Why are TSA bins numbered at SNA?
Feb 19, 2009 | 7:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: DFW -
Programs: AA EXP 5MM, DL DM, Bonvoy Titanium, Avis CHM, National VIP
Posts: 557
Why are TSA bins numbered at SNA?
Going through security at SNA this morning, I noticed that every plastic bin at security (complete with Zappos ads) was individually numbered (C32, D47, etc). The numbers were printed on large stickers, so the TSA evidently went to some expense to do that...and I can't imagine why. Seems like more government waste.
Feb 19, 2009 | 8:09 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
Going through security at SNA this morning, I noticed that every plastic bin at security (complete with Zappos ads) was individually numbered (C32, D47, etc). The numbers were printed on large stickers, so the TSA evidently went to some expense to do that...and I can't imagine why. Seems like more government waste.
The mind is a terrible thing.
Feb 19, 2009 | 8:17 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,386
Noticed that for the first time today at T-4, LAX. Just kinda ignored it.
Maybe its for inventory, or maybe some of the employees have been taking them home for kitty litter.
Maybe its for inventory, or maybe some of the employees have been taking them home for kitty litter.
Feb 19, 2009 | 9:12 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 10,047
It's for security tray bingo. If you watch carefully, you'll notice the TSO's furtively checking off the squares on their cards. Every so often, one of them will shout "FEMALE ASSIST" which is really just a code word for "FULL HOUSE". (You'll notice a few high fives when that happens).
Games can take quite a long time to complete, because trays tend to go around on the same belt most of the time - meaning that TSOs have to wait to get transfered to a different lane before they can collect all the numbers they need. If you want to do the TSO's a favor, you could shuffle the trays around a little - carry a few from one lane to the start of a different lane. You're sure to be very popular.
Games can take quite a long time to complete, because trays tend to go around on the same belt most of the time - meaning that TSOs have to wait to get transfered to a different lane before they can collect all the numbers they need. If you want to do the TSO's a favor, you could shuffle the trays around a little - carry a few from one lane to the start of a different lane. You're sure to be very popular.
Feb 19, 2009 | 11:15 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SFO
Posts: 259
It would be useless to do inventory on cheap items like trays. They eventually break anyways. First the cracks on the corners appear, then it starts to spread until entire corners start peeling off and getting stuck on people's sweaters.
Imagine having to be the person at the end of the day having to count all the bins to make sure they are all accounted for.
Imagine having to be the person at the end of the day having to count all the bins to make sure they are all accounted for.
Feb 20, 2009 | 4:59 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Nevada
Programs: DL,EK
Posts: 1,653
In many places outside the US (I think I last saw it in ZRH), inside the numbered tray, is a plastic sheet with the same number. You put your stuff in the tray, carry the sheet through, and turn in the sheet to get the matching tray back... helps make sure your laptop doesn't grow legs I guess.
The US forgot the other part.
The US forgot the other part.
Feb 20, 2009 | 11:33 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink <glub> Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA:SSSS /rolleyes ☈ Date Night:Costco
Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre✓ Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset
Posts: 12,523
I’ve got a cat that hangs around my place, and I’m sure she’d be honored to take a dump on something that came from the TSA.
Feb 20, 2009 | 3:43 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: USA
Programs: UA/CO(1K-PLT), AA(PLT), QR, EK, Marriott(PLT), Hilton(DMND)
Posts: 9,538