Cutting in line...
Jun 5, 2019 | 10:22 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,549
I view the line to place items onto the xray as somewhat independent of the line to go through the magnetometer.
Therefore, if you dont need the xray, you simply queue for the mag when ready.
SInce OP had no items, he wasnt 'jumping the line'. I have demanded at TSA supe, been an AH, and caused a scene- of course AFTER I passed through. Assuming I had the spare time.
Therefore, if you dont need the xray, you simply queue for the mag when ready.
SInce OP had no items, he wasnt 'jumping the line'. I have demanded at TSA supe, been an AH, and caused a scene- of course AFTER I passed through. Assuming I had the spare time.
Jun 5, 2019 | 10:41 am
#17
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 6,513
If you travel via certain airports, you know what to expect. I have (or used to carry a corkscrew) as I like wine when travelling. PHX is the only airport that was better for me to put it in the little tray for x ray, Another airport (GCC) if I recall would have a problem with my shoes each and every time. No big deal and I plan for it. Shoes are already untied and ready for removal. My loose change and anything else is already in the computer bag long before I enter security, as I'm prepared. The waiting until the x-ray machine to spend a few minutes taking off all the crap you thought was perfectly fine is what drives me nuts.
This is right up there with people that simply stop in the middle of the primary walk area to glance at your phone, no concern with the flow of traffic within the airport, or decide that standing on the moving walkway, blocking all those that would prefer to walk is fine. I want one of those small air horn things people seem to use at soccer games for the airport. Should hopefully get your attention. For those that seem to not care, do you stop in the fast lane of the highway to read a map? Or how many people pull up to Taco Bell drive thru and need a few minutes to review the menu... It's the same menu it's been since last week/month/year. Nothing shocking, so prepare to order, or get a horn honk from me.
This is right up there with people that simply stop in the middle of the primary walk area to glance at your phone, no concern with the flow of traffic within the airport, or decide that standing on the moving walkway, blocking all those that would prefer to walk is fine. I want one of those small air horn things people seem to use at soccer games for the airport. Should hopefully get your attention. For those that seem to not care, do you stop in the fast lane of the highway to read a map? Or how many people pull up to Taco Bell drive thru and need a few minutes to review the menu... It's the same menu it's been since last week/month/year. Nothing shocking, so prepare to order, or get a horn honk from me.
Jun 5, 2019 | 10:43 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,655
I guess because it's a small airport, they aren't big on efficiency. I don't usually on my own go around people still fussing with their stuff, but it's pretty common that the TSA agent will beckon me forward to go through the scanner to keep things moving along.
If the TSA agent berated you for efficiency, it seems a bit idiotic of her to do so and probably because it's a place where no one is probably in a hurry to get anything done on a timely basis.
If the TSA agent berated you for efficiency, it seems a bit idiotic of her to do so and probably because it's a place where no one is probably in a hurry to get anything done on a timely basis.
Jun 5, 2019 | 11:12 am
#19
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alaska
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 134
On my last trip at our small airport, a family just before me stopped at the head of the first of the table, getting their stuff ready to scan. There was another table ahead of them and nobody there. I calmly went around them and threw my backpack on the conveyor after stuffing my phone in it. TSA agent then shouted to the rest of the line that there was plenty of table space ahead to put their stuff. Just goes to show that not all agents are idiots.
Jun 5, 2019 | 3:48 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 190
You were clearly in the right, but how to respond in a well-calibrated manner is no easy matter when put on the spot. Truth be told, this sounds a bit like a sh|t test
Jun 5, 2019 | 4:11 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 1,011
Agreed on the "small town" airport security sentiment.
And yes, at the "larger city" airports, it is very common that while others are in mid-doffing mode, those initially behind them who are ready to walk through the scanner simply do so (of course, waiting to be waved through) without the slightest hesitation, and nobody bats an eye; not even security personnel.
And yes, at the "larger city" airports, it is very common that while others are in mid-doffing mode, those initially behind them who are ready to walk through the scanner simply do so (of course, waiting to be waved through) without the slightest hesitation, and nobody bats an eye; not even security personnel.
Jun 5, 2019 | 6:23 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 124
Lol, some good comments. I recently relocated to a much smaller community and this tiny little airport (on an island, no less) is ten minutes from the house. For about a second I thought about hollering back, then thought for a second about “educating” the TSA lady that I was really all about efficiency not cutting, but then I realized I’m gonna see her several to many times a month for the next x number of years... so I kept my mouth shut. Lol.
Jun 5, 2019 | 6:52 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,608
Well there you go, OP, that's probably the best response of them all. Yup you don't want the local TSA people to recognize you 
As most up thread have said, you did nothing wrong in most of our opinions. But oh the small airports! I regularly fly out of BZN and sometimes what happens there is hysterical. It's one of those airports with about 7 gates but a lot of clowns dressed in blue.
As most up thread have said, you did nothing wrong in most of our opinions. But oh the small airports! I regularly fly out of BZN and sometimes what happens there is hysterical. It's one of those airports with about 7 gates but a lot of clowns dressed in blue.
Jun 5, 2019 | 8:08 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 44
Some people can be uptight and high strung about things like that. Even though it wouldn't make a difference to anyone.
I remember a guy cut in line at a sold-out concert. We were waiting in line to buy tickets when they release extras a few hours before the show starts. people freaked that he cut in line and started chanting, "BACK OF THE LINE. BACK OF THE LINE..." In a situation like that where there is a finite number of tickets available, I get it. But in your case (or others who are late for a flight, some people just need to take a chill pill.
I remember a guy cut in line at a sold-out concert. We were waiting in line to buy tickets when they release extras a few hours before the show starts. people freaked that he cut in line and started chanting, "BACK OF THE LINE. BACK OF THE LINE..." In a situation like that where there is a finite number of tickets available, I get it. But in your case (or others who are late for a flight, some people just need to take a chill pill.
Jun 5, 2019 | 8:37 pm
#25
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: AA, United, Iberia, US Airways
Posts: 47
Dykwia move on your part. Next time just relax and let things unfold without breaching the American norm of waiting your turn in line. Patience is, after all, a virtue. Be virtuous, not a dyk(wia).
Jun 5, 2019 | 10:46 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: United 1K, Frontier Platinum (lol), fmr Delta Platinum Medallion, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 22
You were in the clear
There are two separate lines, one for the magnometer and one for all your oversized carryons, etc. You were in the right, but yeah, dont mess with these guys, especially if the airports small enough that theyll remember you!
Jun 6, 2019 | 12:45 am
#27
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: next to HAM
Programs: LH M+M
Posts: 974
Jun 6, 2019 | 8:22 am
#28
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 61
Occasionally, I get to the bin area and realize I have forgotten to do something to make for an efficient pass through. It's frustrating and additionally so knowing I am delaying the folks behind me. If you see me, do not stand behind me hrumphing and eye rolling, please DO kindly step around me. No need to ask permission.
Jun 6, 2019 | 9:55 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
Just another TSA agent on a power trip. What you did was completely appropriate. They weren't ready to go through and you were. The nude-o-scope lane was empty and you walked through inconveniencing no one. If this situation the slow folk actually frequently tell me to go ahead without prompting.
Last edited by milepig; Jun 6, 2019 at 10:04 am