As a product of 20 years of govn't service (military), a graduate of survival school, and 11 years of jumpseating here are a few things I would add:

1. List for the jump seat if you have time. It makes it easier for the agent when you do this.

2. Each airport is different (just like each base even though all operate on the same rule set supposedly). Each airport may actually have more restrictive rules, just not less. Some require a boarding pass prior to being allowed to the gates. Others don't. Learn which ones do and give yourself the time. If you don't know, assume it's required so you aren't pressed for time when you get to the Nazi checkpoint.

3. Positive reinforcement: Just like in the previous dialog people like positive reinforcement. Compliment and thank them for the job they are doing (even if you don't think it's required) which will help endear them to you hopefully making it less difficult to get past them.

4. NEVER volunteer info. Q: Are you on your way to work? A: Yes, but not for a week. Better answer: Yes, I am. Q: Why aren't you in uniform? A: I don't like to travel in uniform, I could mess it up.

5. Lastly, like every government program it's probably not going away. ACCEPT THAT. Yes, we can hope ALPA navigates some course to lessen the pain. However, in the mean time accept what it is that you can not change. Approach the check point as something to be passed through and nothing more, a speed bump as you pull into the parking lot. As soon as you accomplish this the sooner the pain will drop.

Good words of advice for sure. It's just frustrating how they talk down to people and then expect people to give them respect. That and how their policies are completely different at every airport you deal with them at. Just annoying

Last week at IAD I noticed a sign that said "TSA Starting Salary 30,000." Super, I cleared 20,000 last year with a 4 year degree and a 32" waist (I'm still trying to figure out how a Federal Security um person can be grossly obese).

Lalo,

Sounds like you're new to the game (at least from my POV)... like it or leave it, you're going to have to grin and bear it...

Personally, I ALWAYS wore a uniform through security anytime that I was non-rev travelling. It just makes life easier. Once on the other side of screening, I usually had a lightweight sweater to toss over the monkey suit, or I simply took 2 minutes in the bathroom to change my shirt. No big deal.

I don't know who you work for, but alternatively, if you can list for travel with your company from the airport you are departing from (to any destination) and print an OMC or standby card from home via the internet, that can solve a lot of issues. Once you print out the card (usually up to 24 hours in advance), you can delete the standby listing... no biggie.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but why do these morons get under people's skin so easily?? Just roll with it. I have traveled in uniform, out of uniform, jumpseat, or listed in back, and have never had a problem with these clowns. You are brighter than them, dude. Take a deep breath, and play the game. Your elected representation is working the issue. Meanwhile, unwad your panties. As an earlier poster stated, get a boarding pass outside of security. The ticket agents can print you one no sweat, and away you go. No fuss, no muss.

Yup. I don't get hassled either. I treat them like any other person trying to do a job. I'm courteous and don't give them a ration if they need to rerun my bag or whatever and I never get any attitude.

To get through security, just list yourself on SWA and print a seat request at home...saves waiting in the ticket line .

Belt buckle, money clip, coins, keys, wallet, purse.
Put some d's on it, run it through.

My brother works for the TSA and is from an airline family and understands our job and its' requirements. He is obligated to perform his job as described to him by the Dept of Homeland Security., Many things he thinks are eyewash, but if he let's them go he will either be terminated or a subject of a youtube video. My advice, play the game, because the TSA folks, although they may think the procedures are silly also, they have to do it or they get disciplined.

In the last 6-7 years since the TSA inception the service has gotten better for crewmembers, yes I know when you are controlling a mult-hundred thousand pound aircraft you don't need a set of tweezers to hurt someone, they know that too, but they have a job to do.

Chillax, play the game, and cut in line as often as possible the TSA encourages it.

FF

FF, I don't know you so this isn't personal.

Just because your brother works for the idiots that make it tough to get through security doesn't make it "okay". Tell him to try something like, oh, like college.

Fact, they are idiots. PERIOD!!! I have a frickin' crash ax in the cockpit yet I can't get a Leatherman through security.

Make all the excuses you want. Those people are french fry guys that get paid alot more!!!

If he's a 'great guy' being your brother and all, is he doing anything to fix the problem or is he sitting around, doing nothing like the rest of the TSA?

It has been my experience that when trying to Jumpseat and clear Security in a Terminal that is only served by one Airline, and that Airline is not your own airline (IE: Terminal 7 at LAX is only United Airlines flights), than a General Boarding pass is required. But if more than one airline is working the same terminal, than skirting through security with nothing but my Airline ID will suffice.