Well, today was the day

[STL717]

The TSA sees us as part of the problem and not as part of the solution.

 

[kf4amu]

I always opt out of that naked Xray machine. Believe me, the TSA agents would rather not have to frisk you as much as you don't want to be frisked. They are just people too. If enough people opt out, they will realize it's pointless.

One of them asked me why I didn't want to go through the machine and I told him it's pointless to have pilots go through security in the first place. He agreed and told me to have my union do something about it. I told him they are trying, and CASS is in a few airports already, but its moving at a glacial pace.

So yes, they are just doing their job...but then again it is definitely our right to refuse whatever "screening" they want us to do, but we may be denied access to the airport. I'd rather fly to work than drive, so I submit to as little security as I can to get through.

 

[Dornier 335]

The sooner this country realizes that nothing can be made 100% lunatic-proof,

I think the biggest physical improvement that was made is the bullet proof cockpit door. Besides, if some lunatic America-hater blows himself up while sitting in a window seat I highly doubt that he's going to crash the plane. Freight DC-8s can fly with the cargo door open, 737 without ceilings etc. Additionally, pax are much more vigilant then pre-9/11.

 

[beytzim]

If you're that sick of the TSA, then become an FFDO. The shoe thing isn't new and everyone with half a brain knew those new xray machines are coming.

 

[RedDogC130]

Nevermind

 

[Bigoober]

Give em hell!

 

[Simon Says]

I am with you. I do not go through the scanners for a multiple of reasons. Thank you for taking a stand.

 

[ultrarunner]

The irony of all this is that at many locations, typically at home-base, crews can bypass security and go directly to operations WITHOUT passing through security at all!

I'm still waiting for someone to brief me on what the TSA actually does that enhances safety.

 

[michael707767]

TSA's purpose with uniformed crew members is not to find out if have anything illegal or dangerous, it is to find out if you are submissive to their authority.

If they think that you are not, the games begin.

Best post I've ever read regarding the TSA.

 

[Tweaker]

I always said that TSA staffing is made up of nothing more but BurgerKing and TacoHell graduates.. i mean really, what requirements are there for TSA agents- NONE. They even hire people with 'light criminal backgrounds.' When these imbeciles go on their power trips and we end up paying for it going thru security..

im sorry you had such bad experience..
i would get a lawyer on this one..

THAT! This is my primary concern and why I do not just accept and play along.

Moreover, the Israeli's opinion of the TSA security regimen is that we don't have one. We have a harassment system is all. It is totally reactive in nature and, as far as I can tell, has no advanced behavioral profiling, which is the most effective means of preventing attacks.

TSA - Thousands Standing Around

 

[thunderworm]

I don't understand why we the pilots who have FBI background checks and have access to the most dangerous " weapon" need to go through anything more than the metal dectors. I understand going through the metal dectors to keep people honest and keep stupid stuff off the plane, but really the TSA is just harrassing us. If I am in uniform then I can take my toothpaste through, but if I am not in uniform I can't WTF! I asked a super one time and he said it is so they do not have to explain to the pax why we got to go through and they can't. Not my job to keep the pax happy. Wait I guess it is, but not until they are on the plane. If a TSA agent is anything but polite to you ask to see their super. If the super is rude get his name and tell him you are contacting your senator. You usually have the conflict resolved right then. Something about their jobs being connected to Gov. funds. I can't stand the TSA and feel that the air is no more safe than it was pre 9/11 except for the informed paxs, FFDOs and hardend doors.

 

[Tweaker]

I go thru with a woody and give em' a wink...

Meat, I like your style! That may be what happens when I get my big chance to shine as well. When I am exhausted, the lil' rascal just seems to get anxious.

"Sit Ubu, sit! Good dog!"

 

[temcgrew]

I asked TSA if they could email me the picture from the body scan so I can post it as my FB pic and they wouldn't do it. My follow up was if she would post it on her FB page. I actually got a chuckle out of her. My question is if it's so important, why only run it part time and only a small percentage pass through it?

