First Post! Funny SFO TSA experience
 

You guys will probably get a good laugh (I know I did) out of this exchange I had with the TSA screener at SFO about midnight last Friday. I was on my way home after a long trip so I thought I would have a little fun...

The following happened as I was going through screening on the way to catch my flight:

TSA: Sir, please remove your "outer garment".
Me: What "outer garment"?:confused:
(I was wearing a pullover sweater, a t-shirt underneath, jeans, shoes, etc.)

TSA: You must remove your "coat". (motions with hands to pull up shirt)
Me: You mean this?(points to sweater)
(I did not have a coat with me.)

TSA: Exactly, Sir. Remove your "coat".
Me: Why? It is not a coat. It's a sweater.:confused:

TSA: The rule states that you must remove all outer garments when going through security, Sir.(obviously reciting the rulebook)
Me: All "outer garments"? You mean any top layers I'm wearing?

TSA: Yes, Sir. All top layers.
Me: OK.(motion to take off my jeans)

TSA: What are you doing, Sir.:eek:
Me: You said "All top layers". My jeans are a top layer "outer garment".

TSA: Yes, but...
Me: I have to warn you though. I'm currently "going commando", so I might need a towel or something to cover up.:D

TSA: :eek:(long pause...)Go ahead through, Sir.
Me: Thanks.

Good times...:D

Boobies! Go Team SFO!!

They usually don't take things so literally in SFO.

Also, Welcome to FT, Pinion!

The real funny part is that TSA does not operate in SFO. It's a private security company called Covenant Security. But why spoil it with facts?

Great to have a little fun with the robots going by the book!

Welcome to FlyerTalk -- it's clear you've found your new home :D :D :D

They dress like TSA, walk and talk like TSA and receive the same training as TSA. Bart, so what is the difference? Seriously, I'd really like to know since this is often mentioned, like they are something different.

Pinion, welcome to FT!

That is a funny story. Welcome to FT!!!

For others in here, they like to point out the difference. These are the ones who believe airport screening would be much better with private security companies than with federalized screeners. As you pointed out, they would still be following the exact same policy.

I admit my comment was more off the cuff than a serious response. ;)

And while the OP had fun with a screener, I think the screener also had fun during the encounter. I'm guessing. Most of these encounters are enjoyable on both sides of the WTMD. I had a similar experience with a lady who was about to go too far at the WTMD until I interjected, "Pardon me, ma'am. We're thorough but we're not intimate. Please keep that blouse on." For her and the passengers and screeners alike who overheard the comment, it was a moment of humor and comic relief.

I would hope that no one would think of pulling this stunt during a busy period. Then it would be imposing a delay and further inconvenience on fellow travelers just to make a silly point. Not saying that the OP would do this. But there are some in here who would. They think it's a matter of "principle." :rolleyes:

Good point Bart, although I think in this case the screener went overboard asking for a sweater to be removed. In this case it was appropriate to demonstrate the absurdity of the request.

One of the differences is that Team SFO gets more heads-up when they are going to be tested by the Feds

Covenant has denied the former employee's story, but now a Department of Homeland Security report confirms his accusations, saying TSA and Covenant officials tracked the testers and notified screeners before they arrived at checkpoints.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?sec...cal&id=4770096

I wonder why agents tend to take an aggressive attitude toward the folks on this board.

You people treat it like a game. It's almost a hobby for some of you.

True. If it was a REAL TSA, they would have threatened him with not being able to fly, called over a LEO, and tazered him for good measure. Whatever necessary for the children! :p

The point is Bart that the TSA seems to regard common sense as a vice and avoids it at all costs.

Wow. The OP's point was about what constitutes "outer garment." And the OP had some fun with it. You're taking this in an entirely different direction. I won't bite.

Have fun.

:DNice story!

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No, it was about how the TSA seems to not be able to recognize a simple situation and deal with it appropriately.

I notice you love to throw up the snide "don't bother me with these trivial things" defense whenever an issue of common sense and reasonable responses comes up. This post is yet another indication of the lack of public relations skills common in too many TSA personnel. The TSA is there to SERVE the public, not the other way around.

Wait a minute. Are you saying that you actually have knowledge of agents knowing who posts on this board - and then acting in a vindictive fashion? If not, how can you support your first statement? I think Bart would want to quickly address this accusation, as it takes conspiracy to a whole new level.

