Concerned and a bit appalled

[0dBm]

With some consternation, I post this.

Having traveled some the last few weeks, I am utterly exhausted from the toll and variation in my diet. My concentration has waned morbidly. I need some rest.

I somehow managed to forget to transfer the small SAK from my trouser pocket to my toiletry kit which went into my check-in luggage. When I went through the TSA security check point, I suddenly realized the presence of the SAK, uttered a sigh, and promptly OFFERED to surrender the tiny, innocuous, but overtly-colored (traditional SAK red!) pocket knife.

Much to my surprise, the good inspector, with what looked like a supervisor standing next to her, simply ignored the SAK!

Well, at first I was pleased that the SAK was allowed, and then an overwhelming onslaught of disappointment rushed all over me like a pan full of fried garlic in a Class 10 manufacturing clean room.

Certainly it was busy and I made no attempt to conceal it. I actually held it openly ready to hand it over!

I am NOT going to publicly ID the airport, but I am reporting the incident to authorities. I didn't want to make a scene at the moment of the incident to avert any nervousness from fellow passengers.

I am going to conclude that it was just an oversight and a NOT policy change in the absence of further information.

[tinyblob]

A received a phone call from a friend recently who was in an airport, and quite upset. She had passed through airport security and been on the receiving end of several inappropriate comments from a staff member. I'll paraphrase and surmise them as "do you want to come to the back room for a strip search or shall i just start going through your bags in front of everyone?" - it wasn't innocent flirting, it was practically a threat, just phrased in a cheeky manner.

Suffice it to say that she was quite upset, it's one thing to attract unwanted attention, but quite another to have someone abuse their position of power.

I calmed her town, and explained that she needed to write in a complaint. Although the incident in question amounted to nothing but some harsh words - someone who's that way inclined shouldn't have a job like that.

Although we do get a tad annoyed that we can't take our beloved gear through TSA, we DO know it's for the right reasons. My point is simply that sometimes people end up in jobs they can't do correctly. Hopefully they're spotted and removed from their positions, because at the end of the day they're supposed to be improving our safety.

[Bolster]

I recently read the following article regarding tests of the TSA (LAX, Chicago) vs private security (San Francisco). The upshot is that government employed TSA did poorly, private employed security did much better. Why? Because the private security could get fired if they did poorly. In this article, no failing TSA employees were fired...merely given "additional training." So they're all back on the job, keeping you safe.

TSA ran the tests. Cracks me up that they ran twice the number of tests on their "competitors" in SF. Were they hoping the private contractors would screw up as badly as TSA?

http://www.cmp-usa.com/interest/TSA%20Screeners%20Fail.jpg

[Mark123]

It's amazing that seven years after 9/11 we haven't evolved beyond the focus of taking away people's innocuous multitools, nailclippers, etc...

I've said it before, in my opinion-we were suckerpunched on 9/11. Even if the hijackers had samaurai swords now, the passengers would fight them to the death.

As far as the idiot/pervert in the story below, no organization, regardless of screening can detect all of them. It's more about leadership and proper procedures. I encourage your friend to make a complaint.

[kitkat]

+1 I agree

It is also the reason why I sneak my Mil-Tac Pen through security and choose an isle Seat. I 'will' protect myself and those that I love.

[SdPunk]

+1 I agree

It is also the reason why I sneak my Mil-Tac Pen through security and choose an isle Seat. I 'will' protect myself and those that I love.


Amen!!!! The Mil-tac is the ONLY large SD pen I would take. Now, you can also try the Perrin, you might like it as well. Good post Kitkat.

[SlipStream]

Once, a UK airport confiscated all of my liquids, but missed the small pocket knife I had in my carry-on :rolleyes: A can of red bull, deadly! Little metal thing showing up on the scanner, meh.

[pu1869]

Once, a UK airport confiscated all of my liquids, but missed the small pocket knife I had in my carry-on :rolleyes: A can of red bull, deadly! Little metal thing showing up on the scanner, meh.



Has anyone checked out the TSA'S Blog (http://www.tsa.gov/blog) ? I have heard that it is actually monitored by TSA and they respond to comments and questions. If you have any concerns you might send them this way.

[FrogmanM]

It is also the reason why I sneak my Mil-Tac Pen through security and choose an isle Seat. I 'will' protect myself and those that I love.

(lightbulb goes off) I now know why I must have one of those Tactical pens! :roof:

Mayo

[greenLED]

You could also use a "Sharkie" (http://www.ofagear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=60&zenid=01c42ad37251b4e715a80ce52d6ef476) :cool:

[RacerX]

I've said it before, in my opinion-we were suckerpunched on 9/11. Even if the hijackers had samaurai swords now, the passengers would fight them to the death.

God forbid it happens, but if it ever does whilst I'm on board, it's gonna take more than a boxcutter to shut me down...