|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12000758)
it's pretty childish to call the TSOs idiots. It accomplishes nothing. May make you feel good
And that, pal, is my opinion. :D I do not agree that calling TSO's idiots is childish, esp if their interpretation of a TSA rule or their actions warrant that description. The GI Joe action figure incident at LAX is one of my favorites. When I was still traveling several times a month, I observed TSO's that were good at their job, courteous and even nice to deal with, however those were the very few, the large majority of the TSO's are idiots, and although it is a guess, I would imagine a large majority of the posters in this thread would probably agree that the majority of TSO's are indeed idiots. I do agree as you state "it accomplishes nothing" and "May make you feel good" "And that pal, IS my opinion":D |
Originally Posted by RoadVeteran
(Post 12001586)
Geez, I actually agree with some of what you stated!;)
I do not agree that calling TSO's idiots is childish, esp if their interpretation of a TSA rule or their actions warrant that description. The GI Joe action figure incident at LAX is one of my favorites. When I was still traveling several times a month, I observed TSO's that were good at their job, courteous and even nice to deal with, however those were the very few, the large majority of the TSO's are idiots, and although it is a guess, I would imagine a large majority of the posters in this thread would probably agree that the majority of TSO's are indeed idiots. I do agree as you state "it accomplishes nothing" and "May make you feel good" "And that pal, IS my opinion":D I'm not so sure that calling a person an "idiot accomplishes nothing". An intelligent person after hearing such a comment might consider why they were called an idiot and perhaps after some reflection realize that they were in fact an idiot during that encounter. Of course one would be required to have "intelligence" for this process to work and in the case of TSO's.... well you know! |
Hey Bart:
It makes me feel good anyway:D:D I'm going to get down your way one of these days. |
Originally Posted by Boggie Dog
(Post 12002641)
one would be required to have "intelligence" for this process to work and in the case of TSO's.... well you know!
|
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12007935)
I've known very few people who were able to think rationally after being insulted. Usually, human nature is to either respond back in kind or to have some sort of attitude. It's not a matter of intelligence. It's a matter of emotions.
I tell my officers that we're not paid to get angry. When they encounter a particularly unpleasant passenger, I tell them to remember that there's a lot we do not know about the person. He or she could have just left a funeral of a loved one, could be on the way to the funeral, could have just blown a business deal, could have just found out that his or her spouse is having an affair, could be a whole bunch of other things that cause someone to act in a way that they otherwise would not. |
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12007935)
I tell my officers that we're not paid to get angry. When they encounter a particularly unpleasant passenger, I tell them to remember that there's a lot we do not know about the person. He or she could have just left a funeral of a loved one, could be on the way to the funeral, could have just blown a business deal, could have just found out that his or her spouse is having an affair, could be a whole bunch of other things that cause someone to act in a way that they otherwise would not. Could be that the person is just an a$$hole. I tell them that it's not worth the effort to find out which is which. Just let it all roll off the back. I am not heartless and without feelings even though most of my posts may not sound like that. I realize even TSO's have "off days" and like everyone have to deal with the sad reality that life brings to all of us at some point, but the conclusion that most frequent flyers have came to is that most TSO's for whatever the reason may be are not nice to deal with and lack any commonsense interpeting TSA's own rules and restrictions. When my sister passed away, followed a short time later by my fathers death I had to fly to both services and between trying to comfort my mother, and dealing with my own grief, my emotions were not at their best. I had no problems with TSA or any TSO on those trips and I am thankful for it. Its to bad that there are not, it seems, more of your collegues that try to impart on the TSO's what you have said because in the many travels I have had over the years I stand by what I have said about allmost all TSO's. Then again as you point out "that person could just be an a**hole", that goes both ways too, TSO's are not exempt from that either. |
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12008493)
I know we have a couple officers who use their position to act like jerks around passengers. I think we've weeded most of them out, but it would be unrealistic to say that there are none on the floor. I don't know of any employee population that is 100% free of jerks.
Then there's the case of a particular officer I've known over the years. At heart, he is a good man with nothing but the best of intentions for his fellow human beings. He is one of the most despised people on the workforce: despised by fellow officers, airport employees, airline employees and just about every passenger he encounters. He has this uncanny ability of pissing people off. At first, I thought he was a jerk who slipped through the system. But as I got to know him over the years, I found that he is genuinely a good person. It's just that he is one of those people who has a way of saying things that come out wrong. You or I could say the exact same words and not offend anybody. He can walk into a room full of nuns, say good morning, and have the nuns ready to lynch him. He's been pulled off the floor and "detailed" to other duties pending his retirement. I clearly understand your point. I think you will agree that passengers don't have to be polite whereas TSOs should. However, supervisors can't fix the problem unless it is reported to them. Simply calling a TSO an idiot does nothing to fix the problem and only leaves the impression that the passenger doing the name calling is the problem instead of the TSO. I've always advocated notifying the supervisor about TSO misconduct but have been met with skepticism. Far easier to sign online and whine about it, I guess. If you read my posts, one would be certain that I am the most UNreasonable, harsh, cruel, vindictive person you would ever not want to meet. However most people who have known me for years often describe me as one of the most mild mannered individuals they have ever known. I have in the past notified supervisors of what I thought was a TSO being out of bounds in their conduct/actions, I dont know what became of those incidents. I do respectfully disagree about "signing online and whine about it", I prefer to descibe it as others have as "venting". |
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12007935)
I've known very few people who were able to think rationally after being insulted. Usually, human nature is to either respond back in kind or to have some sort of attitude. It's not a matter of intelligence. It's a matter of emotions.
