Detained and delayed by the TSA for appearing "nervous"
 

On Thursday, I was scheduled to fly from SAT-MEM-AMS. As I always do, I cut it pretty close with regard to getting to the airport. I had already checked-in online, had my boarding passes in hand, and had no bags to check, Usually getting through security at SAT is a breeze; on Thursday, it was not, with an unusually long pile-up at security. I got in the queue with about 40 minutes to go before my domestic connecting flight. Nervous, I was not, but anxious about missing my flight and with it my European connection and seething inside at the snail's pace and the size of the line, I was.

As I neared the checkpoint, I politely asked a TSA agent if he knew why SAT was so busy and pointed out that my flight at Gate 10, which is visible from the line, was already boarding and that I had an international connection. Little did I know that this banter would provoke further problems.

When I cleared the metal detector, despite not alarming it, I was marshaled into the pen for additional security. TSA wanded me, pat me down, and unpacked virtually every item in my computer and carry-on bag, with the agent with whom I had spoke directing the show. It soon became apparent that I was being detained purely for dilatory purposes. As my flight completed boarding, the TSA folks continued to do everything they could to slow me down. Having unpacked and repacked everything and asked me a number of questions, the TSA guy stared at my driver's license literally for several minutes much like a bouncer might stare at an obviously fake ID proferred by a minor. My passport was photocopied. The TSA guy rifled through my wallet reshuffling all my credit cards in the process. Then he summoned over a SAPD officer and an airport police officer. Although I had already tendered my driver license, passport, and a business card, and the first two had been photocopied, I was asked again for my home address and contact information. Meanwhile, the TSA guy ran off with my passport once again. The airport police officer was the only person who seemed remotely friendly and concerned about my flight, and he actually informed the gate of my delay. In the meantime, another TSA agent who was handling the inspection of my luggage started rummaging through it again in what was a transparent effort to kill more time.

The TSA agents were incredulous that I would go on vacation by myself. They were also incredulous that somebody might leave for Europe on a Thursday and return on a Sunday. They also chewed me out for not showing up for a flight two hours before departure. Throughout the ordeal, I remained calm and courteous, although inside I was livid.

My flight was scheduled to depart at 4:16 p.m. After 20 minutes of completely unnecessary questioning and detention, it was -- you guessed it -- 4:16 p.m. I ran over to the gate and flashed my boarding pass at the gate agent. She told me that I was too late, but she would check to see if the boarding door was still open. We ran down the jet bridge together, but the aircraft door was closed and the jet bridge had been pulled back. Incredibly and to his eternal credit, a NW agent who had just finished retracting the jet bridge called the aircraft and agreed to reposition the jet bridge. ^ The aircraft door was opened and I made my flight.

Despite my relief at making my flight and making my connection to Europe, the actions of the TSA folks at the airport were disgraceful. :td: Those who know me or have read even a handful of my postings will know that I am very much a law-and-order conservative Republican. I pride myself on being unfailingly polite when dealing with authority figures and almost always defend the TSA from what I perceive to be unfair criticism. So for somebody like myself to be appalled by the behavior of the TSA takes a lot. In this case, I was treated very poorly. I have no quibble with the TSA questioning someone who appears "nervous," and if they legitimately had a problem with my body language, it is certainly understandable that I would be questioned. However, there was no excuse whatsoever for prolonging the questioning and detention for no reason other than to cause me to miss my flight once my bags had thoroughly been inspected, my person had been thoroughly checked, and I had answered all of the many questions about my identity and travel plans. Even the airport police officer quickly realized what was going on, and it was largely due to him that I was able to finally head for my gate. Thank to him and NW, for what to me was an unprecedented action in re-attaching a withdrawn jet bridge and re-opening a closed aircraft door to accommodate a customer. But no thanks to the TSA for nearly ruining my trip and shaking the confidence of someone who up until now has generally found himself defending the agency from its critics.

I have to wonder - is behavior this scandalous actionable? You're a lawyer - perhaps a strongly worded letter on your letterhead threatening action is in order?

... which may just end in being summarily placed on the no-fly list...

This is the first time I've heard of the TSA photocopying a passport.

What kind of "action" should be threatened? I have yet to see or hear of any TSAer held accountable for their actions during "security" screening. Search for AA2070's events at BOS if you want to see how slippery the TSA gets.

In this case, the first mistake was talking to a TSAer. I NEVER talk to a TSAer unless I absolutely must. And if I do, it's usually "yes" or "no." It angers some that I don't reciprocate the plastic and phony "thank you" or "good morning," but it's for the better.

Of all people, an attorney should be well versed on the reasons and benefits on being silent.

That's what I'm thinking also. NO EXCUSE for this nonsense. Repeat after me, I HATE TSA I HATE TSA:mad:

I believe your letterhead (or the letterhead of one of your colleagues/pastners) is your strongest weapon here.

I'm sorry for your ordeal... and I want to welcome you to the world of those who once thought you had nothing to fear if you had nothing to hide who just had a reality check. Sux doesn't it? Got one of those tshirts myself this year.
You really should respond to this - please do follow through with writing letters of complaint.

Never, ever surrender your wallet.

oh yeah... and who does the training at SAT??

Nah, this didn't happen... I read it on the new Kip-O-Blog... this can't happen... they have taken steps to make sure that things like this don't happen...

So... not sure what kind of delusion you are laboring under...

First, I didn't realize that it was permissible to check in on line for an international flight.

Second, by your own admission, you have been playing with fire and usually do. This time you got burned. Maybe next time you will not cut it so close.

Definition of a libertarian: a conservative who's been falsely accused.

Welcome aboard.

Never, ever tell any US government employee at any airport that you are late for a flight. Their first and only thought is that you need to be taught a lesson.

:td: to your lousy attitude and negative contribution to this thread.