 

[stall022]

There is a simple fix to all of this, EVERY crew member on duty or commuting in full uniform needs to opt out of x-ray scanning which will then result in secondary hand screening. When flights begin going out late the delay code should be TSA delay due to crew screening. I'm sure when the TSA check point has 15 crew members waiting to be hand screened all standing around they will get the idea and things will change.

 

[BoilerUP]

I'm still waiting for someone to brief me on what the TSA actually does that enhances safety.

Absolutely nothing.

 

[islandhoper]

At first I thought why create trouble and just to get on with the scanner screening, but after reading some of the threads it came to mind the amount of times that crew members have to go through it. Not even TSA would have to go through as often as we do. Since we, as pilots, cannot change policy at the airport, the best thing is to change behavior.
I suggest to pass it on that NO pilot agrees to the scanner. Of course this would mean accepting the secondary screening. I really don't have a problem with that. If we all do it as a group, it'll send the message and maybe we can change the official policies to NOT to apply to uniformed crewmembers.
Other than that, fighting with TSA on the spot is a loosing game... As far as the secondary screening, I really can't see it as an abuse of my rights. I see it as the most basic security tool that has been used for centuries. Did you guys have a problem when the bouncer at the bar frisked you? Let's not turn everything into politics...

Get an ALPA lawyer dude. It's part of your benefits.

M.

 

[Ralph Cramden]

Opt for the secondary screening after visiting the taco truck. Quietly pass vast quantities of gas while standing with arms outstretched and try as best as you can to keep a straight face. If they ape out just say sorry, medical condition - reaction to stress.

My version of the SERE game. Caution: can have collateral damage effect on fellow crew members so use caution around hottie FAs.

 

[Lowrider717]

I am a robot going through TSA, what ever is ask, I do. Recently a screener saw something in my rear pocket and asked what is was, I told her it was a handkerchief. She said let me see it, I pulled in out and held it front of me, she yelled "Get that dirty thing out of my face" I asked what would you like me to do with it? she said "Are you getting smart with me?. I said "No I am doing my best to try and follow your instructions, what would you like me to do next? SERE school training comes in handy sometimes

Classic. And this is just how the goons want you to behave. Before long SERE will be just another part of elementary school, required curiculum.
"SHUT UP AND DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD!!!"

I'd suggest contacting the Rutherford Institute www.rutherford.org
And the rest of you sheeple should do a little research to find out who's gettin the kick back for all these ATI drug finders(which is really how they're calling it a "sucess", its a sucess and it hasn't detected the first explosive yet- Yet because it won't be long before they pull a false flag op and send the sacraficial lamb in to get busted with some semtex in his waistband, just so they crow about it, and justify more debt spending) Good night and good luck.

 

[Flyer1015]

If it helps keep the people who are trying to kill everyone off our flights, giddy up.

And where do you draw the line? Soon, they'll be attacking the first amendment, the second amendment (take your pick, we're gonna take guns away so terrorists cant buy them and use them here!), etc. etc. etc. How long will you bend over and have the Constitution violated just so we can gain some [false] sense of security? I draw the line with TSA's violations to our body. They can pat me down if they want, but I will NOT walk through the naked-imaging machine.

 

[knowlimits]

Dude quit causing trouble, we have grunt people just trying to do what they are told. This is the best we have right now to keep us alive. Who gives a shat, go through the scanner. You are barking up the wrong tree. If you really care talk to your congressman and write the TSA. Don't take it out on the airport workers, they didn't write the rules. As a pilot you should know that better than anyone.
I'm betting if you were on the Delta flight on Christmas you would feel different about the inconvenience. If it helps keep the people who are trying to kill everyone off our flights, giddy up. Go through the motions and quit causing trouble for the rest of us. Or you all can continue with your change the world, naive, childish rants.

I'm really sad that Delta hired you. And a little surprised.

However, they did hire a bunch of pretty questionable people in 07/08. Around your time, maybe?