I did send an email to the tsa using the basic email address (and only address) I found on their web-site. Needless to say I got a generic reply back telling me all about the 3-1-1 rule, the background of that rule, how to be prepared for that rule, and to contact the DOT if I have any complaints. Not even close to the question I asked. Even the email staff is as clueless as the rest of the organization.

So, they publish the rules to make you happy and the "terrorist" can read the same rules so they can circumvent them and every one is happy! Is this what you are asking for?

IMHO the flying public has pretty clear guidelines published on TSA web site and well advertised expectations at the terminal. Just take time to scan the little signs while in line for the first agent. When I walk into a terminal, I should not have to approach the TSA area wondering what kind of games we'll be playing today to get through. Can you imagine the flying public's reaction if they had to guess at what the rules might be today? Should properly identified and verified crew members expect any less? Sure, I could wear my uniform and then change, but what greater security is implied by my wearing that uniform? Is it the uniform or the ID that I present every time that indicates that I am not a security risk. Having to go through an increased security check because I'm not in uniform makes my ID meaningless.
As an active crew member I have been screened by numerous government agencies. Never mind that I've been held military security clearances that most of the TSA folks could not hold. Those screenings should allow a level of understanding that I am not the threat. Just saying...:rolleyes:

The smurfs are simply wrong. If your badge says 'crew' on it, you do not need any kind of boarding document. Next time, stand your ground and make them pay for their ignorance.

The TSA gives OPERATING (meaning you are flying the plane or serving drinks on the plane that day) crew members a pass on fluids and access to the SIDA area. Not deadheading crew members or jumpseaters! So, just being a airline crew member heading out on vacation or headed home on a jumpseat doesn't meet the requirement. You guys don't read any of the posts, you just rant. Wear your uniform and then to the TSA you are an operating crew member (or at least they can't prove you aren't) and you will glide through the crew line with no problems. The costume implies you are working not that you are safe to enter (they check your ID for that).

I posted this earlier in this thread and the very next post some guy was complaining about IDing pilots, bla bla bla. It doesn't make a poo if you are a pilot. Its depends on your work status that day.

This just isn't that hard.

Pretty much echo what ANGFDX said. The passengers know exactly what to expect. I just want to know what to expect each time too. Also, it isn't like this is getting us around security we will still proceed through security. So that really isn't the issue. On that note though, there is a new development where we will be able to bypass security in a separate line with our badge. However, those rules ARE CLEARLY WRITTEN ON-LINE.

The system should be made to protect us and the flying public from harm. If their system designed correctly then the rules they have should be able to differentiate between the good and the bad.

Agreed for the most part. However jumpseating/commuting/vacation/meeting the family at the gate/ect., with a crew badge and maybe a secondary form of gov't id we should be able to get through. No boarding pass required. Now, their are very well defined rules regarding the nude machine, shoes, and liquids for being out of uniform. Although I think those should be changed to, at least those rules appear to be consistent airport to airport.

Yep, we're still the same person whether we're operating, commuting, on vacation, in uniform or out.

My answer to that is - expect to be treated just like any other passenger unless you are part of the "operating crew". Is that what you want? Because, that is what you will get if you press the issue with the TSA.

Uniforms are easy to obtain and ID's are lost or stolen everyday :eek:

You should be able to get through but that's not what the rules say. So griping about it to a TSA agent isn't going to get it changed. Like my Dad used to say, "Wish in one hand and **** in the other and see which gets full quickest."