"You people treat it like a game." Close, but no cigar. We treat it like the con game it is. If you choose to believe that it is the first line of defense against domestic terrorists, so be it.

BZZZZZZZZZZ

Wrong answer. Try again.

Shouldn't you be harassing passengers in an airport somewhere right now?:p

How is one supposed to know who the rent-a-cops are at a particular airport unless you ask them? They sure looked and acted like TSA.

Maybe you should spend less time picking apart everything posted here and more time checking for contraband hair gel.:rolleyes:

Welcome, Pinion! I'm new (to posting) too. This story will have me grinning all day.

Yet more proof that yer Ma was right when she told you to ALWAYS wear clean underwear.

Welcome again to you both, Martina McSorley and Pinion. It is a welcome sight to see people so frustrated with the TSA that they join us here to voice their concerns!

I'm impressed with the brainpower you generated to come up with those insults. I'll let you have the last word if you wish. In the meantime, I'll use the ignore feature from this point on.

Suggest you do the same.

Have a nice day, cupcake.

words
 

A couple of times TSA has told me, "I need to see your ticket". I replied that all I had with me was a boarding pass". He accepted that.
I'm not playing games. The nomenclature is simple stuff. I just want them to get it right.

OOOOO! I've been ignored by a TSA guy!:eek:

As in many of your posts where you appear to be the official spokesperson for the TSA, I just ask: Does this mean that all the TSAs will now ignore me too?

I feel I can speak for everyone here that has been frustrated by the TSA and for anyone who may not have ill feelings toward them yet (just wait your turn, it is coming one day;)) by saying:

God, i wish the TSA would ignore us!:D

Thanks, Bart. Being ignored by you is a great start. 1 down, "thousands standing around" to go...

As far as the "insults" you say I came up with. The original posting was meant in jest. With your original reply you decided to be snippy about things...

Sorry, I don't know that you personally harass passengers, but most passengers feel that most TSA are harassing them (along with many who post here).

BTW, TSA does NOT = LEO as stated many times on this forum. If you are not LEO, you are "hired security". Hired security = Rent-a-Cop.

The reason for any animosity toward you personally and the TSA in general by most here is summed up in this last part.

I'll not be ignoring you, Bart. I find it so refreshing to read your posts. The overall feeling I get is that everyone here is wrong and the TSA can do no wrong.

Do you like cupcakes or something? Get a new catchphrase...

TSA doesn't harass me.

and aren't insults like those from pinion against the TOS?

Because you are a sheeple and if you are content with that, it's fine by us here.

I'm a sheeple because I don't get harassed?

I'm sure that makes sense in some alternate universe

Fair enough. Works the other way, too. Not unusual that I ask to see a boarding pass and the passenger gives me a blank expression. Then I repeat but say, "your ticket, please" and out comes their boarding pass.

I'm not so picky about nomenclature.

I just want to see the document that authorizes them entry. ;)

Don't take sheeple that way. I've been through several European airports in the past week and NEVER removed shoes. Too much of what the TSA calls rules are meant to give the average citizen the appearance of security, and many infrequent flyers fall for it. And if you dare to question it, you are "suspicious". Sheeple are those who fail to question the actions of government agents because you are afraid or you've fallen for their lines about safety without asking why.

Well, I certainly don't start a fight with the TSO at every opportunity and I don't try to go through with a cruddy attitude.
I roll with it and have a nice day

The inconsistency bugs me, the liquid thing bugs me, as do a few other things, but none of it to the level of spitting blood and venom at the TSA folks, letting it all consume my life and ruin my travel

Yet it seems like you are letting this forum elevate your blood pressure :D

With a few notable exceptions, like the screener throwing tools in the trash, most "blood & venom" here is aimed at TSA policy and procedure.

The screeners may be ones with the shortest end of the stick, since they largely labor on wasteful process and take the brunt of passenger anger when things don't execute perfectly. It is no wonder the turnover is so high.

No screener was harmed by the creation of this post. ;)

That is all partly why I try to be pleasant and roll on through.

I have enough garbage to deal with than to get all riled up over some minimum wage screener.

I smile, act nice, don't beep and roll on my way...happy

Wow, what about Bart's reply to Pinion !! Insults? He saw insults in that post? Pretty thin skinned these TSA folk. Do yourself a favour Bart, don't ever visit Australia. Light hearted jibes like Pinion's are a national sport down here !!