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"?
(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.

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.
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.

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

Good times...

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

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."

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!

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.

Nice story!