They make up the rules as they go along. At BWI they'll regularly refuse. The correct answer when they do is to say "How do I know you're really TSA and not some scam artist if you won't show me your ID?" That's guaranteed to win friends and influence supervisors... ;)

good point about the alarming/not alarming as i never alarm and the screener is informed "male assist, no alarm, shoes only" (and this most recently has been at sfo, lax, oak, & ord and we'll see what happens at iad and tpa on saturday ;))

you are correct in all counts and if it happens to the contrary, you need to tell them that it was a non-alarm & non-shoe removal and that's it-period. if they insist, then you have to insist and follow what was outlined above as a non-alarm secondary for shoes is simply one of the following:

swab 'n go of your shoes
swab 'n go of your shoes & palms
swab 'n go of your shoes, palms and maybe a pat down
swab 'n go of your shoes, palms, a pat down & maybe a wand
swab 'n go of your shoes, palms, a pat down & maybe a wand but never a search of your belongings if cleared by x-ray

The TSA does not lie, Citizen, although our well-crafted communications are sometimes misinterpreted by those of lesser intellect.

We have nothing to learn, we already know exactly what to do with complaints.

I am going through PHL today, and I'll keep my eyes open for my two favorite TSA employees...

I can send information to the OP if sent a PM. :)

This is probably the last thing that you want to do. Taking pictures of the security area (or within it) would probably get you some fairly hot water. I'm almost certain that taking pictures is prohibited is in the US.

I'll never forget getting snagged by security when I was just playing with my F100 while waiting in the gate area at CDG back around 2000. That was not fun. I thought that I was going to lose a $1,700 body for a bit there.

You know, the sad part is that in many trips through PHL and other destinations they get the drill right. I don't like the liquid ban, but I comply, just as I do with the swab, wand etc. But when they blow it, . . . then I will call them.

I can understand why people cave - TSA makes it an unpleasent experience. There were two guys who kept wandering by remarking stuff like, "why's 'e still gots his shoes on?" Thankfully, my experience on the Bremerhaven - Berlin Duty Train helped deal with robotic intimidation attempts.

Have phun in PHL - are you just connecting so you can stay inside security? Look for a PM

Wrong! The only airport that I know of where photography of the security area is prohibited is at Baltimore (BWI). Public area is literally that, a public area. No restriction on photography unless posted with citation of state law or local ordinance.

Like I said, I am "almost certain". I know that I have seen "photography not permitted" signs at airports in the US but can't remember which ones off the top of my head. It seems odd to me that photography would be allowed but what do I know.

Regardless, I still think it is not a smart thing to do and I would definitely not post the pictures here and risk action being taken against this valuable resource.

Let's really hope you are VERY wrong about this. The website goalie referred to states (bolding is mine):

Please clarify.

But most definitely a no-no at CDG. They're French you know :eek: .

'Nuff said ?

Personally, I would like to see someone challenge the BWI stance in court. They are actually relying on a Maryland Port Administration regulation, not a Maryland Airport Administration regulation, for their signage. There is nothing in the COMAR that applies a photography restriction at an airport.

Not that I think there is a big issue with photography, but since the checkpoints are located in an airport, which is private property, ceasing to take photographs when told can cause you to be removed from the airport, whether you are attempting to fly or not.

I think you are stretching things a tad. "Told" to stop by whom? A representative of the owner? A tenent? Some one in uniform? Exactly what is the reason for police patrols in private property? And, aren't most airports under governmental or quasi-governmental ownership making them public?

TSA's PHL rep, Katrina Banks (FSD Robert.Ellis assistant) called just a few minutes ago. She indicated that in fact all the things I understood - keep shoes on, WTMD person should communicate to the "assist" person, comment form should be available, no ID to get the card - were correct understandings.

She clearly indicated that they were not disagreeing with my version of the events . . . I was tempted to ask whether they reviewed the tapes, but did not. Complaint was discussed with staff and there will be retraining. In fact she made a mention of disciplinary action. I don't recall the exact nature of Honeytoes conversation with TSA, but I'll bet is was very similar.

I travel throught PHL alot, hope not to run into the same crew again. Thanks to all those who provided advice.