Just had my tweezers confiscated

[FmrFreightDog]

Here's a fun one. Every time you go through security, ask what the deal is with people having to put all their liquids/gels into a quart sized ziplock bag. So far, I haven't found anyone who can tell me why. I did find one guy who said "it's because there are too many cubicles in Washington." I must admit I was rather impressed at his candor, and surprised that the TSA would hire anyone who could think for themselves.

-Blucher

I watched a guy in CAE get all his little 3 oz. bottles confiscated last month because he had placed them in a gallon sized ziploc bag instead of a quart sized bag. When he asked why, the TSA guy said it was because... get this....... wait for it........ they had been trained to identify 3 oz. of liquid/gel by it's size in relation to a quart sized bag. The poor guy just shook his head and said, "Fine, you can have it"

On another note... we were somewhere (ABE, maybe) and the FA and I were debating whether or not knitting needles were allowed through security. I was thinking "certainly not" but she said she'd seen them many times on the airplane. To settle it, we asked the TSA supervisor when we were shuffling through security. He said they were allowed. When I asked why the hell anyone would allow a rather large pointy object on an airplane when they are counting ounces of shampoo and looking for cigarette lighters, he told me, "Well, because grandmas vote, and you don't want to piss off AARP." On the bright side, he looked as disgusted as I felt.

 

[FmrFreightDog]

Several observations worth mentioning:

First, last time I went through the TSA Agents were complaining that they had to work holidays when other government workers got the same days off - it wasn't fair and they were not going to take it.... (DUH)

Second, TSA agents often pick airline employees for extra screening simply because we are easier. We are more compliant and complain less while getting bossed around. After all, who would you rather screen, a submissive exhausted pilot commuting home, or some scary looking nut who appears to be itching for a fight?

Third, at some TSA stations people who write on their clear baggies are being detained. Apparently writing - "this is stupid and ineffective" on a bag is reason for being held against your will, at least long enough to miss your flight.

Fourth, the US government seems to have unlimited funds for TSA Agents, Security Guards, Airport Police and other officials working in in security. However, they can't seem to find funding to put Air Traffic Controllers in control towers during 121 operations.

OK. Off to Gitmo with you. You, sir, are obviously not a true patriot. Want a real TSA experience? Wear one of these t-shirts through security next time you non-rev.....

http://www.casualdisobedience.com/

 

[relief tube]

Canada TSA is worse than the U.S.'s version of "thousands standing around"

They're standards are NOT the same as US so it can burn you. Months after scissors were allowed, they took mine in Montreal, I told them the US allows them, they said they aren't the same....eh, Roger.

 

[Rook]

I had went home to TX thru OKC back in September wearing dress casual. When I went back thru security in OKC a week later got no hassle whatsoever. Fast forward to new years eve, and TSA hassles me about my shoes. I tell them I'm flight crew, and get the standard "you're not in uniform" smack. So I take off the shoes and the x-ray person tells me I have liquids in my suitcase. (A Purdy with flight crew tags all over it)The only guy with any sense just says to me "is this yours?" Yes. End of story. But I did apply to 'the program' when I got back home.

 

[COOPERVANE]

Non-revving out of CLT, I had my PNT bag, my hat in my hand, and a polo shirt with my black pants. Screener says "are you on duty?" I say "why?" she says "well, if you are off duty you have to take off your shoes" I said "fine, I'm on duty" went through without removing shoes.

What a crack security unit

 

[embdrvr]

The NWA Chief Pilot at the meeting asked why we couldn't go with the FAA/GAO approved TWIC card, with it's biometeric data. The FAA guy started smiling like a loon, and muttered under his breath, "This oughta be good..."

I guess we could all apply for the "Trusted Traveller" program designed to let terrorists pay a fee in exchange for less scrutiny. Now that program makes sense.

 

[doh]

Too bad they didn't try to confiscate your headset. Then you could call the company and tell them you can't fly because they won't let you through with them. It would be interesting to see what the company would do at that point.....probably depends where you work but it would be interesting nonetheless.

In Portland Maine about 2 years ago the screener said I couldn't have my flashlight. I asked for his name. He asked me if I was argueing with him and I laughed and said "no, I just want to have a name to tell my chief pilot when I call and explain why the flight will cancel". I explained to him that without my company supplied, FAA required equipment, I would not legally be able to fly. He actually went and got a supervisor and they actually had a long discussion about the flashlight. The supervisor was "uncomfortable" allowing the batteries on board. I said nothing more, I just stood there hoping they would confiscate the flashlight! It would have been hilarious! Plus, it was oyster season up there and I would have been glad to stay another day! In the end, I think my eagerness for them to keep it made them suspicious that they were about to do something really stupid, so they let me through.

