TSA testing every laptop?
Jul 18, 2009 | 6:59 pm
#46
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 30,971
Now, c'mon. If we're going to fight, let's fight fair.
A TSA employee comes into this, the den of lions, and admits that he thinks that checking IDs provides minimal (if any) added security value, and that when he trains other employees, he tries to spend more of his limited time training on things that we all agree do make a difference in security (like WEIs). Now you want to criticize him for poorly training on a security practice which the vast majority on this forum believe doesn't add value in the first place?
I mean, I know it's fun to treat TSA employees like punching bags, but fair is fair ...
A TSA employee comes into this, the den of lions, and admits that he thinks that checking IDs provides minimal (if any) added security value, and that when he trains other employees, he tries to spend more of his limited time training on things that we all agree do make a difference in security (like WEIs). Now you want to criticize him for poorly training on a security practice which the vast majority on this forum believe doesn't add value in the first place?
I mean, I know it's fun to treat TSA employees like punching bags, but fair is fair ...
If a TDC doesn't know what ID's are ok then someone has placed an unqualified person to the job.
I would bet if the TDC's are having trouble with ID then others positions are having issues with those skills also.
The bigger issue is a faulty training program.
Jul 18, 2009 | 7:43 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: SW Rapid Rewards, Hilton Honors, Marriott, Avis First
Posts: 4,831
Landed safely, but oy what a bumpy flight.
I would have been absolutely fine if this had been the conversation:
TSO: Hmmm. I don't recognize this ID, but let me call my supervisor over so we can get you on your way.
Me: Sure thing.
Supervisor: Ah, yes, a Passport Card. We don't see a lot of them, but they are valid ID.
TSO: Oh, okay. Thanks and I am sorry for the inconvenience, sir.
Me: No problem.
I sill don't understand why there is always hesitance to call the supervisor over if the TSO isn't sure instead of just automatically saying no.
I would have been absolutely fine if this had been the conversation:
TSO: Hmmm. I don't recognize this ID, but let me call my supervisor over so we can get you on your way.
Me: Sure thing.
Supervisor: Ah, yes, a Passport Card. We don't see a lot of them, but they are valid ID.
TSO: Oh, okay. Thanks and I am sorry for the inconvenience, sir.
Me: No problem.
I sill don't understand why there is always hesitance to call the supervisor over if the TSO isn't sure instead of just automatically saying no.
Jul 18, 2009 | 7:58 pm
#48
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FrostByte Falls, Mn
Programs: Holiday Inn Plat NW gold AA gold
Posts: 2,157
Landed safely, but oy what a bumpy flight.
I would have been absolutely fine if this had been the conversation:
TSO: Hmmm. I don't recognize this ID, but let me call my supervisor over so we can get you on your way.
Me: Sure thing.
Supervisor: Ah, yes, a Passport Card. We don't see a lot of them, but they are valid ID.
TSO: Oh, okay. Thanks and I am sorry for the inconvenience, sir.
Me: No problem.
I sill don't understand why there is always hesitance to call the supervisor over if the TSO isn't sure instead of just automatically saying no.
I would have been absolutely fine if this had been the conversation:
TSO: Hmmm. I don't recognize this ID, but let me call my supervisor over so we can get you on your way.
Me: Sure thing.
Supervisor: Ah, yes, a Passport Card. We don't see a lot of them, but they are valid ID.
TSO: Oh, okay. Thanks and I am sorry for the inconvenience, sir.
Me: No problem.
I sill don't understand why there is always hesitance to call the supervisor over if the TSO isn't sure instead of just automatically saying no.
Jul 18, 2009 | 8:18 pm
#49
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
1. The TSO wasn't unsure about the situation in question. He was sure. He was completely wrong, but he was sure. Consequently, from his perspective, there was no need to call a supervisor.
2. In most areas of life, people in authority hesitate to admit ignorance; it's seen by many as a sign of weakness. Consequently, we cover up our ignorance by reasserting our position, even if it doesn't hold up. (This isn't solely the purview of TSA, of course ... there's an old lawyer's saying: "When the facts are against you, argue the law. When the law is against you, argue the facts. When both the facts and law are against you, argue louder.")
Jul 20, 2009 | 6:36 am
#50
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, US
Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold
Posts: 6,106
Testing of laptops - Jakarta
I heard a news report that the bombs smuggled into the hotels in Jakarta was done via laptop. At least that is what I thought I heard (had TV on and was just waking up).
What day were the hotels hit vs what day was the "laptop swab-a-thon" ?
What day were the hotels hit vs what day was the "laptop swab-a-thon" ?
Jul 20, 2009 | 9:04 am
#51
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 302
Now, do I believe TSA was actually in the info loop? No way. Sometime in late 2009, while reading a July copy of Newsweek on the john in headquarters, a TSA executive will scream out...."My God they used LAPTOPS....GET THE LAPTOPS..." Just wait, it will happen.
Jul 20, 2009 | 10:16 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Salish Sea
Programs: DL,AC,HH,PC
Posts: 8,972
If the TSA was swabbing laptops at every airport then I would accept a link, but the Jakarta laptop news only came out in the last day or so. I would like to think this was a coordinated reaction as it would indicate that someone, somewhere was on the ball, but since according to OP it wasn't even being done throughout PHX then I'm inclinded to think the two things are not connected.
