mjarosz

Just got a company memo about new TSA inspections. Apparently they are now entering the ramp legally, removing their badges and seeing if anyone stops them. Who had this genuis idea? Why are they wasting time trying on entrapment like this when they still let 90% of all knives/guns/explosives through? Anyone?

AmericanEagleFO

This isn't news. They have been doing this for years. Part of your agreement to have an AOA badge is to challenge someone without one. I think it is something like a $10,000 fine for not doing so. Always ask. You never can be to carefull nowadays, even the good guys are trying to trick you.

Ewfflyer

It's because those nimwits have nothing better to do than waste our tax-dollars and time to prevent something that probably isn't going to be preventable.

LucasM

I can't wait to be an airline pilot! It'll be like i'm a CIA agent and there are spys and double agents lurking around every corner and holding their hand up to their ear trying to listen to radio messages trying to be inconspicuous while reading a newspaper. And then guys with shaved heads and leather jackets start trying to corner you and you have jump past the metal detectors and run to your gate. Then when you get to your gate you run past the gate agent, and the two guys chasing after you get stopped because they don't have a boarding pass, and you live another day. Except the spys and double agents are really TSA and i'm not really a CIA agent at all.

What, I can dream can't I?

AmericanEagleFO

I don't know what to say, thats EXACTLY how it is.

rickair7777

They usually stand out, even without the badge...they don't look like a ramper or other useful body, they have that government aura around them. You just don't know whether they're TSA or FAA until you ask!

fatmike69

This rule is just beyond absurd. Where I am based, not only are you to challenge the individual without the badge, but then you must inspect their badge and verify their name, picture, and that their badge is authentic and not expired, where the hell did I ever receive this training during my SIDA class!!??

I for one will NEVER challenge anybody without a badge. I will report it to the proper authorities, but never challenge. There is a BIG problem with using unarmed civilians to do police work. If the premise is that your are to challenge an individual because they could constitue a security breach or somebody who is up to no good, what the hell are you going to do if you DO actually challenge someone who has ill intentions on their mind? What if they are armed? Not a good place to be if they are trying not to be discovered.

ATrack

When I used to work mx out on the ramp my badge would always be inside of my jacket, and I was never challenged about my ID. So I'm sure most people don't care / don't look.

CaptainCarl

TSA = World's Biggest Joke

And its not funny.

Crism

They're usually fat and stupid...not too hard to find.