I tell my officers that we're not paid to get angry. When they encounter a particularly unpleasant passenger, I tell them to remember that there's a lot we do not know about the person. He or she could have just left a funeral of a loved one, could be on the way to the funeral, could have just blown a business deal, could have just found out that his or her spouse is having an affair, could be a whole bunch of other things that cause someone to act in a way that they otherwise would not. Could be that the person is just an a$$hole. I tell them that it's not worth the effort to find out which is which. Just let it all roll off the back. |
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12009929)
Let's try looking at this from a TSO perspective (TSORon, HSVTSODean, myrgirl feel free to chime in):
Just had an unpleasant encounter with a passenger, so the TSO is going to "retaliate" by making that passenger stick around the checkpoint just a little bit longer and either abuse that TSO or other TSOs. And of course, the other TSOs won't even mention it to the one who made the referral. Yeah, right. My friend, the actual truth is that TSOs want to get people through as quickly as possible. They hand-wand/search them only because they have to or the situation warrants it. Then we have real world events like where someone had the audacity to bring $4,700 with them through a TSA Dragnet Checkpoint. |
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12009929)
My friend, the actual truth is that TSOs want to get people through as quickly as possible. They hand-wand/search them only because they have to or the situation warrants it.
|
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010025)
I am certain that TSOs make it a point to refer you to secondary screening because they don't like you.
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010025)
It's all about you. Always has been. Always will be. You and a million others.
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010025)
This is covered during shift briefings. In fact, TSOs have a quota they have to fill. I'm not talking about just random screenings. I'm talking about an RSSQ: retaliatory secondary screening quota.
I immediately called for a supervisor and after explaining what happened, the supervisor agreed with me and apologized. |
Originally Posted by Tom M.
(Post 12010048)
Poor little picked on Bart. Want a little cheese with that whine:D
|
Originally Posted by Superguy
(Post 12010074)
Remember, if it doesn't happen in BartworldŽ, then it doesn't happen anywhere. Ever.
Until they can admit to having a problem then no corrective action can be taken. All of the pleading, coaching or any other actions are for naught. Bart this was not directed at you but the whole of TSA. |
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010313)
One of the recent opportunities I've had is to go to other airports as an evaluator to assess officer proficiency in basic screening skills. I've found that a majority of airports are right on the money. There are those, however, that need improvement. Still, the TSA standard is pretty standard.
As for corrective action, it all begins with speaking with the supervisor and documenting the incident. Some in here, including the one to whom you responded, absolutely refuse to submit written complaints to the TSA leadership. Pretty hard to fix it at that point. Well Bart I think TSA as an organization is broken. There is plenty of evidence to draw on to formulate that opinion. It's apparent that screeners are looking for much more than WEI or other prohibited items. People are being treated improperly and some have had items stolen from them. But if your satisfied with this level of performance for TSA then so be it. |
*****
|
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010488)
These were always brutally honest and grueling ordeals. And I think TSA needs to adapt the same process. While there are those who say it does, I've found in the non-military world that people are basically reluctant about saying it like it is. TSA included.
LOL!:rolleyes: |
Originally Posted by n4zhg
(Post 12009020)
Or just pick him for the retaliatory secondary. :td:
Originally Posted by Bart
(Post 12010025)
I am certain that TSOs make it a point to refer you to secondary screening because they don't like you.
You just said so. It's all about you. Always has been. Always will be. You and a million others. This is covered during shift briefings. In fact, TSOs have a quota they have to fill. I'm not talking about just random screenings. I'm talking about an RSSQ: retaliatory secondary screening quota. You're right! first week of june at sfo, the wtmd gate-keeper upon seeing my shoes were still on simply said to me in a loud and strong voice, "shoes". i followed with "i'm wearing orthopedic shoes" she responded with "shoes off" i said again, "i'm wearing orthopedic shoes" she followed with "male assist continuous" i walk thru with no alarm (never do) and as i was waiting for my bags to picked up by the tso who was going to "do my shoes and hands", i saw the wtmd gate-keeper talking to another tso and pointing at me and rolling her eyes. as my shoes were being done, 4, yes 4, tso's came over and were about to do their thing on my bag-that was until i yelled "stop! do not search my bag until i can be present to see exactly what you are doing" (and yes i yelled). that got a few good looks from the tso's and when "my shoes were done" ;), i stood at the table and asked for a supervisor prior to their searching my bag. i was questioned why i asked and simply told them that i believed that my screening was retaliatory from the wtmd gate-keeper. well, i gotta tell you, one of the tso's hot-footed for a supervisor faster than you can believe. the supervisor arrived and i told her what happened. she then told me that i was abusive and that i alarmed the wtmd. neither of which were true and i told her i would be more than happy to wait while she went and played the surveillance tape. she asked who the wtmd gate-keeper was and i pointed her out where the supervisor muttered and "oh" and i was sent on my way without any "continuous screening" so with that, yes, pax can be pita's and "looking for it" but in my case so can tso's |
Bart...I know you probably take a lot of flack in this forum because of your job. I just realized that you work for the TSA. I applaud what you do...I really do. I know that there are some good employees with TSA. Just some of your brethern are giving the TSA a bad reputation. In my situation, the outcome I would have liked to have seen is this: The agent screens my bag, does a secondary screening on the key chain, discover it no threat to aviation or anyone, and let me proceed. I really don't mind if they have to do a 2nd screening if it is useful. In my recent case, the agent wanted to argue that there was no way I could have ever gone through any TSA screening at all with that in my bag. I told him I have had it for 5 years and yes, I have been through plenty of screenings, including this very same screening point just 2 weeks prior. His reply: I don't believe you. My reply: Thats because you all are a bunch of idiots. That is when he called the LEO over and I was led away. In hindsight, probably a supervisor could have been called over and if the agent hadn't called over the LEO I might have gone that route. I might still use the TSA website to submit a comment/ complaint.
|
deleted
|
*****
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 3:02 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.