You do not have to invoke any rights protection when talking to a SPOT goon as they don't have LE or Judicial authority to ask you anything.

I will tell them to piss off and take the SSSS...they act like they can punish you with a secondary...sure it is irritating but not a big deal as a consequence of telling them to pound sand.

but do not forget to file a complaint along with getting names and i/d #'s. if they are a gov't employee and are asked for i/d they must provide it.

But like the privacy act, TSA thinks it's exempt. :rolleyes:

Go get 'em Spiff. You know you want to ...

A stranger or two on the pre-security side of the airport wants to know both your identity--including your home address if it is on your driver's licence--and how far (or how long) you'll be away from your home.

Gosh, nothing alarming about that request: why would anyone hesitate to answer questions like that from a non-uniformed person?

I still think that the best tack is to answer all questions with questions. It's very irritating and perfectly defensible.

"So where are you going today?"
"Why do you want to know?"

"Gee, I like your laptop bag."
"Do you like all laptop bags?"

"Do you want to fly today? Then respect my authority and answer my questions!"

"Not particularly, but I have to be NY tomorrow for a meeting. Does HMS Host make you go to meetings?"

"ok, i'll answer your questions but only in the presence of your supervisor, the tsa terminal manager, the ground services coordinator for <airline name here>, a law enforcement officer and my traveling companion who will record the entire conversation on their cell phone video camera".

Spot the MR Runner
 

MRs are going to get interesting:

"Where are you going?"
"Wherever that Delta CRJ out there takes me."
"Where might that be?"
"Don't ask me, I'm just self loading freight. The pilot and copilot determine where the plane goes, yet traditionally they don't consult heavy discount Y pax for navigation tips."
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"To take a ride in an airplane."
"Are you being smart with me?"
"Explaining the concept of a Mileage Run seems darn near impossible in the 30 minutes remaining before my flight."
"How long have you been in Spotsville?"
"Ten minutes."
"Are you being smart with me?"
"Explaining the concept of a Mileage Run seems darn near impossible in the 29 minutes remaining before my flight."
"Do ya wanna fly today?"
"Thank you, that's a great idea. It will get me out of this town faster than the bus." :p

Sounds like you're going to give The Crow a real puckin' hard time. :D

if he is able to spot me (pun intended) among the 10 or so f/t'ers going thru security this sunday, in simple terms yes :D

Okay, so what is a spotter? This thread is very interesting, although I bet it would be even more interesting if I know what a spotter was.

Thanks!

Spiff would probably tell you it's a filthy communist dog (pun intended :D) that is out looking for "abnormal" behaviors and unusual responses to questions asked to determine if someone should receive further screening or should be talked to by police.

In short, it's harassment by poorly trained TSA personnel that are trying to look like they're being proactive.

I would also like to know what exactly a spotter is. How do they differ from the idiots putting their initials on your boarding pass?