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kronan 04-29-2008 10:41 AM

Go ahead and Bow Up to the TSA geeks to fight for the oppressed and oppose tyranny.
Tell that TSA supervisor how foolish the policy is and that you're going through screening with only that airline ID. Refuse secondary screening because you're going to be riding in the cockpit anyways.

Just remember to loudly scream that you work for airline XXX as they drag you off, doing the best you can to make sure you make the evening news.

Or, you can avoid losing control of the situation, write down the employee numbers, involve your union and company security folks....who work with the TSA geeks daily. Who can fix the problem? You telling the security folks they are wrong, or the security folk's supervision telling them they are wrong.

TBucket 04-29-2008 11:07 AM


Originally Posted by CloudPilot57 (Post 375945)
Yes, the Detectors at the smaller stations are WAYY to sensitive. I left 1 pen in my pocket and it set it off. Got the good ole 10 min personal screen, it sucked big time!


I think the first time one of those delays an outgoing flight, someone at the TSA will get a pretty convincing phone call... What's the delay code for "idiots working security"?

fatmike69 04-29-2008 11:15 AM


Originally Posted by kronan (Post 375958)
Go ahead and Bow Up to the TSA geeks to fight for the oppressed and oppose tyranny.
Tell that TSA supervisor how foolish the policy is and that you're going through screening with only that airline ID. Refuse secondary screening because you're going to be riding in the cockpit anyways.

Just remember to loudly scream that you work for airline XXX as they drag you off, doing the best you can to make sure you make the evening news.

Or, you can avoid losing control of the situation, write down the employee numbers, involve your union and company security folks....who work with the TSA geeks daily. Who can fix the problem? You telling the security folks they are wrong, or the security folk's supervision telling them they are wrong.

I agree. It's kind of like fighting with the traffic cop who pulled you over on the scene, you will not win the battle, no matter what. As frustrating and ridiculous they may be, it's a losing battle, and getting all worked up over it will only cause troubles for you, and headache and heartburn. I just normally tell myself I will not stoop to their level, and make sure to file formal complaints with the proper channels, which include names, locations, and events. So far, while on duty AND in uniform, I have had my shoes confiscated and dusted for bomb material because they "looked suspicious", my bags poured all over the counter and left me to clean up the mess, secondary screened in the jetway as passengers were boarding the flight that I WAS FLYING, and been denied entry into the terminal area because "I didn't posess a badge for an airline that operated at that terminal". Mind you this one was at SFO as I tried to pass into the American Airlines gate area, which is connected to the United terminal inside security. I asked the agent if he was aware that I would just walk down to the United security, pass through there, and then walk next door to the American gates once I was inside. He threatened that I could be arrested for that :confused::mad: Seriously, the intelligence of some of these people never cease to amaze me.

phoenix 23684 04-29-2008 11:31 AM


Originally Posted by exwaterski (Post 375533)
You didn't need even need the boarding pass. All you need is a crew ID badge to pass through any TSA security at any airport in the U.S. in uniform or not. The only difference being if you are out of uniform your are subject to the liquids restrictions and have to take off your shoes. It doesn't matter if you are working, it doesn't matter if your airline operates out of that airport, all you need is that ID. If you are harassed immediately ask for a supervisor that should resolve it. If they still won't let you through start collecting info get the screeners name, supervisor's name, date/time, etc. and file a complaint with the TSA.

Can you back this up with a link to their rule book or something? So I can print this out and carry it with me.

exwaterski 04-29-2008 11:36 AM


Originally Posted by kronan (Post 375958)
Go ahead and Bow Up to the TSA geeks to fight for the oppressed and oppose tyranny.
Tell that TSA supervisor how foolish the policy is and that you're going through screening with only that airline ID. Refuse secondary screening because you're going to be riding in the cockpit anyways.

Just remember to loudly scream that you work for airline XXX as they drag you off, doing the best you can to make sure you make the evening news.

Or, you can avoid losing control of the situation, write down the employee numbers, involve your union and company security folks....who work with the TSA geeks daily. Who can fix the problem? You telling the security folks they are wrong, or the security folk's supervision telling them they are wrong.

Not one single person in this 3 page thread has advocated making a scene at a TSA checkpoint. However you suggested in another post: When I run into the newbies at screening, if I don't have time, I pull out another photo ID and press on. Now you've simply reinforced that screener's misinterpretation of the rules and are passing the buck to the next guy. No one said anything about refusing screening.

md11phlyer 04-29-2008 11:46 AM


Originally Posted by TBucket (Post 375967)
I think the first time one of those delays an outgoing flight, someone at the TSA will get a pretty convincing phone call... What's the delay code for "idiots working security"?

Think again. I used to pin delays on TSA all the time, didn't change a thing.

exwaterski 04-29-2008 11:49 AM


Originally Posted by phoenix 23684 (Post 375980)
Can you back this up with a link to their rule book or something? So I can print this out and carry it with me.

That really shouldn't be necessary. In 2 years of non rev-ing and jumpseating out of many different airports I've only been stopped once (in uniform) by a guy insisting I needed a boarding pass since my airline didn't serve that airport. I told him my airline ID was the only boarding pass I needed and I would like to see a supervisor. The supervisor (who was in earshot) came over and quickly let me through and informed the screener I didn't need a boarding pass. The screener muttered something about "they must have changed the rule.." and that was it. I wasn't dragged away in handcuffs or featured on the 11 0' clock news. Again ask for a supervisor, they have a book of all airline ID's they can look yours up if they want to double check it's authenticity. Trying to have a debate and quoting TSA rules to a screener will make a lot more of a scene than simply asking for a supervisor and IMO lowering yourself to their level.

soon2bfo 04-29-2008 11:54 AM


Originally Posted by Skyteam18 (Post 375526)
I've had multiple 'encounters' with the folks at CHARLOTTE TSA. One went as far as getting pulled aside and questioned for 15 minutes while they poured through my bag.. and ultimately led to an Official Letter of Warning that was mailed to my address. (And mind you I had my crew card and everything.. )

:eek:
I would be soooooooo ticked off. Some of them are so dense their brains belong in a wood chipper.

I just commute in my uniform. It saves 99.99% of all the crap you get when you deal with the amazing people who can actually qualify for a government job because they have no other skills or education. The next attack (God forbid) will prove how worthless they really are.

exwaterski 04-29-2008 12:15 PM

When all else fails just use the force.

I don't need a boarding pass. ~hand wave~
He doesn't need a boarding pass.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nmindtrick.JPG

mike734 04-29-2008 12:29 PM


Originally Posted by exwaterski (Post 375984)
Not one single person in this 3 page thread has advocated making a scene at a TSA checkpoint.


Originally Posted by WhizWheel (Post 375768)
Man I too am sick of the nonsense TSA consistently pulls. From now on if I am denied access in plain clothes with my crew ID I am making a huge stink getting names, ID numbers and making an example of the idiot. Its getting totally unacceptable.

Making a scene or making a huge stink. I guess it is just a matter of semantics. Anyway, making a huge stink can get you more trouble than it's worth. Just become an FFDO or pony up the 2nd ID. Anyway you look at it the TSA will win the argument if they want to.


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