This morning I was in the security line to get my ID checked for a ride home on CHQ, when I reached the podium the guy checking ID's informed me that my CREW badge was not sufficient and that I needed to show him my Driver License.

I showed him my Drivers License; he then wanted my boarding pass; we all know that when traveling on an express carrier in the CO system boarding passes are not issued until you arrive at the gate. I explained this to the guy who stated that I would not be getting through without a boarding pass, because all crew members must be in uniform to access security with their crew badge.

While I've never heard of this before I considered myself to be in the perfect uniform to perform my duties as an ACM, not official enough to be asked a lot of questions, yet professional enough to portray a good image should some accidental find out I was an employee.

Anyway I asked for a supervisor, who let me through and told me that this was an EXCEPTION, that he checked with his manager and that the rules do state crew members must be in uniform, what the heck??

I made the flight, and got home. In IAH I asked a TSA supervisor what he thought of the scenario; he said he was told not to ask questions if someone has a crew badge, they go through. I called the TSA number they were NO HELP, the guys list of resources included the TSA website. That was all, except that he did give me the number to the business office in TUL for TSA.

I'm a conformist, if the rules exist I will follow them. Considering when I arrived at the gate there was another jump seater who went through another line dressed the same as me without incident, I think there may be a lack of standardization.

Anyone else have a problem like this EVER?

 

Were their uniforms blue or white?

 

I have heard stories of requiring a boarding pass if jumpseating and YOUR CARRIER does not operate out of that airport. Meaning a SWA person jumpseating from MEM (SWA doesn't come in/out mem) they need a boarding pass. Have heard a few variations of this same scenario. Crewpass now!

I think its BS either way.

 

damn okies

 

It may be ridiculous, but this is another reason to ALWAYS travel in uniform.

 

TUL's TSA folks are the worst. Always up to something

 

They were still in white shirts, the supervisor eluded to the fact that the guy checking ID in my line was 'New' so he was following all of the rules. I searched all over the CFR's covering TSA, and it doesn't get as specific as who can clear security lines with what.

TUL TSA is the worst, it seems everytime I go through there the people at the front end have a new rule -- this one takes the cake for sure.

 

Wear your uniform. Go through security and give TSA their satisfaction. Then go to the restrooms and change into something else. Problem solved.

 

You did all the right steps in contacting the manager and calling the tsa number. However, TSA are morons plain and simple.

 

A boarding pass is NEVER EVER EVER required, no matter what airport (in the US). That being said, I always have issues no matter where I go. One day in LAX no problem, the next day I need a boarding pass. Repeat for SLC, SFO, DEN, I've had issues everywhere. The problem is each individual TSA operates however they see fit. They certainly don't have to answer to the pilot group. And if you quote or reference the AOSSP to them in any way, they can have you arrested. It's a lose-lose unfortunately however you look at it, so if I get hassled, I just play the Saturday Night Live TSA skit in my head a couple times, and it makes me feel better at least for a little bit.