 

[japhy]

I flew with a captain who's husband was a police officer. While going through security he identified himself like he's suppose to when carrying a side arm. After searching his bag, they tell him that he can't take his tweezers through (this was a about a year after 9/11). He looked at the security officer and reminded him that he was a police officer and that he was armed. his response. "Tweezers are on the prohibited list and you can't take them through".

Keep the storys coming. At least the TSA is a good source of entertainment.

 

[pgcfii2002]

Thousands
Standing
Around

 

[OPECJet]

Bought one of those lighters that shocks the crap out of you, and threw it in the tray. Got confiscated of course.

I hope someone was surprised.....

 

[great cornholio]

The answer from the Oracle of Security is: "We can't be sure it's you"



Ultimately, they explained that the screeners and cops at the airport work there every day, and are known to the others...whereas we traipse around the system, going through security at mulitple airports, where no one knows us.

When I used to fly the 1900 we were always based at small outstations and TSA was never the same at any of them. We always did day trips so we were there everyday and the TSA guys knew us by name and we knew their names. Even though that was the case we still had to go through security everyday to get to the plane. We could hop over the counter and go to the crew room with out getting searched though...but to get to the plane you would go thru security and then take the side door to the crew room and then you could walk to the plane...oh and if you had been checked that day you could come outta the plane and hop over the counter go the only bathroom in the airport then hop back over the counter go through the crew room and back to the plane.

 

[mittro]

Going through screening in SAN last month I watched 3 young Marines being lectured by this tsa moron about carrying more than 3 oz. of hand sanitizer.

These young hero's are off to fight the real war on terror and have to put up with cr*p like this. How sad!!!

 

[Alin10123]

I flew with a captain who's husband was a police officer. While going through security he identified himself like he's suppose to when carrying a side arm. After searching his bag, they tell him that he can't take his tweezers through (this was a about a year after 9/11). He looked at the security officer and reminded him that he was a police officer and that he was armed. his response. "Tweezers are on the prohibited list and you can't take them through".

Keep the storys coming. At least the TSA is a good source of entertainment.

You have got to be kidding me!!

 

[mamba20]

I hate the TSA. They are worthless pieces of crap who don't deserve to breathe the same air that I breathe. I go out of my way to be rude to them. If they say anything to me and that includes "Hello, Good morning, Have a nice flight, etc. . . they always will get a glare from me. May they all rot in hell, or in their trailers.

 

[flyinhigh6165]

TSA in Reno searched me and my bags while i was in Uniform. This was the first time i have set off the alarm wearing the same ol stuff. The guy actually had a problem with my zipper tie...something was setting the garret hand held off at the knot so i had to un zip it and peel back the edges to show him. What a pain....i mean come on what can i have possibly hiding there. He must of watched too many Bond movies.

 

[shamrock]

When I used to fly the 1900 we were always based at small outstations and TSA was never the same at any of them. We always did day trips so we were there everyday and the TSA guys knew us by name and we knew their names. Even though that was the case we still had to go through security everyday to get to the plane. We could hop over the counter and go to the crew room with out getting searched though...but to get to the plane you would go thru security and then take the side door to the crew room and then you could walk to the plane...oh and if you had been checked that day you could come outta the plane and hop over the counter go the only bathroom in the airport then hop back over the counter go through the crew room and back to the plane.

Don't know which 1900 operator you were with but that reminds me of one of my own experiences when I was flying 1900s. At one middle of nowhere base we would go to the FBO, pick up the plane, do the run up, taxi over to the terminal, and ONLY THEN would we go inside and go through a security screening. As long as we remembered to leave all our guns, bombs, and knives onboard the airplane we were OK. Gotta love it.

 

[CA1900]

At one middle of nowhere base we would go to the FBO, pick up the plane, do the run up, taxi over to the terminal, and ONLY THEN would we go inside and go through a security screening.

Hmmmm.... that sounds awfully familiar! :0


I recall that they'd also call the national guardsmen over to watch them screen us. Talk about your dog-and-pony show...

 

[Hovernut]

CATSA (Canadian TSA) Halifax wouldn't let me take my cup of Tim Horton's coffee through the checkpoint. I stood there in disbelief, thinking if only I had a thermos, I would've poured the coffee into it, placed it in my bag, put it through the x-ray, and poured my cuppa joe on the other side. What a effed-up operation that is!!