Are TSA gate searches back?
 

This week I have been on flights at LGA and DAL that had TSA doing 'random' gate searches. Just like the olden days, pull the first FC passenger. I almost forgot to play the wait till they grab someone game. What I see has started this week. Any others

Could be a "surge," as those come with random gate gropes. Surges began last year after the commuter aircraft crewmember in (MCO?) was discovered smuggling firearms in luggage, IIRC.

Of course, the TSA never completely eliminated gate searches - but they did become somewhat rare for 3 years or so.

does sound "the surge" to me......http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=672524 and http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=680929

I was random selected search victim in San Diego on Sunday on a flight to DFW. (AA Plat flying in FC)

I flew PHL-CLT-LAS on 17Aug (morning) and then LAS-BWI-PHL that evening-morning (red eye from LAS). I noticed that on the first flight (PHL-CLT) there were FIVE TSA peeps at the gate. I was in F and when I saw them I made sure not to be the first one on the plane; however, they didn't search the first F person on the plane....or the second or third (me). I don't know who actually got the booby prize and got searched. :td:

Oh, the first people allowed on the plane were the special assist and families with brats, none of whom were searched. The airline was US, if that makes any difference.

Yes, in terminal C in MKE. I usually am last to board the Eagle flight to ORD however now when they are Surging I have to board when they have napped the 83 year old granny!

Please remember to insist that they change their gloves -- from the box and not from their pockets -- even if it means they have to go back to the checkpoint to get a box.

It's our counterinSURGEncy... ^

I love how the "random" searches always mean the first person to board is selected. :td:

What I also love about these asine searches is that if selected, by the time I get on board the overhead space may be gone. Look, I earn status so I can board early and ensure a place for my bag... and thanks to the TSA, sometimes it has to be gate checked (and claimed at baggage claim if on any mainline a/c, making things even worse). :mad:

<chuckle>

so does that mean fam's now get surged :eek: ;) :D

Try presenting yourself with a foreign passport at the gate and you most definitely will be 'randomly' selected. At least that is what happened to me every time in the original gate searches of years past.

I was traveling through LGA this morning. Two girls traveling together thought they were getting pulled aside for special treatment to the front of the line. HA! Were they surprised when they got to the front of the special line and were asked to place their bags on the table for manual inspection.

They got the special treatment alright. :D

I've actually been pulled to the side because I look suspicious. You should see their faces when I tell them "I got a gun." :) In another case I had a screener board the aircraft and say he was going to search me even though he knew I was a FAM. I offered to save him the trouble and show where my firearm was, but he was insistent. Not feeling like playing anymore, I told him to go get a supervisor. Never saw him again.

You have GOT to be kidding! Where do they find these people???

the "gate rape" definitely in full force at jFK terminal 8 ... or 9...
the 6:45 am AA to lax on tuesday august 14th had 3 tsa agents pulling just about everyone running for the flight aside for the SPECIAL TREATMENT.
i heard from my colleague that the 7:45 am AA flight to LAX had the same bevy of TSA agents - ready and waiting at the gate.
i was surprised as i thought this was long gone ... guess not...