug me to see and hear the snide comments to the TSA person, who is usually following instructions, however ridiculous they may seem. I fully support those who fight the system using their vote and letters to the congresspeople. People who disrupt the flow of security just to prove a point are rude and inconsiderate of the passengers behind them who have a flight to catch.

I've been at rough checkpoints before, and I've found that a smile and a decent tone of voice often make the whole experience so much nicer. I'm not suggesting we have a mass 'Cumbayah' at the checkpoint, but a little decency will perpetuate itself.

Just my 2 cents.

Duly noted. And I agree

The TSA agents at BOI are great. Boise is still a fairly small city and people just tend to be friendly, whether they work for the TSA or any other organization. (There are exceptions, of course.)

Except the problem is that it's the TSA employee who is trying to prove a point most of the time, at least IMHO. Just prior to 8/11, I had on a pair of tennis shoes that were probably borderline as far as having to remove them. I had been through other airports with them and allowed to keep them on and they did not alarm the WTMD. I was in PHX at terminal 3 and came through the WTMD right as the TSA noticed I still had them on. I did not alarm but they sent me for additional screening. Fine, I thought. A quick swab of the shoes and I'm on my way. No dice. I got the full pat down, hand held, swab of the shoes, empty my pockets, etc, etc. I asked why I was getting the full treatment when I didn't alarm and the response was "because no-one else is being screened and we can do this to you".

It sounds like you ran into a power-tripper. They unfortunately are out there too. I know that experiences like that can be very demoralizing as well. Hopefully employees like that who abuse their powers get ostracized out of the employ of TSA.

I've had the unfortunate experience of working security before, and I can tell you that most of the time it is a boring, repetative and mind numbing process. The phrase 99% sheer boredom and 1% sheer terror do not even come close, especially on a 12 hour shift. Thats why I've got some empathy for the TSA employees.

But, it is disheartening to hear that you were treated like this and that they actually had the gumption to say that to you. I wish you smoother travels in the future.

I'll add Burlington VT to the list of friendly airports - like most small airports, the screeners are quite pleasant.

People who follow ridiculous instructions should protest or get another job. They'll get no sympathy from me. And, risking Godwin's Law for just a moment, I'll mention that war criminals have had little success claiming that they were just following instructions. They are still war criminals.

Bruce

Yeah, we know they are out there. We run into them far too often ourselves. And you can hope all you like, but the TSA is so desperate for staff that they hardly ever fire anybody.

I like your use of the word "ostracized." I actually had a recent incident where a group of TSA employees ignored another employee who was obviously on a totally unnecessary power trip. In effect, he was ostracized -- and it was the right thing to do. I wish it happened more often.

Bruce