This reminds me of a SNL sketch. Its a TSA training video that is basically a bunch of new students asking questions. Goes like this..... Well we don't allow more than 3 ounces of liquid cus any more than that could bring a plane down...... but what if two people bring 3 ounces each and combine them, then what????? ahhhhhhhhhhh.... got to love the TSA!!!

 

How about asking your pilot's jumpseat coordinator about what you can do and/or advise the pilot to contact his company's coordinator? No SSI was revealed in this post, just whom the OP should contact for a real answer.

 

This problem is somewhat specific to Great Lakes. It is a TSA thing, but it is more specific to Lakes, as other airlines can "exempt" a pilot at the gate.....Lakes cannot.

Also, if you are in uniform but get the SSSS on your pass.....you LOSE the exemption for liquids and gels. Be prepared for that if it happens. This is a rule in the TSA books, so it is not something a supervisor can "fix".

Talk to the Lakes JSC.....he can give you the low down on the problem. I don't see it getting fixed anytime soon.

 

don't check in at the checkin counter. go straight to the gate and just flash your badge at the tsa check point. i've been successful at SFO, SJC, LAX and EWR when i commute.

 

That works at 95% of airports served by airlines. They are referring to small airports which has 1 or 2 flights a day total. Basically, you pass through security into a holding area where no airline personnel or computers available to check your credentials are present. You go straight from the holding pin to the aircraft. The only way to get a boarding pass is check in at the counter. You will not be allowed into security without a boarding pass (uniform or not). It's a fine example of double standards. You must live in the boondocks and have taxpayers support your airline service existence to understand. That's why I just drive the 50 miles to ATL so I will have more options and less hassle.

On another note, I have had no problems with liquids on a SSSS boarding pass with security. As long as I'm uniform, they see my liquids, wave their wand and roll their eyes knowing that everybody's time is being wasted and it takes me an extra 2 minutes to complete the process. If you are travelling on a paid ticket, I recomend you check-in online to avoid getting the SSSS on your boarding pass. All in all the system is a$$ backwards and just a show for people that get on a plane twice a year or once every other month (aka: The General Public).

 

I wouldn't classify being an FFDO doing a service to our country.

And I already hate lugging around a lunch pail with me, I don't wanna have to make sure I have my piece on me all the time. Sometimes, by the time they find an officer to let you thru security, it would have been quicker to just go thru the screening

 

ya seriously, I do that EVERYWHERE

 

I think it's a patriotic thing to do.

You provide that additional layer of security and you VOLUNTEER to do this (no compensation - on your own time/on your own dime).

 

Checking in online doesn't eliminate the SSSS possibility. Nor does being a frequent flyer (second tier and above), or various other things mentioned. Flight crew with questions should talk to one's security and/or jumpseat coordinator.

 

I agree.......