Do you have anything in your bag I need to know about?

[Gorilla]

I had one of the screeners at a FSDO require me to take off my titanium watch. When I told her that it was non magnetic and would not set off the machine she proceded to tell me that the metal detector didn't care about whether it was magnetic or not, it detected metal. Rather than get into HOW it detected metal with her I just took off the watch...much easier.

When I was a kid, my brother and I had a metal detector which we'd use to "treasure hunt", the quintessential dork activity. It was a lot of fun, and we scored a lot of jewelry and coins. The point I'm making is that metal detectors, and I'm pretty sure the TSA uses standard metal detectors, beep with ANY metal.

Think about it... coins are not magnetic. Yet a bulging pocketful of coins or keys will beep like crazy. It doesn't have to be magnetic.

Good thing, too, as there are non-magnetic stainless steels, titanium, aluminum, that make dandy firearms.

 

[Going2Baja]

Bottom line is that MOST TSA agents don't know how the machines operate - they just know how to operate the machines. Every - and I stress EVERY time I go through TSA I see procedures being done wrong or just skipped. The system is by NO means perfect, but it is better than before IMHO.

The easiest way through is to take everything out of your pockets, off your feet and get it done. Try to reason with the TSA and you will loose. These people are much like the high school kid who always got his a$$ kicked and then became a cop - they will screw with you if you screw with them and they WILL win. Yes it sucks - blame it on the Muslims not the replacement players.

Baja.

 

[AA717driver]

Again: I must say that there are bad guys out there reading these threads. Sharing security protocols on here doesn't help anybody but them.

Please consider that before you share your stories of what was done to you at the security check points.

FJ

The Soviets had people working at Groom Lake. Al Q has people working in the TSA. Al Q has people working as rampers and agents. He!!, considering how the airlines are run, I'd say they have terrorists on the BOD at most airlines.

In fact, I'd be looking closely at the ALPA National Executive Board, too. TC

 

[mar]

Just like pilots!

Bottom line is that MOST TSA agents don't know how the machines operate - they just know how to operate the machines.

That part hit a little close to home for me but I'll get over it.

But listen my friend, I appreciate your unique insight on this matter so I have a question.

I absolutely refuse to remove my shoes. I just won't do it. Call me stupid, idiotic and stubborn. That's fine.

But why, when I'm passing through the metal detector, they tell me, "Sir we're looking for more than just metal."

That's the part when I just ignore them.

And then they roll their eyes.

And then I have to go sit down and get my shoes swabbed for "explosive material" or something like that...

So my question is this: If I were to cooperate and behave like a pliant little boy and send my shoes through the x-ray machine like they want then how are they looking for the "more than just metal." Surely the x-ray machine doesn't test for explosive material.

It just seems like harrassment to me and makes me resent them even more.

Americans harrassing Americans makes me crazy.

 

[Going2Baja]

Mar as I stsated earlier it's like that kid that was being beat up and now is a cop. They tell you to take off your shoes, you say no, you don't beep, and then you sit down anyway. The std x-ray machines don't detect explosives but they can see through the shoes. So if your shoes did have explosives (kinda like that moron kid that tried to set his shoes on foire) they would see the different color in the X-ray.

There are new walk through detectors that give a puff of air and then sense for residue...I think some airports have them on line. There are also other walk through detectors than can see through your clothes. This machine is getting big heat from lobbiests (sp?) The machine can see hooter size as well as your johnson. High tech stuff here!

Again - the quickest way to get through the checkpoint is to do what they say and keep on truckin'.

Good luck...Baja.

 

[mar]

Thanks for the response

Again - the quickest way to get through the checkpoint is to do what they say and keep on truckin'.

Yeah, I know. But I often have a lot time to kill in airports.

I figure every swab I make them use is one less they'll use on grandma.

Happy travels.

 

[Gofish]

Gryphon - they deserve $11/hr. Actually I think it's close to $30k/yr to start. All they need is a HS diploma.

Wait a minute now...and I make 20K to be responsible for a kerosene missile with 70 souls onboard through some of the worst weather imagineable??? WTFO ??? Say again >???

Kinda hard to maintain a good attitude when corporate America can crap all over employees (who do the the work and make the money) and the Federal Government pays the "wand monkey" police more with a pension to boot.

But gosh, I do love flying...ok good attitude intact...just slightly frazzled now.

 

[Going2Baja]

No doubt Fish - these are very sorry times in aviation. Some of the scrrrners can't even spell let alone speak in a language that all of us can understand. If you go to the govt hiring website you'll see that almost all the airports are currently hiring screeners http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ When we were training the original group there was close to 25% wash out rate - not because of learning the info but once the background checks came in they were tossed out. One student even brought a real gun to class and was excused. UNREAL!! I'm sure they are digging in the bottom of the barrell now. Keep you eyes and ears open when in an airport because you sure can't trust your safety or safety of others to the TSA.

Baja.

 

[Gryphon]

Baja, i worked at LAS a while back, GSE mech, ramper, i have to agree with your point that some of those trainees need to go back and finish thier education.. i would walk through areas going to get lunch at Taco Hell or whatever, and these folks would rather give someone a hard time rather than process them efficiently. On the other hand, they do have to put up with some really miserable people too. I was going past a checkpoint once and overheard some lady say to the people: " It's a mistake! I didn't mean to put my gun in there, i forgot!" She was some security type or police, and forgot to remove her weapon from her bag.. or maybe the checkpoint was being tested, i didn't find out. New tech is great, but you have to have people that know how to use that tech...

 

[DC8 Flyer]

I have 10 screws and 2 small metal plates in my right foot. Never had a problem with them, but they are made of titanuim.

So that begs the question would one of those titanium frame revolvers pass thru without setting it off?

Damn, whos ass did you break your foot off in?

 

[mar]

If you think that's bad...

dang, whos ass did you break your foot off in?

You should see his face.