Jumpseat Screaning?
 

So, I just got a job as a part-time ticket counter and ramp agent for Great Lakes at an EAS outstation, just so I could do something while I'm furloughed. Today we had a Jumpseater show up to go back to work, and because he showed up less than 24 hours in advance, and is only going one-way, he tripped the process for extra security screaning.

I spoke up and said that this was bull, because he has a crewbadge, and should be exempt from the screening. My supervisor, who used to work for TSA ironically, said that a new policy only allows us to exempt Lakes pilots from this. So the poor guy had to check his bag, because he obviously had more than the liquids and gells would of allowed him to carry on. He also had to go through the additional security pat down at the checkpoint...by the way he was the only one on the flight.

Has anybody ever heard of something like this...or is it just me out in the middle of a corn field.

I had to do this at CWA jumpseating to DTW. They patted me down, and took all of my liquids. They found me through cass, and I was wearing my full uniform. At least the crew got a good laugh out of it...

Yeah same happend to me except TSA came to my gate and literally unpacked all of my personal items in front of everyone. TSA had my boxers out on the floor along with socks ect.... I had never felt so violated in my life. It was terrible.... Passengers were walking by wondering why TSA was doing it... I was in full uniform and had all my crew badges and passport out but they went ahead and made me feel like an a$$.

I hope you got every one of their names and numbers, took those and filed a formal complaint.

Technically, if you're in uniform, you're allowed your liquids in any quantity.

I'd remind them of that, and then if they still took my liquids, ask for a supervisor.

It's happened to me several times. What I do when I have the SSSS on my boarding pass, I just put the thing in my pocket and pass through with my crew badge. Most of the time I get through and get on the plane and go on. Once I was in Madison, in uniform, had the lovely SSSS on my pass so I did as usual and put it in my pocket. But I tried to board, that gate agent would not let me board. I told her that she can just let me on anyway but she wouldn't and got the TSA and they did their rediculous pat down of me in full uniform. I usually don't carry large liquids anyway, so that wasn't a problem, but it sure is a huge pain.

The real crime in this is why it happens. If what I've heard is correct, screening is random unless the ticket agent chooses who gets screened. If they put the quad S on your boarding pass, that's one less passenger that gets "inconvenienced". To me, that just makes passengers and us less safe. Random checks are important.

another thing, the whole point of the TSA is to avoid a hijacking. That's their entire job. When I go to work, don't I already have the plane hijacked?

So I typed out a long, extensive answer to all of this and then realized I might be disclosing some SSI so I deleted it. The short answer to the question is that gate agents don't have the authority to assign additional screening, and if they do, they can lose their job.

Small, branded, EAS airlines always issue WAY more additional screenings than mainline carriers due to networking differences between their computers. When TSA's new "Secure Flight" (TSA: Secure Flight Program) program takes effect, I think it will solve this problem.

Become an FFDO and this problem will never happen again. And, more importantly, you will do a service to your country.

Can't argue with that one, but don't become an FFDO just to get through security. There's a little more to it than that.

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.......

This has also been my experience, I haven't had anything taken (but now I've opened my mouth) when I've been SSSS, which happens quite a bit on reserve. I always try to check in online also, but usually need to check my flight kit at the airport, so I still have to stand in line. I usually travel domestically in uniform to deal with the TSA (yes, you can read into that) but internationally it is civvies.

Peace out folks.

BBFO

You don't do that at any Lakes outstation, because it won't work (as seoceancrosser explained). When you flash your badge at a major hub, you are basically giving TSA the impression that you are operating a flight out of that concourse. They really have no way of knowing whether you are operating a flight, or not. At any of Lake's outstations, there is no way to give them that impression, because the Lakes pilots operating the flight would never have a reason to be in the passenger holding pen. The only Lakes pilots who would be in the pen are deadheaders and jumpseaters, and even they need to have a boarding pass.

Everytime I jumpseat on great lakes I ALWAYS get hit with the additional screening. Just have to anticipate it now and not carry any heavy gels.

If your airline services that airport, you don't need a ticket for screening, and if you're jumping on most carriers as long as your at the gate at least 30 prior to departure, the gate agent will ticket you. Just grab a copy of the jumpseat guide on the ALPA members website...

Has anyone tried to contact our (GLA's) JSC regarding this issue? I think he needs the approval from the local FAA POI to get this resolved.

TSA changed policies recently! Our company sent out a memo about it. Even in uniform if you get SSSS then TSA can and probably will take all liquid and gels. It is stupid, you could be packed for a 4 day trip, or just got off of one.

The problem is policies change and some people can still "sneak" through. Many airlines have some sort of process in place built into their system that will prevent additional screening for flight crew, ie in the PNR checking CASS, or a check box or something. Others, if you do get additional screening have to call supervisors and get it removed. One day I was in the second leg of my jumping home and somehow got additional screening and they wanted me to go out of security and get screened. It magically went away.

Moral of the story....do what you can, deal with what your given, and ***** until it changes!

Awesome. I am ferrying a Grumman Cheetah from Connecticut to North Carolina one day next week, and wont know which day until the night before, so its going to be a last minute one way ticket from RDU-JFK, and me boarding with a headset and maybe a sectional or two.

Would I be better off with or without my company badge?