Why would someone do this?
 

Okay, I'm in AUS, waiting for my flight. I decided I needed a cigarette, so I left my stuff in the Presidents Club and went outside for a smoke, then came back in and got on the security line. All I've got is my cellphone and my watch. Guy in front of me puts his shoes and watch in one bin, his laptop in another, and puts his backpack through on its own. Sitting in plain view in a backpack pocket is a half-full bottle of water.

Naturally, TSA grabs it, and the following conversation ensues:

TSA: Sir, you know you can't take water through security.
Man: Oh, I can't?
TSA: No, sir.
Man: Oh, I didn't know.
TSA: You can take it back and finish it, or I can toss it for you.
Man: Oh, okay.
TSA: Shall I toss it?
Man: I guess.
TSA: You're sure?
Man: Yes, go ahead.

And the line moves through and I get to the other side of the WMD. While I'm waiting for my stuff to come out, I spoke to the man and said, "Excuse me, I've got to ask . . . did you really not know you can't bring water through?" He replied, "Oh, I knew, I'm just tired of this s***."

Now, this was a nice enough guy -- we chatted a bit while pulling on our shoes -- but I just don't get it. Why add a minute or so to everyone's wait by doing something that you know isn't allowed. I think this liquid ban is stupid, too, but what's the point of holding up everyone?

Is it just me, or does this strike you as odd?

The only odd bit is that the guy wasted the $$ on the bottle of water.

Maybe a little social protest?

The worst TSA looks, the better it is for us in the long run. If the works is gummed up enough, hopefully Congress will finally take some notice and bring some accountability to TSA.

I know, I'm dreaming. :rolleyes:

Don't stand behind me in line -- I leave any water bottle in my laptop bag -- usually with about an oz or two in the bottom.

Give the TSA guy/Gal the same line -- Water ? Huh ?

Take bottle -- drink water -- hand back to TSA.

I'm with Fred

I kind of like the idea of everyone doing a gentle protest this way.

OTOH, we've just taken the easier way out and just waited outside the
line while chugging lots of water/juice and then getting into line. It felt
really bizarre, like we were about to start some athletic competition and
fluid-loading ahead of time.

--LG

I've done the same several times and felt the much same way. As a sick game, I've taken to seeing how much water I can chug in one swig at the checkpoint entrance. I'm up to a full 600 mL bottle. I wonder what anyone would say if they saw me chug 1L-2L of water. And I wonder if I could actually do that much. :)

As to the OP, it doesn't seem that odd to me. I think you'll see more bizzare but generally harmless behavior by FFs as they get more frustrated and have no outlet to make things better.

Oh, and the guy didn't necessarily waste $ on the bottle. I refill water bottles many times from my (filtered) tap at home and work. I use some for months. So it may actually have been tap water and a bottle he was just done with. There are usually several empty bottles in my car that are of questionable age and ownership that I wouldn't want to drink from; sacrificing one of those at a checkpoint would be no loss at all.

Only odd thing here is the OP blaming the guy in front of him for the delay rather than blaming the TSA's absurd rules and the willingness of the TSO's to enforce them.

Of course I blame TSA for the stupid dog-and-pony show that is security. However, you don't really think that, by engaging in this little performance with a TSO, you're going to accomplish anything other than making other people, who are also not to blame, be delayed?

Personally, I don't mind waiting a little longer for that reason. A little civil disobedience is needed in this situation, I think.

Just sticking it to the Man ! Futile maybe, but not much else can be done, alas. And really, how much of a delay is it ? 10 seconds, max.

I like this, and might try it next time.

I could see the screener thinking that I'm trying to be a smart*** though and "randomly" select me for a thorough secondary search.

Reallly? So by having thousands of "I know better" people clog the security lines at the airport and making me miss my daughter's choir practice you think that you can make Congress do a better job?

Look, I wouldn't want the job of trying to design security around the way that (not so) modern airports are designed, with dozens of carriers, different regulations governing behavior, different unions involved, and, of course, people trying to blow up airplanes WITH US IN THEM every day.

Bonus: After you've finished off the water, TSA gets to provide a useful service by disposing of your garbage. :cool:

Always allow some for quality time with your local TSA guys.